Tomorrow, The Evening Sun team will lose our newest asset, and I truly mean asset.

Samantha Gillette has decided to continue her education and will begin a graduate program in journalism in the fall.

I remember Sam’s first day rather well. I told her that when checking the mail from across the parking lot, we wear an Evening Sun mail bag. These are bright yellow and orange, mind you.

She didn’t wear it.

Writing skills aside, that’s when I knew she had the necessary spark for the position.

She is passionate, eager, and has a thirst for learning. She quickly caught on to the ins-and-outs of the job, and went above and beyond what was required.

… She also brought cupcakes.

Our small editorial staff occasionally goes out to lunch together on Fridays. Before Sam’s arrival, we’d go to the same couple locations. Her interest in food encouraged us to broaden our horizons.

Also, I usually only eat one meal per day — once I am done with work for the day — so our staff lunch outings were probably beneficial to my health.

We’d also go to the gym here and there, which allowed me to not only relieve some stress, but look like a complete fool in front of whoever was around.

As a member of my staff, Sam brought a perspective unlike anyone else, and it’s something I’ll miss.

I have no doubt that she will continue to work hard and wherever she ends up, that company will be lucky to have her on board.

Sam’s departure leaves a void in our editorial staff. Our two remaining Staff Writers (who strive to cover 911 square miles of Chenango County) will take on some extra duties until the position is filled.

As Managing Editor, I too will cover some stories as need be so that we can provide readers with the most up-to-date, actual news as possible.

“I loved every minute I've been at The Evening Sun,” said Sam. “It's been a great opportunity to expand myself as a writer and grow closer to a community that has raised me. I will miss all of my co-workers and the connections that I've made, but appreciate everyone's unending support. My time here has confirmed that I'm on the right track and I'm excited to get my Master's in journalism so that I can perfect my writing. I'm also eager to enhance the many other skills I will need to be an experienced reporter.”

Anyone interested in applying for the open Staff Writer position is encouraged to send me his/her resume with a cover letter and three writing samples. This can be emailed to abiviano@evesun.com or mailed to The Evening Sun, c/o Ashley Biviano, 29 Lackawanna Ave, Norwich, NY, 13815.

And Sam: I urge you to remember my favorite George Orwell quote, the one I turn to almost daily: “Journalism is printing what someone else does not want printed: everything else is public relations.”

Be a journalist. Be happy. Stay in touch.