By Alexander Rodriguez, Editor-In-Chief
The student newspaper The Saint has weathered significant challenges this semester, emerging as a revitalized and effective publication poised for future success.
The semester began with obstacles, including a delayed start of four weeks following the departure of the previous Editor-in-Chief and the loss of most of the team. Rebuilding from nearly nothing was a difficult task, but a dedicated team of individuals met the challenge.
Taking on the role of Editor-in-Chief, assembling a team eager to write was no small task. With only one returning staff member from the previous semester, rebuilding the team became critical to the newspaper’s revival.
At the heart of this effort was Anna Benstead, who transitioned from her role as a former Culture Editor in Fall 2023 to Assistant Editor-in-Chief. Benstead’s tireless energy, creativity, and organizational skills have been vital to this growth. She planned engaging meetings, edited articles, and introduced innovative ideas to elevate The Saint. Her reliability and proactive approach have inspired the team and been instrumental in getting the newspaper back on track.
Leadership has been a cornerstone of The Saint’s success this semester, and Benstead’s example has motivated both myself as Editor-in-Chief and the entire staff. Her commitment set a standard for others to follow, and the results are evident across all sections of the publication.
Grace Malec, originally a photographer, transitioned to the role of Sports Editor and excelled. Balancing photography with writing, Malec covered competitive fall sports, consistently delivering high-quality work. Her ability to secure interviews, take photos, and write compelling articles has made the sports section a standout. Despite the demanding pace, she never faltered, proving herself indispensable to the publication.
Arts Editor Joel Grimsley has also been critical to The Saint’s success. Covering campus art events, often the most challenging beat, Grimsley consistently went above expectations. He frequently exceeded his required article count, ensuring comprehensive coverage of campus events. His enthusiasm, positivity, and genuine connection to his subjects shine through in his writing, which captures the essence of each event with fairness and depth. Grimsley’s contributions extend beyond his articles, bringing humor and energy to team meetings and fostering a collaborative spirit.
The addition of News Editor Jordan Beaubois mid-semester brought fresh perspective and dedication. Despite initially being unfamiliar with journalistic style, Beaubois quickly adapted and tackled controversial stories with professionalism and balance. He covered current events, sought out diverse viewpoints, and ensured thorough and timely reporting. His creativity and determination also revived the Senate minutes coverage, further enhancing The Saint’s news offerings.
Beyond the editors, a committed group of reporters has been essential to The Saint’s success. Contributors like Zoebelle Bean, Gionna Bean, Yashowanto Ghosh, Ashlyn Armock, Abby Kozal, Aiden Butler, and John Dounda have brought energy, humor, and creativity to the team. Their work has filled sections with engaging content, capturing campus life and ensuring all major events are covered. Weekly meetings with this group have become a highlight in our weeks, fostering community and a shared sense of purpose.
The team also welcomed Ella Althaver as Social Media Manager. In her short time with The Saint, Althaver has transformed its digital presence with professional Instagram posts and regular uploads, significantly boosting engagement. Her enthusiasm for the role has energized the team as they look forward to the next semester.
What began as an uncertain semester for The Saint has transformed into a story of resilience, teamwork, and growth. Weekly meetings became a space for collaboration and banter, while the team’s consistent efforts have turned the publication into a reliable source of news and insight for the school community. Every member of the team has contributed countless hours, driven by a genuine commitment to journalism and the campus they serve.
The Saint 