NEWSPAPER - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Reporter
- Advice Columnist
- Reporter & Cast Member
Lenroy Stevens was simply the most authentic person I've encountered in my time at P.H.S. He saw straight through the bureaucracy, the cynicism, and the lethargy that comes with public education. Instead, he saw his position as a guidance counselor as an opportunity to make change-to really help children. He came to me not more than three weeks before his sudden death and asked me if he could speak directly to my classes. Of course, I obliged him. His discussion was a motivating one. Lenroy warned my juniors of the risks that they were taking by not working to their potential, but he did this with kindness and compassion. You felt like he might just love you when he spoke to you. This was the type of person he was-someone who went above his call of duty, someone who cared enough to add to his already unbelievably tight schedule, just one more thing; so I'm lucky to have been his colleague and walk in his light if only for a short time. Sleep peacefully friend. Job well done.
Job Titles:
- Editor - in - Chief
- Reporter
- Student Editor
Go with your heart. That was his favorite thing to say to me. When I had a question, was anxious about life after high school, or any decision really, his advice was to go with my heart. When writing my personal statement for college applications, he was so scared that editing it would take out the soul of my work. He wanted everything I put out there to be authentically me and full of my genuine hopes, fears and inrterests, and he wished the same for everyone else too.
But in the end, when I went with my heart and the plan didn't go through, we tried everything to fix it. Phone calls, faxes, he did everything in his power, most of the time without my imploring and out of kindness, to make my dream come true. It still wasn't enough.
When all was said and done, there was a decision to be made. I had to go against my heart and use my head. "I spent all weekend thinking about you, and I mean this is least creepy way possible." He felt guilty. That somehow it was his fault everything didn't work out as we had planned. He felt so guilty, like he had pushed me too far and forgot to remind me that to win or lose a prize doesn't take away from prior accomplishments.
I chuckled, really, when he said that. It was so absurd to me that he would feel guilty for giving me the best advice I had ever received. I tried to reassure him that we had both done everything we could, and that I didn't hold him responsible. "Well I still feel bad." Don't. You told me to follow my heart, and no matter what the outcome, listening to your heart could never be a poor choice.