At a white lies party during my semester as culture editor, I wrote on my t-shirt “I’m ducking.” While, yes, I technically wrote a duck, I was set on joining management when I returned from abroad. I never turned my back on my plans — ready to walk back in as soon as I walked out. And thus started my year-long journey as managing editor.

I wouldn’t have traded the constant stress and joy at the same time for anything. The D.O. has been the most special part of my college career. This group of people mean so much to me that I can’t imagine life without them. After a year full of fun at things like Media Cup or closed door management conversations, I’m ready to say goodbye, but it’s not without tears in my eyes.

Kendall: You might be the first person on this list, but you are the last I wrote. I couldn’t bring myself to for weeks. But I guess I have to rip the band-aid off, so here we go. It was hard to put into words how much you mean to me. From the moment I spoke your name in my midsemester review when I was asked who I’d want to be in management with, I’ve been idealizing what a year leading with you would look like. I couldn’t have been managing editor without you, and I’m just honored that you selected me to be by your side. I think this year has been more successful than we could’ve ever imagined — from live blogs, to 20,000 Instagram followers to a fun staff culture. I owe so much of my personal growth to you this year. And beyond our jobs, we’ve become incredible friends. I can’t decide if I will finally unpin our conversation and not text every day, but I guess that can wait. You have led this paper fearlessly and with grace, and you’ve just made me incredibly happy to work with you. Please come visit me back on the west coast sometime soon. I love you, Kenditor (aka Kenny).

Griffin: There is no one else I’d rather be yelled at by Sam, Brianna and Fei to stop talking about work. The second I tried to convince you in Strasbourg to come back, I knew we had an excellent year ahead of us. I don’t think we ever stopped talking about The D.O. from that moment on, because that’s what happens when you put two passionate people together. Our D.O. satellite office in your Strasbourg apartment and that sunset will always be famous. There was no one else I would’ve wanted to do it with, and I’m grateful to be your friend. You have a passion for journalism unlike anyone else I know and have inspired me on countless occasions. I hope that we continue to stay in touch and talk about our careers and also every other thing we’ve ever discussed. Maybe Arsenal or Dune 2. Love you, GUB.

Ilana: I never expected the girl who did wonderful culture pages to become one of my best friends. You are wise beyond your years and an incredible friend. I miss the times we’d sit at 5 a.m. outside my house after a print night, talking so much that a DPS officer had to ask if we were OK. I can’t believe you have two years on campus that I won’t be able to share with you. Please pressure us into coming to your last Palooza. Seeing you at both D.O. events and Theta events may just be a highlight of my year. Kendall and I got so lucky that you were our PD. Your skills and passion for everything you do has shone through in every single print edition. This message won’t be enough to articulate how much you mean to me, but I can’t wait to see what you do next. The D.O. is so sad to see you go, but I’m glad we get to duck together. Maybe design a guide next year. The paper would be honored. I love you, my darling friend.

Jimmy: James, wow. What a ride. I’m so lucky that I still got to see your four days a week. I remember your first interview with me and your passion was evident, and I was happy to see that grow in the opinion section. The night you brought in the cat randomly… and then soon after brought in your monitor. Then you faded that so you could edit on your phone. You always brought a smile to my face and were around to talk if I needed it. You’re one of the most thoughtful people I’ve ever met, and I can’t wait to see the lasting impact you have on The D.O. board as a member. Enjoy another year in Syracuse, but hit me up when you’re in the bay. I love you bro.

Delia: We might be the same person. You’re going to make an amazing editor-in-chief. I remember just being in awe of your work ethic and grace you took with several investigative stories. You impressed me every week. Now — the whole paper is yours. I know that probably sounds daunting, and I can picture your face as you read that. But I can’t wait to see what you do with it. I can’t wait to see you flex your creative side at The D.O., too. You’re such a fun person to work with and be around, and I cherish last semester dearly. I probably shouldn’t have told you to apply and asked you if you were at that one Halloween party. But I’m so glad you did. The newsroom has missed you, but I can promise that your fidgets live on — especially in the hands of Griffin. Enjoy your year, and maybe I’ll see you for that Bay area meet up sometime soon. Remember that Every Second Counts.

Noah: I didn’t expect all the layers I’d discover when I first met you. Who knew this sports editor could also love Survivor and Stranger Things as much as he did? And also @ing me in TikTok comments whenever I reposted a video? But it was those things that helped Kendall and I ease into working with sports. You made sure we were set at all times. Your duality with sports and random pop culture moments will power you to be a fantastic managing editor. I’m so excited to see what you do, but I already know it’ll be great. I’m so lucky to pass the torch to you — remember, I’m just a text away.

Quinn: I never expected The Daily Orange to have a Tottenham Hotspur fan as its DME. Our major differences aside, seeing your passion for digital is contagious. I can’t wait to see what you do as DME. Your Instagram graphics you pitched on your very first days as DME are insane. You’ve got this, and maybe some Spurs wins in the championship will bring you some joy.

Mia: My savior in the summer of 2024 and fall 2025. Mia, wow. You were an incredible addition to the culture section. It shocked me you had not been there earlier either. Thank goodness you applied to be on my staff because I don’t know what the culture section would’ve been without you. You became the heart of a thriving culture section and a role model for so many younger staffers. Working alongside you as culture editor was an honor, and I can’t wait to see what fashion beauty journalism journey you get up to next.

Savannah G: You are one of the smartest people at this paper, and you handled opinion last semester with such grace. You truly care about uplifting voices, and the opinion section is better off because of it. I think we’ll be seeing your impact for semesters to come. I’m so glad to see your impact on the board now, too.

Eliana: I can’t lie — it still says “new D.O. writer” on your phone contact. From your first algebra profile, I knew you should be in house. I feel so grateful you felt the same way. You’ve been a great addition to The D.O. and one of the hardest workers I know. You’ve done incredible things with the culture section, and I’ve loved working with you on it. You put so much into making it a comfortable place for all and the way you lead is something I truly admire. It didn’t surprise me that you would pitch development editor and then select a hardworking team. I can’t wait to see what you do with it.

Charlotte: You and Eliana are the highlights of my time as culture editor. Who knew a girl I texted to take on stories would take them and more? You never stopped when I asked you to do something. From what I remember in those early days, you were so committed to doing every story right. It was easy to suggest you when it came time. I’ve loved learning how creative you are and how that has clearly impacted your work. I can’t believe how far you’ve come from that freshman writer I texted. I can’t wait to see what sign guy or lumberjack story you write next.

Nicholas: I’m crying tears of pineapple chunks because you are one of the most respectful and kind staffers The Daily Orange has ever seen. Your presence has been felt in house this semester. I’m sad that our time truly knowing each other was limited to one semester. I loved watching you show off your ball knowledge at Wolff’s (while I nearly turned you into an Arsenal fan). And I’ve admired learning how much you read and care about the craft. It shines through in everything you write… and I could even tell in some other sports final reads. But that care of language is something rare, and I can’t wait to read your senior staff writer stories. Thank you for bringing more light to this house.

Ave: In your duck that won’t be published, you said I was inspiring for other women in journalism. The truth is, you were the one who inspired me. You set standards and boundaries and supported the women on your staff. I appreciate how outspoken you are. Your impact has shifted the culture at the house. Beyond that, I scored being your secret santa. Who else could I get an Otto Tunes cameo for? Seeing the joy it brought you truly made my holiday season. And you bring that joy everywhere you go. Thank you for inspiring me and showing everyone that The D.O. is fun. Because you and I both know it is.

Hannah Mesa: Thank you for giving me nothing to worry about. If an illo wasn’t in, I knew I’d get a response from you immediately. You are so awesome and talented. Keep illustrating for us, though.

Brenne: Fair warning: I’m going to glaze you for the rest of this message. Brenne, you impressed me every day this year. You were willing to do everything and more. The news section has completely flourished this semester, and it’s because of you. You added onto that foundation that Delia set. And I can’t wait to see where it goes next. You are a beast, and you’ve earned yourself quite a good flip night. Maybe without a Kathy Hochul impression…

Viv, Chloe and Arabella: I’ve loved watching all three of you become great friends this year. The energy you’ve all brought to the newsroom was incredible. Arabella, I can’t wait to see what you do as a head ed; I know you’re going to welcome new writers with open arms.

Priya and Owen: It’s no lie that this year was an insane news year, which meant it was an insane news digital year. You guys handled everything so well. Thank you!

Laura and Remi: The D.O. was so lucky for both of you this year even if your time was short. Laura, you’re an incredible reporter, and I can’t wait to see what you do with your career. Remi, you know how impressed I am by your writing, and I’m just lucky I got to read it. Thank you both.

Leo: We have missed you so much since you’ve left, Leo. I’m so excited for all the things you’re doing because they’re exactly what you expressed to me wanting to do. I’ll be back on the west coast now, so please hit me up!

Jordan: The Bay Area meetup is finally going to happen. I’m so excited to see what you do this summer and as sports editor. That phone call was one of the hardest things I had to do as managing editor, but you took everything I said and came back better. I was so proud of every Uche story you turned out and the relationships you continued to build with staff writers. You are so thoughtful about the sports room and genuinely want it to be a place for everyone. That’s going to take the sports room far; your leadership is the kind The D.O. needs. And when you’re in the Bay, I’ll be there to hear more about it.

Harris: I’m sorry for always asking you for more lore. It’s become a long list, but those were some of the most entertaining times I’ve had in the sports room. I was initially worried about making relationships with the sports room, but I always feel welcome now. I’ve also loved getting to read your stuff this year. You’ve grown as a writer and editor, and I felt so proud to watch you be the only sophomore winning an award alongside juniors. I hope you keep it going at The D.O. cause you’re pheeling it. But I hope you have better mac pitches. Jazz hands.

Mauricio: I could never necessarily get on the Drake or New Hampshire train, but you nearly convinced me everytime. Your insane smarts and wits instantly translate to anything you write. I know I’ll never be bored if you’re in the room or I can ask a ridiculous question and maybe get an even more ridiculous (or thoughtful answer). I’m so excited to see what you do as a development editor. Your strengths in writing have the ability to ensure a generation of D.O. writers get so much better. Please send over anything you send in journalism inspiration to me. They’ve always been the best reads.

Glick, Brod, Peter and Fiona: What an incredible group to round out the sports staff. You all showed insane devotion this semester, and I’m so excited for all of your future D.O. (and WAER) journeys.

Ike, Reese, Collin and the rest of the video team: Thank you for all of your work on the Varsity video. Everything has looked incredible this year, and I can’t wait to see where it goes. Remember short form!

Eli, Tara and Zoe: You three are exactly what photo needed — a bright, curious, young group. This year you were swamped with taking assignments, and you achieved just that. Great work. Tara, the section is in good hands.

Savannah Stewart: Even though we never had our coffee date this semester, you are my girl. I was so glad you came in as DEIA manager, and I hope you keep it up. In my heart, we are always culture assistants.

Sophia B: Your silent commitment is the reason we were successful this year. Every time I see our Instagram follower count bump up, it’s because of you. I’m sorry I made such late changes. But your willingness to do it all was admirable. And you did it all until this very moment. I hope you bask in this moment because you’ve deserved it. Your work will be remembered for years to come.

Katie, Zoey, Abby and Lily: Thanks for always making us look good. I don’t think I worried about design once, and it’s because of your work.

Addie: You are one of the most entertaining people ever. I don’t think I’ll ever understand how your brain works, but it’s probably why you’ll make a great PD. Make sure to text me and not Slack me.

Ilyan: C’est incroyable qu’on ait déjà pris un cours ensemble à Sciences Po l’année dernière. C’est encore plus incroyable que tu aies trouvé le D.O. le semestre après. Strasbourg me manque beaucoup, mais j’apprécie tous les moments où on peut discuter de la ville et de la France. Bon retour en France. Je sais que le D.O. va te manquer. Allez les bleus!

Claire: I am jealous that I don’t get to say I recruited you since you did your first semester abroad. What quickly overshadows that is your need to be here. You are the illustration of a culture and digital writer. Your creativity and care with each story impressed me time and time again — whether it was about a Timothée Chalamet lookalike or labubus. On top of all that, you’re just so fun to be around. (I’m still geeked that you posted me on your Instagram.) You’re going to make a great third SME. Let that classic Claire creativity shine through.

Alex: I really wish I hung out with you more in house because, wow, you are so funny. Anytime you’re around, it’s instantly been a good time. I’ve watched you grow so much this semester already and think you will thrive as a dig assistant. Please don’t cry again reading this Tara: My first thought when I met you was that you dress so cool. You were another gem that Ben found during his semester, that I will say I’m slightly jealous of. But you are incredible and have poured so much into this paper. I’m so glad that you’re sticking around for your final semester. Keep those awesome pitches coming.

Cece: You have worked so diligently in culture this semester. As such a new staffer, I’ve been so impressed by your random pitches like March Madness.

Joel: Chills. You are such a positive person, and it impacts every single person in the room. I can’t wait to see the new writer who passionately pitched me a statue story to welcome in new writers, too. You’re going to be a great assistant, just trust.

Lily Zuck: I’m writing this the day you found out you got culture editor. I could barely get through that sentence without tearing up. I’m so excited for you. You’ve been a joy to have in house since I first assigned you the marriage pact story nearly two years ago. I could sense your passion then, and I was even upset that Lucía had whisked you away to become a design editor. But that’s because you simply just wanted to work at The D.O. so bad. And that’s the dedication that’s going to make you an amazing culture editor. I’m going to miss hearing you calling me “queen” or saying “I’m dead.” I’m always here if you need anything.

Grace: You serve a very understated role at this paper, but a necessary one. Opinion is the beauty of journalism and a newspaper, and while it might feel separate from other sections, it is not. You showed such a commitment to those you work with that is just so important. Congratulations on an incredible semester with so many standouts. Please teach me how to do eyeliner before we graduate.

Addy and Will: I knew since the beginning of this semester that you two would be the foundation of opinion for years to come. I can’t wait to see how the section grows under your leadership, Will. I’m sure there will be some Shake Shack orders along the way, and Addy’s knowledge will help. Can’t wait to watch it thrive.

Julia and Sammy: I was floored when Kendall pitched enterprise editors to me. It was easy to say yes to that, but even easier to say yes to both of you. You are incredible journalists, and you’ve created work that will be looked at for years to come, as you’ve also been a role model for the newsroom this year. You’re the model of what a senior staffer should look like, and I hope that imprint continues.

Davis, Eliza and Sam: Davis, I hope you duck for real this time. But I also don’t know what the house will look like without you. I don’t think anyone does. But if I know one thing, Eliza and Sam are more than capable. I hope you can go get a beer.

Fall 2025 staff: I know this is pretty focused on this past semester, but there is only so much I can write. But thank you all for kicking off the year strong. You were an incredible staff, and I’m glad a few of you are coming back ;).

Cooper and Stephanie: You guys gave me the confidence to apply for management, and I’m forever grateful. If it wasn’t for your guidance and friendship when I was culture editor, I don’t think I would have been successful. You both are going to do wonderful things, and I’m lucky to have worked under you.

Lucía and Cole: You guys kept me sane the entirety of my time as culture editor. You uplifted this house like no one else has, and I’ve missed you a lot this year. I hope you guys continue to come back around next year, the house will welcome you back with open arms.

Kelly and Nate: I wouldn’t be at The D.O. without you guys. You showed me how to do culture well and how to lead. Both of those things were necessary for me to be managing editor. Thank you both.

Kyle and Anish: I don’t think I ever told you, but both of you quickly became my role models my first year on staff. I’m glad I won’t be texting you for panic advice anymore and hope that they can turn into texts about where we’re at. Thanks so much for setting the standard.

Family: I love you all so much. I’m sorry that the sporadic phone calls continued this year. But I can’t wait to live under one roof this summer and learn more about the place you’ve started calling home. You’re the reason why I’m here, and I’m so grateful. Sam, we have some movie watching to do.

Theta Fam: You all know how much I love you. I’ve never had a group of people be as supportive as you guys are. I’m sorry I couldn’t be a facier matriarch. But thank you for all of the wonderful senior year memories.

942: I saw all of these people above more than you guys this year. Let’s never do that again. I can’t wait for the silliest last week of being college students ever.

Brianna: Thank you for quickly becoming my best friend. No one else understands me and this job like you do. And your constant support this year kept me going. I hope we can watch Theatre Camp again or you can force me to go out soon. Please visit me all the time. I love you <3. As I’ve written this duck, I’ve realized that I’ve written “I can’t wait” way too many times. But it’s because I can’t wait for what’s next. Closing this chapter is bittersweet. But this paper is in incredible hands, and I’m lucky to have led it with Kendall for a year. Goodbye, for real this time, Daily Orange.

Published on May 1, 2026 at 10:45 pm
Contact Rosina: rosinaboehm@dailyorange.com