Thank you, Cannon

Haley Blanchette
Editor-in-Chief

As my High School career comes to a close, so does my second year as Editor-in-Chief of this student newspaper. As a direct result of my experiences involved in the publication of the Cannon, I have developed a set of invaluable skills that I know will benefit me in my college life and beyond. I’d like to occupy this small space—in the 12th print edition produced while I’ve been a member of the staff—to thank those who have made the last few years especially memorable.

Mr. Pedzich (also know as K-Ped): even though you unfortunately had to leave your position as co-advisor behind, your two years advising and teaching me have served to build a foundation for my career as a layout artist, and hopefully an Editor-in-Chief one day. With your help, I managed to solve critical problems and was able to survive an exhausting Junior year that fatefully guided me to a college and career. I appreciate everything you have done for me.

And to all of the editors and contributors on The Cannon staff, you have been a delight. While the problem of making you stick to deadlines remains unsolved, you have worked consistently hard to transform the paper into a respectable publication. I am thankful for your participation and enthusiasm. That means you, Bill Cotter. I am ever appreciative of your inappropriate jokes and thoughtful additions to the story lists. And Zach Dallmeyer-Drennen, you may have been a pain in the you-know-what, but you’ve been a great co-editor; always challenging me, yet improving The Cannon at an astonishing rate with the online version that you have perfected (of course with my help.) And to the future editors: my fellow Senior editors and I have worked hard, so try not to screw up too much next year!

These past years have been great, but I have the nagging feeling that I’m forgetting something… Oh, that’s right! Mr. Feldman. You know I’m just saving the best for last. I could never forget the most effective, inspiring, and influential person in my High School career. Over the last three years, you have taught me more than anyone else in my life—taught me about management, US history, and, well, life. While I struggled as Art Editor in my sophomore year, you encouraged me to step up and lead—something I did with your help. Applying for Editor-in-Chief was one of the best decisions I have ever made, and it has become the way I define myself. With the paper, I have a passion, an identity, and a future. As I sat in your US History class last year, you never ceased to make me smile with your quirky jokes and insightful vision of history. You made me question what I had previously learned about the past and you made history interesting and exciting. Thanks to you, I did really well on the AP; and even though I’ve forgotten most of the itty-bitty details, I will never forget the feeling I had in that class. I will also never forget how you helped me through an emotionally draining experience in my Junior year. You know what I’m talking about, and I am forever appreciative. Thank you for all of your help. Thank you for all of your advice. Thank you for being you.

And to all of you juniors out there, don’t forget to vote for Mr. Feldman for teacher of the year!