Morgan Rooney

(6/1) With another semester at the Mount gone, many of us are only starting to gear up for the next semester and the challenges it brings. The rest however, are facing an exciting new world of challenges that they have been preparing for throughout the past four years.

I would like to congratulate all of my fellow students who graduated this year, but especially to our very own Shea Rowell, who has spent half of her college career writing for the Emmitsburg News-Journal. As well as writing articles as the Junior and Senior writer (and Graduate writer till the end of the summer), Shea has also held positions as the Assistant Managing Editor and most recently, Managing Editor. In each and every issue, you can see Shea’s exemplary writing in the Four Years at the Mount section and the many other articles Shea has written.

"The journal was the perfect complement to my English course work. I enjoyed feeling connected to the Emmitsburg Community by making sure they had a reliable paper committed to high quality and respect for the town's rich history and culture. I learned so much from managing the paper, from basic communication skills to hiring and managing a staff," Shea reflects on her experience with the paper.

Besides the Emmitsburg News-Journal, Shea has also been involved in a number of different extra-curricular activities. She was the president of Mount Music Society, which is a club that brings musical opportunities to students who love music, but don’t necessarily want to study it. Shea was also the Editor in Chief of Moorings Liberal Arts Journal, which is a volunteer liturgical minister for Campus Ministry. In addition, she was a student worker at the Mount Career Center.

Shea used her time at Mount St. Mary’s to the fullest, completing two degrees and two minors. Shea earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in music. Her minors were completed in French and theology. "I truly love studying the Liberal Arts and have enjoyed exploring the points of overlap between the various disciplines," explains Shea.

Next fall, Shea will continue her studies and begin earning her master’s degree in English at Villanova University. She will be taking on a full-time schedule and will be working as a graduate assistant in the Office of Graduate Studies. "I am very excited to continue my education in English and feel grateful for the opportunity to dive deeper into literature and refine my writing," Shea continues.

All of us at the Emmitsburg News-Journal will miss Shea, her writing, hard work, and bubbly personality. But, we are excited for what is yet to come for her and to watch her succeed in graduate school.

Shea concludes: "I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the ENJ, especially as it has allowed me to work with other students who are passionate about writing and communication. Managing the Emmitsburg News-Journal is an experience I will cherish, and greatly miss, but I am confident that I am leaving the paper in capable hands!"