Given the chance ... |
| June 3, 2013 |
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By Mike Weland With the recent Bonners Ferry High School graduation of 2013, News Bonners Ferry reached an unanticipated milestone. As publisher of this journal, I have not had a moment more proud or rewarding. You may have read Sally Balcaen's words on these pages; though well written, honest and with the best intent, some took umbrage. That's the bane of being an honest reporter. Instead of giving up or giving in, Sally kept writing, and I was proud to have kept publishing, editing and advising. She was handed her diploma, and it was announced that she plans to pursue a career in journalism. "I want to take this moment to thank you for the wonderful opportunity you gave me to have a small taste of what it is to be a journalist," she wrote me. "I've realized that this is my calling and hope to pursue it," she wrote, "Thank you so much for supporting me and for giving me a chance to publish my words. I am greatly indebted to you." I beg to differ; I am indebted to her. She had the courage to write, and to see her words published, Every story she wrote got better, even though she faced backlash and suffered consequence. I took many pictures of the graduation, but I was shaking so hard I couldn't get a good shot when Sally and her good friend, Sarah Schuman, who took several of the pictures I used, were called forward. Both of them thanked me for an opportunity. By right, I thank them. Both have the talent and ability; their work is some of the most popular on this site. I have been fortunate to have given them the chance to share their talent. I wish them both the best, and I thank them for giving my readers so much. All I offered was a chance to try. They did. It's my hope that I can give more kids a chance. |