The Spectator The independent student newspaper of Valdosta State University
The people responsible…
Lenah Allen
Editor in Chief
Lrallen@valdosta.edu
Classification: Senior
Major: English/Journalism with a Mass Media Minor
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin
Kayla Pool
Managing Editor
kepool@valdosta.edu
Classification: Junior
Major: English Journalism
I am a third-year English Journalism major and an aspiring news anchor. I am now the News and Managing Editor for the Spectator focusing on general, breaking, and political news stories. Writing has always been my passion and I plan to continue growing in this field to deliver information to people around the world successfully. Along with journalism, I was nominated treasurer for the Georgia College Press Association in 2020, and I am the blogger for the VSU Student Recreation Center’s Wellness page. My other hobbies include studying astrology, trying new foods, and traveling.
“Motivation increases with Expectancy – confidence that you will win.”
Isabella Schneider
Copy Editor
imschneider@valdosta.edu
Classification: Senior
Major: English, Minor in Religious Studies
This is Isabella’s third semester as the copy editor for The Spectator. She is from Saint Petersburg, Florida and has been at VSU since August 2017. She wrote her first column in spring 2019 and wrote stories for The Spectator in fall 2019. During that time, she was an accounting major. However, she learned quickly that writing and editing are what she is truly passionate about. When she is not editing for The Spectator, she likes to watch films and T.V. shows, go horse-back riding and spend time with friends and family.
“You need to step out of your comfort zone in order to become stronger and grow.”
Zach Edmondson
Sports Editor
zmedmondson@valdosta.edu
Classification: Junior
Major: English
Gracie Lucas
Digital Content/Social Media Editor
Classification: Senior
Major: Communications/PR
I am the Social Media Manager for the Spectator and I love art, design, and of course social media.
“Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be ridiculous than absolutely boring” -Marilyn Monroe
Torrence Weaver
Berliner/Entertainment Editor
Classification: Junior
Major: Political Science Secondary Education
Hi, everyone! This is my first year serving as Berliner Editor for The Spectator after serving my first year on campus as a staff writer. I am from the small town of Hazlehurst, GA, right in the middle of nowhere. Being on The Spectator has given me a platform to voice my love for entertainment and pop culture, among helping me develop other skills. When I am not working for The Spectator, I am a Sullivan Scholar, volunteer for Campus Activities Board, Senior Board Member for the Georgia College Press Association, and Secretary for Future Black Educators. After graduating, I hope to become a political science educator while working on my graduate degrees.
“Your self-worth is determined by YOU. You don’t have to depend on someone telling you who you are.” -Beyonce
Camille Grube-Hall
Web Editor
Classification: Junior
Major: English Creative Writing, Minor in French
Bailey Storey
Photo Editor
Classification: Sophomore
Major: English Journalism, Sociology Minor
My name is Bailey and I am the Photo Editor for The Spectator. In my free time, I’m usually listening to music or true crime podcasts and watching movies or sitcoms. I also enjoy creative writing, reading and photography.
“When I get sad, I stop being sad and be awesome instead. True story.” – Barney Stinson, How I Met Your Mother
Sarahi Montero
Graphic Design Editor
Classification: Sophomore
Major: Art
A normal girl who loves everything creative and colorful found in the world. My love comes from the craft of art, and while I do want animation as my career, I’m like Da Vinci who wants to try out everything that’s out there in the world. The world is my muse, and I’m the artist that wants to add more to it.
“You were born to be real, not to be perfect.” -Min Yoongi
Kilie Huckleby
Campus Life Editor
Classification: Sophomore
Major: English/Journalism
Hi! This is my first year working for the Spectator and I’m working towards being Campus Life editor. Some things that I like is photography, writing, and music. I hope to be a journalist or an editor for a newspaper. When I’m not working with the Spectator, I’m normally reading on the front lawn or hanging out with friends.
“Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us.” – Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen
Gwenivere Friedman
Assistant Digital Content/Social Media Editor
Classification: Freshman
Major: American Sign Language/English Interpreting
I’m Gwenivere, please call me Gwen! This is my first semester working for The Spectator. When I’m not working with The Spectator, I enjoy reading and listening to music. I love tater tots and my favorite color is purple. Also, I’m a big Harry Potter nerd.
“We must all face the choice between what is right and what is easy.” -Dumbledore
Jonnie Brewer
Assistant Copy Editor
Classification: Junior
Major: English Journalism
Hello everyone! I’m Jonnie, and this is my first year on the Spectator. Writing has always been a passion of mine, and I mostly enjoy writing and researching big news and politics. I also write poetry and short stories in my free time. When I’m not writing, you can find me hula hooping, baking, or spending time in the garden with my husband and baby girl.
“Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my beloved among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste. Let him lead me to the banquet hall, and let his banner over me be love. Strengthen me with raisins, refresh me with apples, for I am faint with love.” -Song of Songs 2:3-5 NIV
Madison Gruber
Assistant Campus Life
Classification: Junior
Major: English Journalism
Hi, I am Madison! I am from Baxley, Georgia, and recently transferred to VSU after graduating SGSC with my Associate in English. This is my first semester writing for the Spectator and I love every bit of it! When I’m not writing, I’m lounging with my dogs, playing too much Animal Crossing, and crushing the patriarchy.
“Though she be but little, she is fierce.” -William Shakespeare