Ripken Kiesling

Senior Dylan Daugherty works on a feature story in his Mass Media class. Daugherty plans to attend NorthWest Missouri State University for four years. Daugherty believes he will thrive in the college environment. “I really love doing this,” Daugherty said, “I’m good at it and I think I will have an amazing experience in college.”

The final bell rings as it is time to start class. Senior Dylan Daugherty opens his computer ready to type a story. The thoughts pouring out onto the screen, there is no writer’s block in sight. 

Daugherty’s “Construction Continues on Main Campus” was honored with a third place finish for online breaking news content, given by Journalism Educators of Metropolitan Kansas City in 2023.  Junior Jaxon Adams believes Daugherty brings a strong vibe to the team.

“He is always upbeat,” Adams said, “If you are having a down day he is always there to cheer you up, he is a really nice guy.”

Daugherty who also participated in the podcast “Wednesday w/ Wilson” got awarded with an All Missouri at the University of Missouri’s Journalism Day in 2024. Teacher of the Year Chance Parsons loves Daugherty’s persistence.

“Dylan is always here,” Parsons said, “Anything we have after school he is always there and involved.”

Daugherty has been on the broadcasting staff for three years and the newspaper staff for two. Daugherty thinks his Senior year in broadcasting was his favorite.

“I think we had the ability to improve on stuff we have done and modernize some things that were a little outdated,” Daugherty said.

Daugherty finishes his story and sends it to Mr. Parsons for review. The story gets published and is gaining views by the hour. Daugherty then consumes his beloved turkey sandwich as he thinks of more story ideas.