Each year, graduating editors are given 30 final column inches — “30” was historically used to signify the end of a story — to reflect on their time at The Hatchet, published in the final issues of the year.
Atlantic 10 basketball is, well, unflashy.
Jumbotrons falling onto courts. Confetti falling mid-tournament games. Our best teams’ fans are always begging to leave and go to other conferences. But while it might not be the NBA or the SEC, it always felt important to me.
I quickly got used to trying to explain to family or friends that GW basketball might actually be good or even the fact that we have a Division I team, and learned to embrace the quirks of a conference that’s built for sickos.
After a year as a reporter and three years editing the sports page, I never really got tired of sitting in the Smith Center watching games. Interviews, even with people I’ve talked to dozens of times, always got me excited. And after over a 100 bylines covering every GW sports and then some, every word still matters to me.
And after stepping into management of this paper this year as managing director, I saw this same feeling in every writer, photographer and editor.
I think other people on this paper would agree that not every student is itching to hear the play-by-play from the weekly student government meeting. Or the advisory neighborhood council. Or the recent updates on the MFA. But, they’re important, and seeing how reporters and editors become experts and deploy their passion to relay necessary information to our community — across all beats — is inspiring, and it’s because we care so deeply about what we do.
Watching people spend countless hours preparing for interviews, working on articles and workshopping pitches just for the love of the game was really cool to see and led week-in and week-out to a paper we were all proud of. With a weekly front-seat view of the production of our paper, I’ve relished watching the talented staff of this paper come together to do what they do best and see the passion we all share translate onto the page.
To those who make it happen:
Grant: You hit the ground running this year and were an incredible co-editor. You were always good for an in-depth, thoughtful story or to take a byline when no one else volunteered. The passion you have for this section and the paper has been clear all year long, and I think the fact that our 30s practically say the same thing is a testament to just how on the same page we’ve been. I couldn’t be prouder of where we’re leaving the section and had a great time working with you.
Sandra: Your confidence and drive are second to none. Your poise helping to lead the sports section through hard times was unbelievable, and the way you turned around the business section in a few months is something you should be seriously proud of. I could not have asked for a better co-editor to help lead the sports section for two years, and I know wherever you end up next will be lucky to have you.
Syd: You were really the missing piece for the sports section, not just for your sharp editorial voice and punchy columns, but your leadership and enthusiasm have been so important to us too. Sandra and I knew right when we met you that you would be a valued member of the team, and we could not have been more right. I’m looking forward to seeing the creative headlines you run with next year and whatever new indie music superstar we both jump on the bandwagon for.
Ryan: Watching game blogs and breaking news articles come in all season clean and ready to publish made my job so much easier. Your one-liners always make me laugh, and sitting at the Hatchet table at so many games with you never got old. I’m keeping Tweet notifications on next year — I better see some great posts from @hatchetsports.
Milo: After three years editing the sports section, it’s tough to hand the reins to a new editor — but I know I’m leaving it in good hands. Immediately when you joined the section, you came in with energy, drive and a surprisingly deep existing knowledge of GW sports. Tap into your creative instincts and rely on your team to push the section to new and interesting places.
Sophia: You always brought energy to section meetings, and I know this is something reporters will gravitate towards. Your willingness to learn and ask questions during your onboarding process makes me confident that you’ll do a great job.
Hannah: Your eagerness to learn about the section and meet us where we are made it so easy to work with you as a sports editor — I think we found a nice groove. Now as MD, it’s astounding seeing how much work you put into this place in all facets and all the craziness you’ve had to deal with in so many different ways. Through it all, I was always impressed with your work ethic and your writing skills and enjoyed working with you to craft a perfect headline.
Fiona Riley: You should be so proud of yourself for how you led this paper this year. The care and dedication you’ve shown has been clear every single day, and it shone through in every corner. I know it hasn’t all been easy, and I see how tough some moments are, but your guidance held everything together, and I truly believe that, through and through, you’re leaving it in a great place.
Jenna: After seeing you find your groove as SNE — as a writer and leader — I was not surprised to see you run for EIC. Your passion and ability were expected, but seeing your humor and personality shine through makes me confident you have what it takes to helm this paper. Take big risks, trust your instincts and your co-editors and let the creativity shine through on the page. I know you’re going to do a great job.
Arwen: It’s crazy how big of an impact you’ve made on this paper in such a short time. Not only are you an incredibly talented photographer and photo editor, but you so quickly became an important part of our sports team and helped to drive some of our best moments. Watching you transfer these skills to all parts of the paper has made The Hatchet so much better, and I appreciate you showing me the photo ropes.
Lexi: Thank you for bearing with me for the photos for this. Putting together the guide this year was an incredible experience, and I still can’t believe just how good all the portraits looked together on the page. You did your job so well this year, and I’m excited to see what’s in store for next year.
Diana: I really enjoyed seeing you find your footing in this paper and your voice as a writer over the past few years. Your empathy for those you cover and your passion for The Hatchet have made you an invaluable member of staff, and I could not be more excited to see where you take the section next. If you need another wellness plan, you know who to call.
Carly: You brought such a funny, smart (and alt) presence to the paper. We’ve had so many great laughs, and you’ve written some of my favorite stories out of anyone. Thanks to you, I know how to destress. Even though I’m leaving this paper, know that the Howler will remain strong, especially now that we’ve upgraded to magazine form.
Ianne: Your ability to juggle so many responsibilities but give everyone the attention they needed was really admirable. I was worried that an all-news management team would neglect sports, but you did the complete opposite. You helped me grow so much as an editor, and I greatly appreciate all the time you put in each week for the sports page.
Faith and Grace: It was under your leadership that I think the sports section took the next step. You let me hire two new staff members and always had us reaching for the bigger story, pushing me to dig deeper and think differently.
Nick, Zach, Jaden: It was really only until recently that I realized how much you guys were doing to help out the sports section. I started out as an editor with so few bylines and very little Hatchet institutional knowledge, and you guys facilitated my growth and allowed me to take the time to step up. Here’s a long overdue thank you for all the leeway you gave me.
Josh H: You really, really stepped up and took so many sports bylines last year. You were such a great addition to the section and to staff overall and always brought a great attitude.
Renee: You helped generate some of the best sports content we’d ever done, and I was always impressed with just how hard you worked. You quickly became one of the most valued people on this paper, and it also helps that you wrote the best emails. Can’t wait to hear what’s next for you.
Marcel: Another key fixture of the social-sports partnership. You were always willing to try something new or travel across town for any idea, and I know that multi-media will be a powerhouse (once again) next semester.
Max Gaffin: To be honest, I think The Hatchet has the best Instagram of any college paper in the country. You should be so proud of just how consistently good your content is and also for being one of the funniest people on this paper.
Andi: Reading through other 30s for inspiration writing this, almost everyone highlights your kindness and empathy — for good reason. You always greet everyone inside and out of the townhouse with a smile, and this energy is a key reason to why you’re such a great editor. The opinions section has been so important in driving campus discourse, and I can’t wait to follow along next year.
Rory: Thank you for showing me the ropes for MD and for co-bylining one of my favorite stories I’ve been a part of.
Fiona B: Of all the duties I’ve had for this paper, finding people to deliver was definitely my least favorite, so thank you for getting through it with me. You did so much great work this semester with the alumni, and The Hatchet was lucky to have you these past four years.
Sachini: Your leadership as a basement stalwart so clearly made an impression on all the fact-checkers and copy editors who you have worked with, and I can’t wait to see how you help shape The Hatchet once you step into management. Even though you have a poor taste in doppelgangers, we’ve been able to bond a lot over A24 movies and alternative music. If a curious amount of articles about Geese start popping up, I’ll have some ideas who’s behind it.
Mollie: The first few weeks of January, it was hard to step into your shoes and make Sunday night prodos feel fun (and pick a movie to watch). Your humor, excitement and energy even on very late nights has made you an invaluable member of this paper. Even though you’re a continent away, people still laugh at your old jokes and FaceTime you in during dull moments. I have no doubt you’ll be an excellent MD next year.
Molly and Tyler: You two are the perfect pair to be MEs, and I look forward to seeing how each of your voices will shine through as leaders and editors. (Just don’t rely on Aubrey as a source, Molly!)
Ethan Tsai: Watching you start out as a shy freshman in the sports section and develop into a veteran and a leader on the staff of this paper has been so cool to see. Not only do you have one of the most important jobs, but you’re a voice people rely on.
Vol 122 Copy and Facts: There are so many incredible memories and laughs we’ve had at Sunday prodo, and I’ve had such a good time getting to know all of you. Thank you for not complaining when the movies I put on aren’t always crowd pleasers.
Anusha: Speaking of movies, we really bonded over our eerily similar taste — especially our affinity for David Fincher films. I’ve always been impressed by how you’re able to do your work without getting distracted by The Social Network (or the Chipmunks).
Abby: Despite whatever chaos is going on upstairs on a Sunday night, you handle switchups effortlessly and always put together a clean-looking paper with such a calm attitude.
Livi: I know design remains in great hands with you on board the next volume, and the new editors are lucky to have a great teacher to learn from.
Max Porter: The face of The Hatchet. It’s been really nice to get to know you more this semester, and I’ve always loved being a guest on the podcast.
Lizzie: Your insightfulness has made you such a great reporter and respected presence around the townhouse. I know it won’t be long before I see you broadcasting the nightly news.
Reporters: Turning what could be ten minute meetings (or emails, to be honest) into nearly hour-long chats has been one of my favorite parts of being an editor. Thank you all for taking bylines in a time crunch, being patient when edits come in and taking the time to learn.
Luke: Your legacy of kindness and enthusiasm is still deeply felt — not only by Sandra and me — but by everyone who steps into the townhouse.
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