When I heard that the decision was made to take The Lamp totally digital, I can say that I was a little disappointed. I personally like having an actual newspaper in my hands. Something that I can put into a keepsake box or folder and pull them out to show generations to come. Of course, we all have to move on.

When I first joined the Lamp, I was a little apprehensive. I had never been comfortable being a people person. So, one on one for interviews would be a challenge. And on the first day of class, we had an hour to interview several people. Although it was a little difficult at first. I finally got the hang of it. I believe that it helped me to be more amiable when interviewing and speaking with people.

I have always liked to write stories and take photos. So, clearly the Lamp was a natural fit. And it helped that the teacher/professor Tim McKenzie allowed us to write about what was most important to us. Of course, there would also, be those stories that were more related to Lincoln Land or things that are going on around the Springfield area. Free food days, blood drives, multicultural celebrations, free haircut days and more.

During my time with the Lamp, I was very impressed, with the number of stories, ideas and cooperation from everyone. We all worked together and had discussions to get those great stories that made the Lamp even better. Adding several awards through the years. Most recent John H. Ryan-Best in Show in 2020, 19 awards in 2021 and 14 awards in 2022. So, congratulations to all of you.

An exciting time for me while I was with the Lamp was a photo that I had taken was used on the front page which I actually received an award for first place. It was a photo from a free haircut day. In the photo a young man was cutting the hair of his cousin. My photo was put on the front page where I received a first-place. I remember being so excited and shocked. That I would have actually won first-place. Although I wasn’t happy for just myself, if it hadn’t been for the editors, we had at the time. My photo wouldn’t have even made it to the front page at all. So, they all deserve a thanks.

Then I was honored when I was asked to write a story about a couple who left a little money to the Ag department after their passing. Farming couple the Kreher’s had left $18 million to the Ag department, which will help transform and support the program for many years to come.

When I think about my time with the Lamp, I would have to say that the few years at the Lamp are memories that will be with me forever. I was able to make several great friends. While meeting people that I wouldn’t have never met otherwise. We had a lot of fun. From late night’s finishing up the paper for print eating pizza. To talking and laughing over photos and cookies. The Lamp is like that family member you don’t see all the time. But you miss them anyway. That’s what The Lamp feels like…Family.

There’s so much that we did while at The Lamp. From Free food days, multi-cultural day to Halloween costume giveaways, and so much more. So, after just fifty years the Lamp paper newspaper will come to an end. And a new digital newspaper will take its place. I wish the Arts and Communication department all the best with the up-and-coming digital paper.

I would also, like to wish Professor McKenzie the best of luck in his new role. You deserve it. Mr. McKenzie was always a professional and never had a bad word to say when it came to what types of stories we wanted to put into the paper. It’s because of him that I gained enough confidence to finally finish a book that I am getting ready to send it to a publisher very soon.

If someone were to ask me what I thought the Lamp meant to me. I would tell them that it meant a time in my life where I felt younger than my 40 some years. I was able to learn a lot from everyone I worked with. I was able to listen and learn how the younger generation thinks about issues of all types. But my time with The Lamp will always be special to me. Being able to do what I love. Knowing that in the fifty-four years of The Lamp, I can say that I was part of that great unforgettable era, and it was a great one! Can’t wait to see what the digital paper will do in the future. Their future looks bright.

rtment after their passing. Farming couple the Kreher’s had left $18 million to the Ag department, which will help transform and support the program for many years to come.

When I think about my time with the Lamp, I would have to say that the few years at the Lamp are memories that will be with me forever. I was able to make several great friends. While meeting people that I wouldn’t have never met otherwise. We had a lot of fun. From late night’s finishing up the paper for print eating pizza. To talking and laughing over photos and cookies. The Lamp is like that family member you don’t see all the time. But you miss them anyway. That’s what The Lamp feels like…Family.

There’s so much that we did while at The Lamp. From Free food days, multi-cultural day to Halloween costume giveaways, and so much more. So, after just fifty years the Lamp paper newspaper will come to an end. And a new digital newspaper will take its place. I wish the Arts and Communication department all the best with the up-and-coming digital paper.

I would also, like to wish Professor McKenzie the best of luck in his new role. You deserve it. Mr. McKenzie was always a professional and never had a bad word to say when it came to what types of stories we wanted to put into the paper. It’s because of him that I gained enough confidence to finally finish a book that I am getting ready to send it to a publisher very soon.

If someone were to ask me what I thought the Lamp meant to me. I would tell them that it meant a time in my life where I felt younger than my 40 some years. I was able to learn a lot from everyone I worked with. I was able to listen and learn how the younger generation thinks about issues of all types. But my time with The Lamp will always be special to me. Being able to do what I love. Knowing that in the fifty-four years of The Lamp, I can say that I was part of that great unforgettable era, and it was a great one! Can’t wait to see what the digital paper will do in the future. Their future looks bright.