It is hard to miss staff photographer Maddy Park even when she is not walking and talking around the D115 classroom. She stands out.
The first time I met Maddy was last year when she abruptly joined my fifth period Sidekick class that consisted of only four first-year staff members, including me. She had a foot brace, an art portfolio and an aloof demeanor. Her presence was intriguing as her last name caught my attention: Park.
Although it started out with a common last name and a lingering hope to become friends, she has grown to become a role model for me and has influenced me to become a better journalist. Since, I have witnessed firsthand her contributions and efforts dedicated to The Sidekick through her photography, page design and writing skills.
Her versatility and work ethic in the program are genuinely admirable and notable, as she receives multiple compliments about her content from Sidekick staffers and adviser Chase Wofford. Starting with her main role as a photographer, she picks up any assignments with great quality despite the distance, like the competitive shooting team in Grand Prairie on a Saturday, showcasing her diligence.
You can tell she is a hard-working, responsible member when she is trusted by the editors to design four pages for Volume 36 Issue 5, indicating she can meet the deadlines while designing each page with effort. Her writing skills are equally impressive, recently earning the “Best of SNO award” for her feature story on CHS security attendant Liza Petrova.
Not only is Maddy an all-rounder, but she is also affable.
She and I have more in common: our role as a photographer, our interest in art, our last name and our music taste in Stray Kids. During our second photo assignment together taking portraits of the top five percent graduates in their selected teachers, I learned that she was a “stay” and her nonjudgmental attitude allowed me to babble about the topic. It is always fun to have a conversation with Maddy.
I hope to obtain her dedication and become a better journalist, equipped with the eight Sidekick ways. I am honored to not only spend one year in Sidekick with you but two.
Follow Eirene (@eireneprk08 ) and @CHSCampusNews on X.
