Anna White
The first semester of my freshman year I found myself in English 102 sitting next to former Editor-in-Chief (EIC) Maria Davis. After bonding over our shared love of writing, Maria told me she was completing CSER through the Champion and encouraged me to join. To our surprise, four years later, Maria handed over the role of EIC to me. These past few years have changed my life in ways I never would have expected. From being a news and sports CSER, to falling in love with the world of sports and getting trained as an editor by the dream team of Annie Corey and Aaron Palsgrove, to this final semester as EIC, I have cherished every moment. I owe a major debt of gratitude to the Champion and to everyone who believed in me even when I did not think I was capable. Glory be to God, Colossians 2:6-7.
Samantha Clardy
I have worn a lot of different hats in my short time at the Champion. I have done just about everything from being a CSER, to an intern, to the off-campus news editor and even hosting our podcast, “Champion Chats.” I started as a sportswriter under Anna and Isabella, and I thought I would only do a semester, but it has turned into the sweetest year and a half of which I am proud. But I am prouder of the ways the Lord has used me in this time, grown me in so many ways and helped me find my passion for storytelling. I have loved every single moment — even the hard ones. Thank you to everyone who has made my time so sweet. Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
Katie Hagen
If I’ve learned anything about journalism, it’s that all reporting lives and dies by a due date. There’s always a race to the finish line, a ticking clock that runs out all too quickly. Sure, maybe some caffeine can do the trick for that final push to 11:59 p.m., but as graduation loomed this semester, I realized that I mistakenly adopted this mindset for this season, too. The one thing I refuse to carry with me is the falsehood that achievement is measured by expediency. If Jesus was in no hurry, then I don’t need to be either. I have no idea what the next chapter is going to look like directly after graduation. And let me tell you, that’sone deadline I’m more than happy to miss! To my fellow staff: Working with you has been a profound blessing. To Dr. Young: I’m forever grateful for how well you’ve loved us. To Liberty University: Thank you.
Jeffrey Davis
As my final semester at Liberty comes to a close, I realize how much I am about to leave behind. From starting as a CSER writer in fall 2024 to volunteering as a copy editor two years later and then joining the Champion staff as the copy editor for news and opinion the following semester, my experience at the Champion has been a tremendous learning experience. More importantly, the Champion has become like family at Liberty. I was fortunate to get to spend more time in the office last fall as I learned from one of the best copy editors there is, Rylee Garman. This semester, I got to create many cherished memories with the rest of the staff — especially editors Skylar Senes, Lily Riden and Samantha Clardy. Thank you to everyone at the Champion for the memories and thank you Dr. Young for having me there. I’m extremely grateful for the experience.
Mara Canning
I started at the Champion as an intern last year and ended up staying on as the web manager this semester. I could not be more grateful for the ways this job has allowed me to grow, not only as a professional but as a person. The biggest thing I learned this year is to focus on what’s right in front of me instead of jumping ahead to the next thing. This job has been so important in teaching me to focus on the task at hand, curbing my tendency to live in the future instead of the moment I’ve been given. I am uncertain what my next steps look like after graduation, but I do know one thing: My time at the Champion is just one of the experiences that God has used to prepare me for whatever lies ahead.
Zack Solem
When I first walked into the Champion office as a freshman, I had no idea how much this place would come to mean to me. Before I knew it, I was editing the feature section, followed by the incredible opportunity to lead the lifestyle section. Serving as social media manager during my senior year, my gratitude for this newsroom only grew stronger. From interviewing school leaders to capturing content at sporting events and even hosting a podcast, every part of this experience has shaped me. Thank you, Dr. Young, for pushing me to give 110% and for leading with patience and genuine care. To Maria Davis, thank you for your friendship and for the standard of excellence you set. To every friend I’ve made along the way, it was a joy to work alongside you. Keep shining bright. The Liberty Champion helped me discover the kind of Champion for Christ I’m called to be. I’ll carry this newsroom with me always. Praise Jesus! Romans 8.
Megan Halterman
My time at the Liberty Champion has been short but sweet. This experience has allowed me to grow as a designer and learn how to approach design from a team setting. Working as the feature graphic designer, I have learned so much from both feature editors. There was a lot of reworking headlines or adjusting layouts to fit the pages, but the people around me were always insightful and supportive. That support allowed me to strengthen my design skills and to grow more confident in my work. I have truly cherished the opportunity to grow alongside my fellow staff, and I am grateful to have had the chance to meet such kind-hearted people. Thank you to all my fellow staff for your support and thank you to Dr. Young for blessing me with this opportunity. I will always look back on this time with fondness!
Isabella Schlösser
For the two years that I have been in the sports section at the Liberty Champion, I have been able to grow so much. I have been blessed with opportunities that I never thought I could have. Starting as a CSER writer and moving up to assistant sports editor to now being the head editor is not something that I was expecting to happen when I first started. Every football, hockey and basketball game I reported on is something I will remember forever. I have had some of the most amazing memories in the Champion office with some of the best people, and it is going to be so hard to figure out how I am going to say goodbye.
Joshua Garner
Being at the Champion this past semester as the designer and illustrator for the sports and opinion sections has been one of the greatest opportunities that I have had the privilege to be a part of. There were moments of uncertainty, moments that I doubted myself and my abilities. However, those were the moments I grew the most. I learned so much here and met some of the coolest people that I now have the privilege of calling my friends. Working at the paper has been significantly more than just an internship. I have made connections that will last a lifetime. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” God has led me where I am, and he will continue to direct my path. He led me here for a reason —that reason being that I didn’tjust gain an internship, but I gained a family.
Sashira Camacho
When I first interviewed for a graphic design position, I was honestly not sure I would get the job. But to my surprise, Dr. Young believed in me, and I couldn’t be more grateful for her support. The opportunity to design at the Liberty Champion has been a blessing in so many ways. I have gained so much more confidence in myself and how I handle myself in professional settings. I have also seen how fun being part of a team can be. Seeing all the different components that make a newspaper come to fruition each week has opened my eyes to the beauty of everyone’s gifts and talents. I would like to thank my news team, Samantha Clardy and Lily Riden for all the fun times brainstorming ideas. I also would like to thank our wonderful GSA Jenna Bradfield for being the best support system and believing in me from day one.
Victoria Angelov
If you’re wondering what it’s like to be a senior, think of that scene from “Night at the Museum,” “It’s time for your next adventure.” As uncertain as the next few months might be, I know it will definitely beexciting! I’ve grown and learned so much these last few years that altogether, working for the Champion has really helped me understand where I’d like to take my career. I’d have to say it was one of my favorite experiences, because not only was it a good real-world experience, but I got to work with great, creative and very smart people, and it’s helped grow my character and work ethic. I appreciate the team I got to work with and look forward to seeing the amazing work the incoming team will do! It’s been an honor to experience this and learn so much from the amazing teamwork that happens on every production weekend.
Lily Riden
After a year serving as campus news editor, it’s hard to put into words what the Liberty Champion has meant to me. This newsroom sharpened my instincts, strengthened my voice and reminded me why truthful, thoughtful storytelling matters. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside talented, driven journalists who care deeply about this campus and its people. Covering Liberty’s news has been both a responsibility and a joy. From long production nights to last-minute edits, every moment helped shape me into a more confident reporter and leader. As I graduate, I leave grateful for this experience and the lessons I’ll carry into my career. The Champion will always hold a special place in my heart.