As the 2024-2025 school year concludes, the class of 2025 bids farewell. Senior Lily Brinker leaves behind a legacy of exceptional contributions here at the Park Press. As one of the founding members and executive sports editor for over two years, Lily significantly boosted the Press with her insightful knowledge on volleyball and basketball. Transforming the way the Press covered sports here at Park is not an easy feat, while her departure is bittersweet, her mark has been left on the Park Press.
Alongside her insightful knowledge contributing to the press, Lily has also contributed to her peers, her community, and those around her. This commitment to community engagement, fueled by her desire to major in Elementary Education at West Liberty University, has prepared her for her future.
“Working with others in volleyball has allowed me to share what I am passionate about and to be someone my teammates can rely on. I think this goes hand and hand with teaching. I have always enjoyed helping others and leading, and that is a characteristic that will make me a great teacher. I choose education because I enjoy helping others and sharing my passion. I also chose education because I believe every student should have a nurturing, encouraging environment. I want to be like the teachers I had growing up, who recognized my needs and made learning fun. A quote I have lived by is one from Dr. McHazlett, where he says kids that are loved at home come to school to learn, kids that aren’t come to school to be loved,” said Brinker.
Despite being passionate about education, Lily was also inspired by her grandpa, who was a prominent educator here in Wheeling.
“My grandpa has inspired me in so many ways, he has always supported me and offered advice. He is a well-known teacher, coach, and official in the Ohio Valley. What inspired me to take after him was how his students and athletes talk very highly of him, and how they still remember being in his class. They always have a story to tell about my grandpa, and that made me realize that teaching is about the impact you make on your students,” added Lily.
But Lily not only impacted her community but also her teachers as well.
“Lily Brinker has been in my DG for four years and the Park Press for three years which really developed our relationship. She’s one of those kids that has a such an eye for her community; shes always looking for a way to help out and make things better. Her empathy and compassion, really showed when she started a volleyball clinic for elementary girls because she knew how impactful it would be at an elementary school level. The most important thing about Lily is she just has such a high capacity for compassion and hard work. I know she will be a good teacher,” said Teacher Mrs. Droginske.
While Mrs. Droginske focused on Lily’s community involvement and compassion, Mr. Orth highlighted her academic diligence.
“She always really impressed me. Lily is a very good student. She always made sure she put in a lot of effort with studying. She would always have a list of questions of things she wasn’t sure of, making sure that she really had everything. She always really impressed me and I think she’ll be a good teacher,” added Mr. Orth.
As a senior, having diligence in education is important, however Lily intends on inspiring others with her work ethic.
“I have been a member of the Beyond Education club for the past two years, It has allowed me to hear from teachers who were in my shoes before, as well as get hands-on experience in the classroom. Beyond education inspired me to get into education, and I also started tutoring 1st grade at Woodsdale Elementary School in my junior year. Jamie Young ran the tutoring program at Woodsdale Elementary, and she got me into it. My advice for others is to get involved with anything that slightly interests you, you never know what you will end up liking,” expressed Brinker.
While leaving the Park may seem like a sad event, the Park Press knows Lily will succeed well after her time at the Palace on the Hill.
