Now that the 2023 yearbook has been submitted and released, it’s time for the yearbook staff to focus on next years book. With that being finished, comes a new editor for the 2024 book. This years editor was senior Alexis Rudder, who has been on the yearbook staff three years prior to her senior year. Here is her farewell letter to her advisor, community, and classmates.

“I want to start my letter off with a huge ‘Thank you,’ to all of the administrators, teachers, students, local businesses, parents, Natasha, Bowden Photography, and many others. Although I was the editor for this memorable book, it truly wouldn’t have been possible without the help from all of you. I know that I can speak for my yearbook class when I say that we are all forever grateful!

When I look back on my four years that I spent at Lonoke High School, my mind goes straight to this book. It isn’t just a book to me, though. It’s a reminder of the great community that we are fortunate enough to live in, it’s a reflection of the best moments throughout growing up, it’s a calendar that never lets you forget the things you were once apart of, and a journal of things you’ll say to your peers on the last page before we leave for summer break.

Ever since 9th grade, I have spent countless hours tagging names, interviewing students, capturing events, writing stories, and designing pages. And honestly, I wouldn’t want to have had it any other way. The friends, relationships, and opportunities this has brought me are irreplaceable.

To Ms. Brush, the most wonderful yearbook advisor, I cannot thank you enough. For believing in me, motivating me, encouraging me, and making me keep going when I wanted to log out and quit. You have had the most difficult job of us all, but you were a saint and never gave up on us. Oh, and aren’t you glad I got this letter done before deadline day?

I’m forever grateful for this book, these people, this community, and these memories that I will hold onto for the rest of my life.

With love, Alexis Rudder”