With less than four weeks left in the semester, it may be ‘goodbye work’ and ‘hello summer’ for some students, but for members of the 34th editorial board of The Mirror, they will just begin to put their mark on the student-run publication.
In one week, the team of experienced underclassmen will assume the role of publishing the weekly newspaper, under the guidance of Editor in Chief Alexandra Gross ’09, the former assistant managing editor and online news copy editor.
Gross will be joined in upper management by Managing Editor Tom Cleary ’10 – former sports editor – and Assistant Managing Editor Lily Norton ’10 – former assistant entertainment editor.
“The new staff is one of the best I’ve seen since coming to Fairfield. It’s a mix of personalities and class years that work together well and always produce a paper to be proud of,” said Stephanie Lauto ’08, the outgoing editor in chief.
“Not only are they talented writers and editors, they are also dependable – the type of people who have problem-solving under their belts,” she said.
Gross said she is honored to hold her new position, as she has learned many skills from not only this year’s staff, but those since her freshman year.
“I will assume my role with having learned a great deal during my past three years on staff,” said Gross. “Steph, Jess [Mitchell ’08] and Christina [Stoddard ’08] have taught me so much and have made me feel more comfortable with assuming new responsibilities.”
The levels of experience and commitment are two factors that Gross said adds to her level of confidence and trust in the newly appointed staff.
“I have the good fortune to work with enthusiastic, talented and competent individuals,” said Gross. “Most, if not all, have been here almost two full years and want to be a part of the process, even after the many late nights.”
Rising juniors will fill the majority of editorial positions, including News Editor Chris Simmons ’10, Associate News Editor Keri Harrison ’10, Sports Editor Keith Connors ’10, Commentary Editor Veronica Florentino ’10 and Campus Life Editor Meghan Schelzi ’10.
JP Porretta ’09 will return and assume his position as entertainment editor, with the assistance of Andoni Flores ’11.
In addition to Flores, others will serve as assistant editors including Joe Carretta ’10 in news, Michelle Morrison ’10 in sports, Melissa Mann ’10 in commentary and Traci Dantoni ’10 in campus life.
The photo department will be under the returning, skillful guidance of photographers Jon Ollwerther ’10 and Peter Caty ’11.
Spearheading online efforts will be Christopher Haliskoe ’10 as online managing editor, Anna Papachristos ’09 as online content editor, Mann as online commentary and blog editor, as well as Morrison, the online copy editor.
On the business side, Haliskoe will also serve as operations manager, Micaela Morris ’11 and Christina Tobia ’11 as associate managers, and Chris Tsombanos ’09 will return from a semester abroad as managing director.
Although the new appointees will bring their own perspective to the paper, it still has some large shoes to fill with the loss of 12 seniors to the upcoming graduation.
In addition to Lauto, Stoddard and Mitchell, other seniors leaving their posts will be News Editor Ali Bart, Associate News Editor Kate McGann, Campus Life Editor Lesley Almeida, Online Managing Editor Bill Klump, Online News Editor Maura Rousseau, Photo Editors Katie McCarthy, Lorraine Lampe and Elyse Raby, and Business Manager Rob Fitzgerald.
“The seniors established a precedence of leadership and ability that is invaluable to all of us as we look to the future of The Mirror,” said Gross. “But I have the utmost confidence in those whom I have hand-chosen to continue to improve our publication.”
Lauto agrees that she leaves The Mirror in good hands.
“Alex, Tom, and Lily are and will continue to be exemplary leaders. They are respected by the staff because of their dedication to The Mirror and willingness to learn,” she said. “I’m confident it will be a successful year.”
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