Departing editor-in-chief won’t sing her praises, so we will.

Published by May 9, 2018 | By Craig Epstein

At the Tower we try not to write about people on the staff in order to avoid showing any type of bias. But considering editor-in-chief Sara Ridgway is set to graduate soon, we would like to make an exception to the rule at least this once.

The rules of journalism require independence, meaning the reporter must remove themself from the story, plus it’s not standard practice to write a story about a fellow staff member while that person is still on staff. So, as sports editor not only was I not permitted to write any articles about Sara in order to avoid showing any type of bias, but also because she is not the type of person that enjoys bloviating about her records and accomplishments. She would much rather  talk about her friends and teammates and discuss how they got her to those points.

Not only is Ridgway a member of the 2017 NJAC championship team in women’s volleyball, but she also set the all-time blocks record at Kean on September 19, 2017 against rival Montclair State University. Combine that with the fact that she has a near-perfect GPA, and you have the model student-athlete.

“Sara is a remarkable student who was an excellent manager as editor of The Tower,” Department Chair Professor Patricia W. Lauro said. “She was able to push the staff and sub-editors to do their work and meet our many deadlines, without coming off as overzealous — which was no small feat.”

Considering Lauro and Ridgway spent most almost all of their time working hand-in-hand at the Tower, she got to see just what type of person that the Barnegat native is.

“She is a real people person, as well as a kind, caring and sweet young woman,” Lauro said. “I will miss her.”

Along with Lauro, Professor Lois DeSocio also spent a ton of time with Sara and was able to see not just how she is as a reporter, but the type of person that she has come to be.

“The position of editor in chief of The Tower comes with very little training, and a minimum of understanding as to what the job entails — until it’s your job,” DeSocio said. “Then, the student is forced to not only rise to the responsibilities — and there are many — but to rise amidst everything else that college students juggle — sports, classes, social life, it is quite a task and not for the faint of heart.”

DeSocio was constantly amazed by the fact that Sara was not only able to balance these things seemingly without worry, but she actually excelled at it.

“Sara Ridgway epitomizes the Editor-In-Chief who has had to do just that and has excelled,” DeSocio said. “She has not ceased since she was asked to be the Editor-In-Chief of The Tower two semesters ago to amaze me as to how well she has risen to the challenge, she is a superior multi-tasker and managed to lead The Tower from story ideas to print and all the stresses and mishaps that come with that with grace, enthusiasm, and spirit.”

DeSocio believes that getting to work with an Editor-In-Chief that was always able to remain calm, cool, and collected was vital to the success of The Tower.

“She consistently remained calm, respectful, professional, and organized — all necessities for success,” DeSocio said. “And she does this alongside the other responsibilities that come with being a stellar student, an accomplished athlete, and a tireless volunteer.”

The only thing that DeSocio can picture in regards to Sara’s future is nothing but continued fortune and quality in her work.

“I see nothing but continued success for Sara as she graduates and takes all the endearing qualities and the professional savvy that she brought to The Tower to post-graduation life,” DeSocio said.

Between school, volleyball, her job, and all of her volunteer work, the fact that Sara was able to balance everything that went on in her life was not only a marvel to the professors, but to everybody on the staff as well, especially News Editor Joshua Rosario.

“Doing as much as Sara did, it was impressive to see how invested she was in everything she did at Kean,” Rosario said. “Working with Sara was an unforgettable experience for me because she is amazing at so many things.”

Sara is set to continue her education at Kean when she starts graduate school in the fall of 2018. Although her future still remains to be seen, Josh believes that there is no doubt whatever she chooses to pursue she will be successful at.

“I do not know where life is taking Sara but I do know wherever it may be she is going to be fantastic,” Rosario said. “I wish nothing but the best for Sara, she will definitely be missed.”

Getting the opportunity to work with somebody as hardworking and dedicated to her work as Ridgway was both an honor and a privilege for Cody Louie, The Tower’s long-time online editor, who is also graduating in May.

“Since joining The Tower, Sara has been a magnificent journalist and editor I’m proud to have had the opportunity to work under,” Louie said. “Her determination, perseverance and aptitude for time management are qualities anyone can admire.”

Louie believes that Ridgway was as intelligent a volleyball player as she was a student and is proud to have gotten to work side-by-side with her the entire way. He also remains hopeful that this isn’t the last time they get to work together.

“She’s a phenomenal student, athlete and worker who has truly filled the shoes of editor-in-chief of our news organization,” Louie said. “The future holds great things for Sara and I wish the best for her, I can only hope to cross paths with her again.”

Ridgway is as good a writer and editor as she is a human being. Being able to take control and stay organized of a newsroom is by no means an easy task. But not only was she able to do it, she thrived at it which was amazing considering how much work she puts into everything else that goes on in her life.

I would say that I speak on behalf of the entire staff when I say “thank you” to Sara for all of the hardwork and dedication that she put into helping make The Tower the award-winning student-run news organization that it is today. Her guidance, patience, perseverance, and understanding will surely be missed.

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