The Editors of Your favorite Newspaper

Editor in Chief: Victoria Sananikone

Hey there! My name is Victoria Sananikone and I am a senior on the McKendree Women’s Swim and Dive team. I am majoring in Professional Writing and Rhetoric with two minors in Journalism and Public Relations. I have been writing for the McKendree Review since I was a freshman and I have loved every second of it. I am excited to announce that I will be your Editor in Chief this year!

In my free time, you’ll likely find me hanging with my homies, listening to weird music, or engrossed in a novel. Writing also consumes much of my time, which has helped me to grow into the writer I am today.

I have always had a passion for writing and storytelling. I hope to continue doing both of these things in my future endeavors after I graduate. Writing about my stories and the stories of fellow students has allowed me to make my mark on McKendree. I think that this newspaper strengthens the bond between faculty, students, and this university, which is why it is so important that these stories are heard.

Associate Editor: Mikayla Walton

I’m Mikayla Walton, I’m 24 and I’m a senior this year. My major is English Literature and Writing with minors in Creative Writing and Journalism. I’m from Granite City, IL, and I’m married and have a four year old son named Jensen. I often spend my free time with my family and I’ve learned a lot in school, but I do feel like real world experience is valuable and important. I took a two year break between high school and college. I enjoy writing, and I spend a lot of my time writing as well. 

Assistant Editor: Laurynn Davey

Hey Bearcats! My name is Laurynn Davey, a senior here at McKendree University and one of the assistant McKendree Review editors. My journey with the review started out during my junior year when I wrote my first piece. I’ve been writing since I was kid, starting with music. I have written songs for as long as I can remember, and still write lyrics in my journals to this day. In addition, I have always loved English. Growing up, I was the kid who enjoyed writing essays, even if it meant staying up past midnight.

While I enjoy writing, I have found my strengths to be better suited for editing. When Gabriel Shapiro informed me about an open spot on the Review team, I jumped at the opportunity. I’ve always been passionate about journalism since high school, where I did yearbook and worked with my team to create pages upon pages of memories and student achievements. I hope to do the same here at McKendree. Everybody has a voice, and it is my determination to make sure they are heard.

When it comes to my goals for the future, I know it will involve writing. Whether its music or published articles, I aspire to be a voice for my generation and encourage others. Both editing and writing for the McKendree Review will give me this opportunity, and I’m excited to get started.

Assistant Editor: Claire Jennings

Hi Bearcats! My name is Claire Jennings and I’m one of the assistant editors for the McKendree Review. I started writing for the Review last semester as part of one of Gabe Shapiro’s classes, and enjoyed it a great deal! I am eager to both write and edit for the paper this semester and I am looking forward to reading student submissions!

I am a double major in both English Literature/Writing and Professional Writing/Rhetoric, and I enjoy all aspects of reading and writing. I have been an avid reader my whole life, and spend a lot of my free time re-reading all my favorite books! I work at the writing center on campus as a tutor, and enjoy helping students learn skills to improve their writing and development of ideas.

Head Copy Editor: Haley Rey

My name is Haley Rey, and this is my third year at McKendree. I am pursuing a self-design major titled Professional Writing and Communications, and I have a minor in Theatre. I hope to write for my career, whether it be creative writing, journalism, technical writing, or something completely different! I have always enjoyed reading, writing, editing, and learning the different rules of the English language. I look forward to this job, as it combines several of my strengths and hobbies. I am excited to help my fellow Bearcats share their voice.

Here at McKendree, I am happy to have been given so many chances to find my strengths and interests. During my time here, I have played with the Marching Bearcat Band, worked at the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, joined Phi Eta Sigma, been a peer mentor for new students, and spent time working with the wonderful Theatre department. I am also a member of the McKendree Women’s Swim & Dive team. I look forward to the experiences to come from working for the McKendree Review!