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Photo by Joshua Hoehne
I took over the publisher role for The Hartwell Sun around the same time the Class of 2024 was embarking on their senior year at Hart County High School.
When I got here, the paper had been without and editor for nine months and without a reporter for three months. I was responsible for writing every single story in the newspaper, as well as the normal responsibilities of an editor.
To say I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off is an understatement.
That was until senior Terriah Bush walked through my door in early September.
Bush said she was interested in journalism, and despite working part time for HYDRA, and volunteering for the animal shelter, asked if there were any internships available with the newspaper.
I spent a couple of hours with Bush, showing her how to write a good lead, helping her determine what details were important for a news story.
Once I felt Bush had a good grasp on the concepts I taught her, I gave her a couple of press releases that I wanted to beat into a story. A day or so later, she sent over her work.
To say I was blown away with the finished product was an understatement. Immediately, Bush began to produce content for the newspaper. Her leads were nearly perfect, and I barely had to edit her content for grammar or style.
Those first few months, Bush was a lifesaver that saved me three to five hours of my own time every week.
Even as The Sun hired reporter Rachel Black in November, I would still send story ideas over to Bush to help with her with her portfolio.
Bush was a Godsend to me and the newspaper during a difficult time of transition, and her ability and professionalism are unmatched. She is an honorary member of The Hartwell Sun family.
The Sun staff cheered with fervor the day Bush received her acceptance letter into the University of Georgia. Her first choice of schools.
I could not have made it through those early transition days without Terriah Bush, and I am forever in her debt.
So while there are many great seniors from the HCHS class of 2024, I hope the rest of them will forgive me when I say that Terriah Bush is my favorite senior.
We wish you nothing but the best as you head down the road to Athens, and the door here is always open for you!