Letter from the incoming Editor-in-Chief

Dear Campus Community, 

It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I introduce myself as the next Editor-in-Chief of The Gatepost. 

Over my time at Framingham State, The Gatepost has been a prominent part of my life, and I am thrilled to lead a dedicated staff of writers, photographers, graphic designers, and illustrators next academic year. 

I am also tremendously excited to lead the paper during its 95th year. 

What started as a class project in 1932 has now grown into one of the most successful student organizations on Framingham State’s campus - an organization with a rich network of talented alumni who serve in major roles at journalism outlets across Massachusetts and beyond. 

Through The Gatepost’s strong partnership with the English department, particularly with Professors Desmond McCarthy and Elizabeth “Liz” Banks, The Gatepost has remained true to its founding ideals that education goes hand-in-hand with extracurricular activities. This partnership has enriched the lives of hundreds of journalism concentrators and minors over the years. 

Without the brilliant mind of student Miriam Jagodnik Feldman, The Gatepost’s founder, our campus would not have its weekly fix of news, and the creative minds who make up The Gatepost’s lively staff would not have an outlet to master their craft and gain valuable real-world experience that can be brought to any entry-level job in journalism or other fields.

During The Gatepost’s 95th year, my goal is to celebrate and maintain the standard of excellence instilled in me by my predecessors. Under my leadership, The Gatepost will remain true to its ideals put forth in our governing documents, and while at the top of the masthead, I will work to ensure the campus community remains informed ethically, fully, and objectively. 

I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to thank some of my colleagues and friends. 

To our outgoing managers, Editor-in-Chief Sophia Oppedisano, and my fellow Associate Editor Adrien Gobin, words cannot describe how thankful I am to have assisted in the management of The Gatepost this year. 

Both Sophia and Adrien have taught me a great deal about leadership, friendship, and overall, how to be a good, level-headed person. Their calmness under pressure is inspiring, and their commitment to their craft is admirable. We have truly made our mark together - I am fortunate to continue leading the paper with the knowledge they have shared with me. 

I’m beyond grateful to call both of them my best friends. 

I’m also tremendously honored to have served alongside one of the finest men I have ever known. Izayah “Zay” Morgan, The Gatepost’s Opinions Editor, has not only been a dear colleague of mine, but also, one of my closest friends. 

Zay has taught me how to think deeply about the world around me, be a compassionate ally to my peers, and above all, how to show others that you care about them. He is one of the finest individuals I have ever met, and I am constantly amazed by his talent, respect, and integrity. 

I’ll use the wisdom Zay has imparted on me for many years to come. 

When thinking about individuals who have become synonymous with the success of The Gatepost, one individual - above all - comes to mind: Sophia Harris, Class of ’25. 

Sophia served as Editor-in-Chief of The Gatepost during the second half of her junior year at Framingham State and her senior year. 

During that time, Sophia led a staff of over 40 students and steered The Gatepost into a new era as the paper transitioned into a broadsheet format. I had the privilege of working under Sophia at The Gatepost for my first two years on the paper. I share her passion for journalism,  and belief that good, ethical reporting should be an essential element of every story. 

Sophia, a former English major, is a prime example of how a co-curricular education fosters excellence and a deep mastery of craft at a very young age. Sophia now serves as the Editorial Director of Essex Media Group’s publications, including The Daily Item of Lynn. I am proud to work for Sophia as a reporter, and I am beyond grateful to be continually mentored by her in and out of this role. 

I’d also like to recognize and thank the Student Government Association. Since the paper's inception, SGA has graciously funded The Gatepost. Particularly, I’d like to highlight outgoing President César Matos, who has always been kind, fair, and supportive of The Gatepost.  His passion and commitment to Framingham State are beyond reproach.   

I’d also like to congratulate the incoming President of SGA, junior Shubham Valand. I look forward to continuing to foster a strong relationship between SGA and The Gatepost over the next academic year. 

I also look forward to continuing to foster relationships with the many dedicated individuals who make Framingham State a terrific place to live, work, and study. It is my sincere hope that the campus community reads The Gatepost weekly, engages with our writers, and celebrates with us as we mark another major milestone in the history of The Gatepost. 

As we close the 94th year of The Gatepost with this final issue, I wish you my sincere best wishes during the last weeks of the semester, a restful summer, and encourage everyone to “Live to the Truth.”  

Warmly, 

Dylan J. Pichnarcik 

Incoming Editor-in-Chief