To know her is to love her, and to love her is to know her. Our Co-Editor in Chief, Carter Bauer, has been an integral part of The Park Press ever since its revival. Filling the roles of two amazing past editors in chief was no easy task, but she and her partner in crime, Maliah Miskiewicz, have made the most amazing co-editors in chief.
“Although it was a difficult role at times, especially following in the footsteps of two other wonderful editors in chief before, I had my best friend Maliah by my side, and we had so many great examples of what a good editor in chief looks like,” said Carter.
However, even the best of the best run into challenges.
“I’m a perfectionist and a bit of a control freak, and although those are sometimes two good qualities that helped me lead, I had to learn to back off and let other people take on their roles, especially when it comes to training the underclassmen,” said Bauer.
Earlier this year, Carter experienced a major loss in her life. When her childhood dog Coco passed away, it allowed her to write one of her most influential, heartfelt articles.
“It deals a lot with grief and how you can overcome that while dealing with it head-on. And that’s my favorite article because it deals with a lot of emotions that I struggled to convey and also talk about for a really long time,” said Carter.
Not only has The Park Press shown Carter her voice, but it has also inspired her when it comes to her college major.
“I’m a public relations and advertising major, so obviously writing is a huge thing. The Park Press has taught me how to use my words effectively when you’re trying to convey something important,” said Bauer.
Not only has Carter been a dedicated member of The Park Press, but she has also been heavily involved with the Wheeling Park High School Speech and Debate team. But her speech journey actually starts back in middle school when she needed a change of scenery.
“I came from a private school. I went there all the way up until eighth grade when I transferred to Triadelphia. I was asked by my homeroom teacher, who was also my English teacher, to join their little speech team. I had done forensics in middle school, so I knew what it was like. Ultimately, when I left private school, I had my eyes set on the speech and debate team at Park,” said Carter.
When Carter arrived at Park, she took the introduction to speech and theater course, taught by our very own Mrs. Droginske. Carter’s first impression of Droginske was that she was very outgoing and pushy in the best way. Droginske pushed Carter to do her best work and try out for the speech and debate team. When she made the team, she made friends with other members who have since graduated. Carter wished for a loving environment for so long, and knew that she found her people while doing what she loved at the same time.
The speech and debate team also broke Carter out of her comfort zone. She typically did funny, silly pieces. But that changed this year when she and Maliah did a dramatic duo piece. Not only did that duo break her out of her comfort zone, it brought her one of her most memorable moments on the team.
“My most memorable moment was this year at Three Rivers, the biggest tournament of our season, when my duo partner, and also best friend, and I finaled and went on stage to receive our award. And as they were going up in placing sixth, fifth, fourth, third, second, first, and we kept standing there. Thinking every time, ‘this is us.’ And when they finally got to second and called our name, that was probably the craziest moment of my life. … It was just amazing to enjoy that with my best friend,” said Bauer.
The hardest obstacle for Carter to overcome while on the team was competing against her fellow team members. She had to make that separation of not only wanting what’s best for herself, but what’s best for others, too. But when she made the realization that cheering on both her team and herself was possible, it made for a memorable team experience.
After graduation, Carter plans on attending Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, Florida. Many factors influenced her decision.
“The warm weather, although that should not be a deciding factor for where you live for the next four years. But it’s important to me, especially with mental health. But the biggest motivator for my move would be my grandparents. They helped raise me from the moment I was born, and I have an incredibly strong connection with both of them. … My grandparents have always been a huge motivation for me to achieve. Both of them have achieved great things, especially my grandfather. He really made a name for himself, and he worked hard to do it, and he continues to motivate me every day. So I feel it’ll be very positive to be closer to them,” said Carter.
Carter has never been a big fan of change, but she is very excited for this next chapter of her life. From coursework to meeting new friends, she can’t wait to see what the future brings. However, journalism will never stray far from her heart, as she has already looked into the Florida Gulf Coast News. Being a public relations major, her involvement at Wheeling Park has prepared her well for public speaking and writing. She is very excited to show others her skills and to continue to improve them as well.
Reflecting on her four years at Park, Carter has some advice for her past self.
“Even though the little things that happen may seem like the most important things in the world, they are just the smallest, most minor milestones. It seems really tough, but trust me, you’re going to overcome those barriers, because one thing about you is that you don’t quit,” said Bauer.
Carter has had some very influential people join her path while at Park. However, a certain someone seems to always stick out and influence her the most.
“Mrs. Droginske has become what I refer to as my school mom. I spend more time with her than I do my real family, between speech and debate, and The Park Press; she has really turned Park into a home and a safe space for me. She is someone I continue to look up to every day. She’s dedicated, motivating, and she reminds me that even though things are tough, they’re worth it, and your hard work is worth it. She has been a huge key to my success in both speech and newspaper, and I can never thank her enough for the skills that she has taught me and the home she has provided me with. I am forever grateful,” said Carter.
Since Carter’s moving to Florida, there are many things she will miss about Wheeling. But, there are also those things she won’t miss too much.
“I will really miss being surrounded by all of the people that I love. In West Virginia, I see what I refer to as my chosen family every single day. Living in a small town, you cannot escape the people who have affected your life in a negative way. You see those people every day. So I’m excited to get away from seeing people who have had a negative effect on my life,” said Bauer.
Carter has one last word of advice to members of The Park Press.
“Remember that this is supposed to be fun. I have a lot of fun with what I do, although it is a huge piece of my life and a big stressor, I have fun with it. I hope that they remember that this is a family, as well as a workplace. That’s what is most important about the newspaper,” said Carter.
Carter has touched the lives of so many throughout her time at Park. We cannot thank her enough for all she has done for not only the press, but the speech and debate team as well. Carter has made a huge impact on who I am as a person, and I personally can’t thank her enough. Carter, we all love you so much, and wish you nothing but the best in Florida!
