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The Observer Says Farewell To the 2008-2009 School Year And Bids Adieu To It's Seniors

By Tim Callahan- News Editor

With every passing year, SNHU must invariably say farewell to its graduating seniors.  Unfortunately for the Observer, eight senior editors are departing: Libby Parent, Mike Capalbo, Ashley Manley, Gina Arnone, Laura Rotolo, Nick Tasso, Caitlin Murphy, and Dan Smith.  Each played an integral part in the Observer, and the personalities and wealth of knowledge that they brought to the newspaper will be sorely missed. 

Libby Parent, the Editor in Chief for the Observer, used her personality and leadership skills to gain the respect and camaraderie of those involved.  Only Libby could retain her credibility as Editor in Chief while wearing sweatpants in preparation to jaunt off to lacrosse.  She effectively managed the Observer as a whole, and her efficiency will be difficult to replace.  Aside from participating in the newspaper, Libby tutors students in math, serves as a Student Ambassador, reminds people of how great Vermont is, and dominates unfortunate souls on the lacrosse field.  Upon graduation, Libby plans to attend Emerson College to get her Master's Degree in Global Marketing Communication and Advertising.

Mike Capalbo is the outspoken Clubs & Organizations Editor who also contributes a significant amount to the Sports section.  Though he took the Clubs & Organizations position, Mike's passion is sports.  It is his hope that someday he will be able to work for the Yankees (which no one should fault him for), the YES Network, or any professional baseball or football team. His sports expertise aside, Mike is also an ardent believer in expressing opinion.  "Never, ever be afraid to speak your mind freely about something or raise an issue, not only as a journalist but as a member of society," Mike asserted.  His conscientious, journalistic voice brought constructive feedback to the Observer, and he contributed mightily to its success.

As News Editor, Ashley Manley’s sunny disposition and personal ability fostered the development of her section.  Ashley is a very sociable person who loves to meet new people or hang out with old friends.  She fulfilled her role as News Editor adroitly and gave her writers (and the Observer in general) positive feedback while providing story ideas for the paper and contributing high-quality pieces of her own.  Volunteerism and benevolence dictate her personality, as she devoted some of her time to the Greater Manchester AIDS Project (GMAP).  Also, Ashley functioned as Vice President of the Field Hockey Club.  After graduation, Ashley plans to find a job in Providence or Boston, and she aspires to become an advertising account executive for a major firm.    

Typically, Gina Arnone operated behind the scenes for the Observer while fulfilling her duties as Advertising Editor.  Without Gina, the Observer really would not be able to function.  She drums up ad opportunities so that the Observer can pull in the revenue it needs to print itself.  Her efficiency and professionalism are miraculous, and the amount that she accomplished for the Observer almost seemed like some sort of magic.  Gina contributed a great deal to the school while she also served as President of Delta Mu Delta, Resident Assistant for the East Side Residence Halls, a Peer Mentor, a student in the Honors Program, and a member of the Crew Club. Fortunately for SNHU, Gina will remain on campus as a Graduate Assistant in the Marketing and Communications division while she pursues her Global MBA.

Laura Rotolo brought a sense of humor and all of the celebrity gossip to the Observer while handling her duties as Opinion Editor.  Her significant celebrity coverage always kept her readers up to date with the latest buzz.  Also, Laura was responsible for the ever popular Voices and Faces section of the newspaper which never failed to entertain.  Along with the Observer, Laura also participated on the lacrosse team and helped students as a PAL.  Her light-hearted attitude broke up some of the mundanity of the Observer meetings without being a distraction.   No matter what she chooses to do after she graduates, Laura will bring dynamism to her pursuits.

Nick Tasso is the Google Chrome using Sports Editor for the Observer.  Members of the Observer occasionally heard sarcastic asides from Nick, but they were always known to be good-natured.  Nick's participation in the newspaper opened his eyes to what he wanted to do with his life: write about baseball for a major publication.  Often, Nick also compiled the beloved Public Safety Logs which never fail to disappoint.  While imparting some of his personal knowledge, Nick urged people to "find what you love to do and just keep doing it." Nick has various internships in place when he graduates, including one with the Newport Gulls as a publicist. 

With a pleasant personality, Caitlin Murphy presided over the Arts & Entertainment section.  Her ample coverage of popular music was a welcome and necessary addition to the Observer.  Furthermore, Caitlin expressed her love of music and life by quoting Bob Marley as advice: "Live the life you love, love the life you live."  Another adherent to the expression of opinion, Caitlin provided the newspaper with her deftly considered "Can We Just Discuss" articles that framed current issues of importance to readers.  When asked what her plans after graduation are, Caitlin responded jokingly, "If anybody has a good idea, please do let me know."  No matter what she chooses to pursue, Caitlin will be successful in her endeavors. 

Last but not least, Dan Smith served as Managing Editor and kept the newspaper running swimmingly.  Dan's networking skills helped develop and expand the Observer, whether he was performing his day to day responsibilities, scheduling events for the newspaper, helping create the Observer website, or just shooting the breeze.  His garrulous and jocund personality tends to be infectious, and he combines that personality with a commendable work ethic.  Throughout his time at SNHU, Dan remained appreciative of the community around him.  "I've had an amazing four years, and I appreciate all the help and support," Dan stated.  Dan also participated in Radio SNHU, Outreach, and the Club Recognition Committee.  In keeping with his commitment to campus life, Dan aspires to become dean of students at a university.

Without the direction and hard work of the graduating seniors, creating and printing the Observer would not have been possible; it will be strange to continue the newspaper without them.  For those who are leaving, the advice of Ms. Libby Parent will do nicely: "Be Safe. Rock on."