The Lookout staff reflect on a year marked by evolution
“The reporters have grown exponentially over the course of the year. They’re asking better questions, finding better sources, and compiling information into creative and informative narratives,” Student Newspaper Coordinator Sarah Hamilton said. All photos by Emmett Roman.
By Emmett Roman
Staff Reporter
The Lookout staff faced many challenges at the beginning of this year. From figuring out what The Lookout’s new era was going to be to building a cohesive writing style, my coworkers, coordinator and I brought The Lookout back from the ground up.
The Lookout began this year on an interesting note. Previous coordinator Larry Hook retired in January 2025 after 21 years at The Lookout, leaving behind big shoes to fill. After Hook’s retirement, Sarah Hamilton, the current student newspaper coordinator, came on board the following May to find that there was only one person on staff—the student editor-in-chief, Sophia Potter, who would be taking a hiatus from LCC in only a few weeks.
Over the summer, Hamilton learned all about the newspaper and the program. She also recruited and hired the first two staffers, myself and Carson Lemon.
I joined the staff in August 2025. At the time, I was a business major who switched to general studies and was unsure of what exactly to pursue in regards to a degree. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. But I enjoyed writing for yearbook in high school, so I decided to apply for the job. After working here from the beginning, I realized this is exactly where I wanted to be. Journalism had always been a love of mine, and by joining The Lookout, the love that had been slowly fading came back in full swing.
One of the main highlights for me this year was all the sports writing I did. I love to write about sports, so being able to be the main sports writer this year was incredible. It allowed me to interview all kinds of different athletes and coaches, building a rapport with them. I also won one award for my work. My article on the C3R Summit won an honorable mention in the news story category at the Michigan Community College Press Association conference.
I still have one more year with The Lookout, as I changed my major to communications, which requires additional credits. I’m excited for next year now that The Lookout knows who it is in this new period.
My desk with all the things that make it my own.
Staff Reporter Carson Lemon, a communications major from Grand Ledge High School, also joined The Lookout in August. “I was hesitant to join the team because I was worried I would be rusty with my reporting abilities,” Lemon said. “After spending the past two semesters on this team, I’ve not only learned so much but made so many connections both at LCC and the Lansing area that I would never have been able to do without The Lookout. The paper has really helped me to sharpen my skills and I feel more ready than ever to begin a new journey at Michigan State University.”
Lemon’s desk was decorated with nature photos, drawings and a waving cat.
Lemon is continuing his journey at MSU and will be pursuing his Bachelor of Arts in communications.
At the beginning, Lemon and I felt like we were thrown into a lion’s den. There wasn’t an outline for what was expected of us, as when Hook left, Hamilton was not left with a well-defined plan for how to run the newspaper. However, she took our feedback and developed her teaching into a learning experience for us all.
“Joining a program that is under new leadership is never easy,” Hamilton began. “I am so proud of The Lookout’s student reporters for all of the tenacity, creative thinking and problem solving they are shown over this academic year as we’ve searched for the soul of The Lookout.”
One of The Lookout’s biggest challenges was rebuilding The Lookout’s print issue designs to a more modern style. We began printing using LCC’s own print services, which enabled us to use a higher-quality paper that came in a different size than previous print issues. The entire layout had to be rebuilt from scratch. The team continued to fine-tune with each print run. By the last issue of the spring semester, we felt that we had hit our stride.
“The product we have produced is fresh and professional,” Hamilton said. “We get so many compliments on it. The Lookout even won awards at MCCPA for its overall design, interior page design and general excellence.”
During her time at The Lookout, Wadkins won two awards for her articles. Her first win was an honorable mention in sports feature for her “A family rooted in LCC” and her second win was first place in photo essay for her “Behind the scenes at the LCC archives” at the MCCPA conference.
Wadkins’ desk contained bits and pieces of her life here at The Lookout.
Wadkins graduated in May with an art foundation degree and is going to Michigan State University to be pursue her Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design.
Hartley’s desk covered in trinkets showcasing her personality.
Right before the MCCPA conference, Karina Hartley joined the staff in early March and quickly became a part of the team. Hartley hit the ground running; her debut article for The Lookout was on LCC’s new mascot, Lance. She researched, interviewed and experienced a different writing style than she was used to. Nonetheless, Hartley has made a big impact at The Lookout and will be staying on staff for the summer.
“Although I met the challenge of joining the Lookout Staff towards the end of the year, I’m grateful,” Hartley said. “It’s been really exciting to show up each day and know I’ll have new events to engage with and new people to meet.”
Hartley is an art student at LCC and also is a member of the Anthropology and Sociology Club Recently, she helped set up the Genocide Awareness panel.
Throughout the year The Lookout staff may have faced many challenges, from starting the year with an entirely new staff and coordinator to defining what The Lookout is supposed to be like. However, the team feels that, overall, this year was a positive one for us all.
Hamilton is extremely proud of The Lookout team’s progress. “What I am most proud of is how well the reporters all get along with each other,” Hamilton said. “They have great rapport and have excellent conversations. The editing and feedback they give each other on their writing is incredible—I know they all learn a lot just from talking about their writing. It’s awesome to see them work hard and have fun doing it.”
Sponsors
