Final Communique from the Editor's Desk
**Holy Cross Student Finds Passion and Purpose in The Spire**
Ben Lepper, Editor-in-Chief of The Spire at Holy Cross, has embarked on a remarkable journey since joining the college newspaper as a freshman in 2021. His commitment to journalism and storytelling has been evident since his early days, when he initially joined the team due to his love for sports.
Lepper's passion for telling stories that could drive local, federal, social, and campus-wide change has been a consistent theme throughout his tenure. This passion was ignited after a near-death experience due to leukemia in 2019, when he made a promise to himself to positively impact the world.
Lepper's dedication to The Spire has been unwavering. He has devoted himself to telling stories about student-athletes, representing them as people rather than just numbers on a jersey. This approach has resonated with the student body, and Lepper has made it a priority for The Spire to re-affirm itself as the voice of the student body.
In addition to his work with The Spire, Lepper has seized opportunities for growth and learning. He spent time with Dr. Anthony Fauci in March, finding inspiration in Dr. Fauci's commitment to leaving it all out there. This encounter further solidified Lepper's belief that he has found his true calling in life: telling stories that mean something to people and help change the world.
As he prepares to graduate, Lepper plans to continue his work in journalism. He believes that joining The Spire was the best decision he made at Holy Cross. The skills he has developed, the connections he has made, and the impact he has had on the campus community are testaments to the value of being part of The Spire.
For students at Holy Cross considering joining The Spire, the benefits are numerous. Participation in the newspaper offers valuable skills in journalism, writing, editing, critical thinking, and communication. It provides opportunities for campus engagement, professional experience, networking, and a creative outlet. While the decision requires a commitment, the rewards can be significant for those interested in journalism, communications, or campus involvement.
For more specific testimonials or program details, students are encouraged to consult the Holy Cross website or reach out to current members of The Spire for firsthand insights.
- The Spire, a newspaper on Holy Cross campus, features stories that reflect student-athletes as individuals and showcases their personal journeys, under the leadership of Editor-in-Chief Ben Lepper.
- Lepper's dedication to The Spire over the years has extended beyond just sports, as he also covers events, news, and stories related to education-and-self-development, science, and social issues.
- At Holy Cross, students who join The Spire not only gain valuable journalism and communication skills but also become part of a community that supports and inspires each other, much like Lepper did when he made the promise to positively impact the world during his near-death experience.
- Participating in The Spire can lead to opportunities in sports too, given Lepper's roots in sports journalism and his current work in showcasing student-athletes as more than just their athletic abilities.
