For the seniors of the Pioneer, this is a parting of the ways. By the time this copy of The Circuit crosses the newsstands, we’ll have already toasted our last issue of the paper. For myself, Editor-in-Chief Patricia Vanderbilt, Managing Editor Cara Lowry and many others, saying goodbye to The Pio means turning over something we love to people we trust. For the new editors and staffers, our departure will precipitate new challenges and new triumphs. Some of the newcomers aren’t so new––rising junior and new EIC Rachel Alexander, for instance, has been with the paper longer than I have, and her fearless reporting has defined The Pio’s voice with a confidence only her friends could have predicted. Others are merely recent arrivals who’ve excelled. (Rising sophomore Molly Olmsted, who’s replacing me, comes to mind.) Seeing our friends (new and old) begin to assume their new roles is a bittersweet pleasure. In this issue, we surveyed the seniors about what they’ll miss most about Whitman (page 25). For many of us on staff, this paper tops the list. It feels all the more poignant to leave behind our friends and co-workers at this exciting time of growth and transition. I feel more than a little jealous toward the staffers who’ll get to work with and learn from these phenomenal people.

As Camp Whitman disbands for the last time, I’ll be thinking of my Pioneer compatriots: their passion, verve and affection for each other. I’ll be wishing we could have more time together. And I’ll be hoping to someday work with people half as astonishing. If you’re one of the few remaining Whitties with spare time, won’t you consider joining us?

Ted Hendershot
Production Manager