Home / Spring 2023: Meet the Staff

Spring 2023: Meet the Staff

The people responsible…

 

Bailey Storey

 Co Editor-in-Chief

bastorey@valdosta.edu

Classification: Senior

Major: English/Sociology Minor

She/Her

Hi! My name is Bailey and this is my fourth year working with The Spectator. In my time on the staff, I have held six positions: Reporter, Photo Editor, Lead Photographer, Distribution Editor, Social Media Manager and Co Editor-in-Chief. When I’m not slinging coffee at my second job as a barista, I can usually be found in our office doing homework and menial tasks. After graduation, I hope to work as a feature journalist; however, my ultimate goal is to write a historical creative non-fiction anthology of short stories.

“None of us can vow to be perfect. In the end, all we can do is promise to love each other with everything we’ve got. Because love’s the best thing we do.” — Ted Mosby


Austin Bruce

Co Editor-in-Chief

abruce@valdosta.edu

Classification: Senior

Major: Mass Media

He/Him

Hey everyone! It’s your in-house career student Austin Bruce. After having served as the sports editor to The Spectator for the past year and a half, I have stepped up to the plate to help oversee The Spectator as Co-Editor in Chief. Don’t worry, though. I’ll still be on the sidelines bringing you the latest on Blazer athletics.

“Never say never because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion.” — Michael Jordan


Rachel Larson

Copy Editor

rslarson@valdosta.edu

Classification: Senior

Major: Journalism/Editing Path

She/Her

I’m Rachel! I’m from Tifton, GA, where I’ve lived most of my life except for 5 years when I lived in Orlando. I love reading (especially fantasy or horror novels), watching movies, and take naps with my cat Kazoo. I’m a fan of pop-punk music, the Atlanta Braves, and all types of bread. When I graduate, I want to be a copy editor for a book publisher.

“You must realize that something is happening to you, that life has not forgotten you, that it holds you in its hands and will not let you fall.” — Rainer Maria Rilke


Jenna Arnold

News Editor

jmarnold@valdosta.edu

Classification: Sophomore

Major: English

She/Her

Hi! I’m Jenna and I am the news editor for The Spectator. I am majoring in English and love to read and write! I also love to listen to music and watch movies! I’m so excited for this year with The Spectator!

“Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” — Babe Ruth


Jasmine Hightower

Entertainment Editor

jashightower@valdosta.edu

Classification: Junior

Major: Communication/Journalism Minor

She/Her

Hello everyone, my name is Jasmine and I will be serving as your Entertainment editor for the 2023 Fall semester. It is such a joy to be fulfilling this new role and I can’t wait for you all to enjoy the upcoming content. Here on campus , I’m usually introverted but I do enjoy going to events and conversing with new people, so don’t be afraid to say hi! After I graduate I would love to be a reporter for the Atlanta Journal- Constitution, and then hopefully make my way to working for the New York Times!

“Work hard in silence, let your success be the noise” — Frank Ocean


Jack Calhoun

Sports Editor

jwcalhoun@valdosta.edu

Classification: Senior

Major: Mass Media

He/Him

My name is Jack Calhoun and I am the Sports Editor here at The Spectator! I am a Senior in the Mass Media major and I am striving to be a Sports Commentator. I have been writing at The Spectator for a year now and I love working as the Sports Editor, cause I love being around sports!

 

“You can climb any ol mountain once you make up your mind” — Hank Williams Jr.


Bailey Wilson

Campus Life Editor & News Letter Editor

bailewilson@valdosta.edu

 


Cherie Simmons

Web Editor

chesimmons@valdosta.edu

Classification: Junior

Major: Psychology

She/Her

Hey everybody! My name’s Cherie, and I am here as the Web Editor (so I’m the one typing this). Most of my time is spent watching some sort of media, either YouTube videos or random movies that I’ll later review on Letterboxd. Otherwise, you can find me sleeping, scrolling through Pinterest, or creating oddly specific Spotify playlists. Have a great semester!

“I will not accept a life I do not deserve.” — Maxine, X (2020)


Kennedy Hill

Photo Editor

kennedhill@valdosta.edu

Classification: Senior

Major: Communication/Promotions Minor

She/Her

Hello everyone! My name is Kennedy Hill, and I have the pleasure to serve as the Photo Editor for the Fall 2023 semester. Here on campus I am also apart of Habitat for Humanity, NCNW, NAACP, and have the honor to serve as Miss Kappa Alpha Psi for the Lambda Phi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. Upon graduating, I plan on furthering my education by obtaining my master’s degree. As well as working in my field as either a News Anchor, or a Public Relations Specialist in the entertainment industry to eventually open up my own firm. I enjoy trying new things, watching movies, traveling, shopping, and anything in the arts that expresses self creativity.

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” — Maya Angelou


Gavin Ponder 

Graphics Editor

gdponder@valdosta.edu

Classification: Junior

Major: Fine Arts

He/Him

Heyo! I love art and sometimes like to do accents for some reason. I have a smouldering problem.

“We’ve been trying to reach you about your car’s extended warranty” — Some scam caller


Mallory Jablonski

Graphics Editor

mejablonski@valdosta.edu

Classification: Sophomore

Major: Art and Design

She/Her

My name is Mallory Jablonski and I am currently a Sophomore here at VSU studying art and design, specializing in Graphic Design. This is my first year semester as a graphics editor at The Spectator and I cannot wait for what is to come!

“Normality is a paved road: It’s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow.” —Vincent Van Gogh