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Cheyenne Rowe
It seems lately that I’ve had more than enough to be thankful for. Over the past few weeks I’ve felt especially grateful for this community and the individuals in it.
Coming from a “big city” like Omaha (and Lincoln), I would have never expected just quite how easily I’d be welcomed in with open arms. It might be thanks in part to being a journalist, but I think it should be thanks in part to you guys, too.
This week I walk away grateful for my career, because it has so positively impacted my life. From a very young age journalism and I have been friends -- words and I, really -- and I have so many incredible people I could thank for that.
Where I am now is surrounded by people who I’ve had the honor to grow to know over the past four years of my career in Aurora (and Central City). Maybe it’s the small town, maybe it’s the people in it, or maybe it’s because I make really bad jokes and refuse to stop talking to people -- but I have had the ability to grow the most incredible relationships with those around me. I might not know every detail about every person, but having the ability to help others tell their story even once is important to me.
A few weeks ago I did a routine assignment, covering Aurora High School’s honors convocation. Then I covered graduation last weekend and followed it up with the Aurora Middle School honors convocation just a day ago.
All of these events were different this time, for different reasons.
Graduation and the honors convocation were special because these seniors were freshmen when I started my career with Aurora News-Register four years ago! I’ve been able to watch these young men and women grow over the past four years into stunning young adults, ready to lead the world.
They put up with my pestering and I couldn’t be more proud of them for it (and everything else).
And then, recently, I’ve had the pleasure to cover the upcoming retirement of Aurora icon Randy Maahs, which included a really heartfelt tribute by middle schoolers and the staff at AMS during their honors convocation.
Though I really had nothing to do with his career over the last 42 years, I felt special just to be able to -- finally -- sit down and chat with someone who loves this community and its youth so much. I got goosebumps when they stood and cheered for him, just to witness so much love in one place.
Sorry for surprising you with an interview, Randy, but I hope it was all worth it!
So, anyway, thank you seniors for allowing me to grow with you and watch you grow for the past four years. You, your parents, and the school administration have welcomed me with open arms, smiles and incredible opportunities to see some of the best kids to ever do it. I am PROUD to know you. THANK YOU for knowing me.
And congratulations to all of the graduates in the Class of 2022 (including you, Randy)!
CHEYENNE ROWE can be reached at newsregister@ hamilton.net
