Walking into the newsroom for the first time, I was taken by the dozens of plaques on the wall and the essence of old books. I was met at the door by Mrs. Colyer, who had taught at my school for thirty-one years. Immediately, she told me, “I want you in my advanced classes.” So I began in the upper level class and worked under my sister, who was editor-in-chief of The Southerner. I was intrigued by her work on the student publication, and I noticed a deeper meaning to the yearbook when I saw all the work behind it. Having no prior knowledge of journalism, I was learning rapidly. However, towards the end of the year, Mrs. Colyer announced that she was retiring. With my sister and the rest of the staff graduating, not many people were left to carry on the legacy of the award-winning book. That is when I was asked to take over the position of editor-in-chief. I became one of the youngest editors in school history. As I advanced into my position, I was faced with many challenges. Enduring two new advisers, new students, and a lack of experience, I gained the skill of determination. 

Once my sophomore year as editor began, I was stunned by the challenge of the production. What my sister made look so easy was, in reality, hours of work. I struggled to direct and instruct the staff; therefore, I had to work overtime outside of school and through the summer to finish the book. When the yearbook finally came in August, I was eager to distribute them and let everyone see the final product. I was finally comfortable within my position, and I was ready to begin another year.

     Starting my junior year, I felt prepared. Sophomore year had provided me with setbacks as I navigated my new position and a new staff. I knew junior year would be different because everyone had gained experience within their roles on staff, or so I thought. My adviser spoke to me shortly after school started and shared that she would be leaving mid-year. When she left, I was suddenly managing the entire project without an adviser. Students were unmotivated to complete their work, so all of their tasks were falling on me. Managing the entire yearbook and essentially filling in the role of “teacher,” I was struggling more than ever. I felt extremely overwhelmed and was advised by everyone to resign as editor. Friends, family, and even the administrators at my school told me that I was not responsible for the entire book. While I knew this in the back of my mind, nothing could take me away from my goals. I wanted to finish the book and continue the legacy of the outstanding production. When the book arrived, I felt a tremendous sense of pride and remembered why I stayed with the program, even through all the struggles. Going through those hardships gave me a better understanding of my position and shaped my philosophy of leadership for this school year. 

Now in my final year as editor, I am confident in my ability to instruct the staff and create The Southerner with distinction and pride. I have realized that yearbook has not only given me a recap of my high school years, but it has also shown me the importance of determination and what can be accomplished through hard work.

January 15, 2025

To Whom It May Concern,

My name is Samantha Lehman. I am the yearbook and journalism adviser at Southside High School in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Kate Bunnell has been the managing editor for our yearbook, The Southerner, since 2023. She has worked under three advisers, quietly carrying our program through a tumultuous season, all with a quiet grace and dignity that has defined her tenure. 

Kate took over as editor-in-chief of our award winning yearbook program for the 2022-2023 school year. During that time, she was awarded Arkansas Yearbook Designer of the Year, and that book, titled “Be More”, was entered into Walsworth Gallery of Excellence for 2023. It was also awarded All Arkansas by the Arkansas Scholastic Press Association (ASPA). Kate was able to achieve all of that while navigating both the “new normal” of a life post COVID protocols and a brand new adviser, which introduced a much different dynamic to the newsroom. 

The 2023-2024 school year brought even more change. Major staffing changes, which included their adviser leaving during the spring semester rocked our program to its core. Never one to complain, Kate put her head down and got to work. She was forced to take on additional roles, adding business manager to her list of titles. Kate worked closely with the region representative for Walsworth, making decisions about the cover, length, and handling sales. She managed her entire staff, quietly filled in gaps by writing copy, taking pictures, creating ads, and editing spread after spread, and spent most of her summer finishing up the book, titled “Let’s String It Together” and met her shipping deadline while also balancing the full time job of being a junior in high school. That book was also awarded All Arkansas, as well as entered into the Walsworth Gallery of Excellence for 2024. Kate was awarded Yearbook Designer of the Year First Runner Up, as well as Arkansas Business Manager of the Year at ASPA. 

I met Kate in August of 2024, shortly after I was hired. She came to me with a fully realized plan for this year’s book, and I have had the privilege of watching her vision come to life. In our months together, I have watched Kate work tirelessly to continue to uphold the legacy of excellence she has fought tooth and nail for. She is the kind of student every teacher dreams of - trustworthy, driven, kind, respectful, and respected by her peers. She takes initiative to schedule and lead staff meetings, creates templates for our section editors, leaves feedback for writers and editors, schedules photographers, designs ads, meets with our Walsworth representative, and jumps to volunteer to pick up slack in every single area of yearbook production. 

Kate refused to let this program fall to the wayside during this lengthy transition period. She is the heart and soul of our book, and her personality shines through on every page. Our book for the 2024-2025 year is titled “Meant To Be”, and it was truly meant to be that Kate would be our editor-in-chief, the guiding light through the storm of transition and uncertainty, and I am certain that her final book, her crowning achievement, will be showered in as many accolades as it deserves. There is no Southerner, no Southside High School yearbook program, without Kate Bunnell. 

Samantha Lehman

Southside High School Yearbook Adviser