Emily White, otherwise known as Faye, is no stranger to The Banner. She has the role of the editor of the Banner, a role she has had since 10th grade. I got the opportunity to hear the voice behind the banner, and ask a few questions to find out more about another well-rounded Human on the Hillside.

Emily was given the opportunity to be the Editor her 10th grade year. This is one of the earliest that an editor has been named in Hillside history. Although some might think that her choice to pursue journalism was a life-long plan, it was actually the result of a little happy accident and a great teacher. “My schedule had been messed up and I was put into the journalism class,” she recalls. “Instead of switching out, I just decided to stay and see how it would be. I had to write a few things and realized that I didn’t suck at it. Mr. Scroggins pulled me aside and told me that we needed an editor and said that he thought that I would be a good fit. After that I fell in love with journalism and writing, so I owe it all to him.”

As a journalist in search of a story, you’re often sent down interesting paths to find more information. For Emily, her favorite of these rabbit holes was when she wrote her story, “The beginning of the Sylvan Hills rediscovered.” She explains that, “I got the opportunity to go through all of our newspaper archives and I found some really cool things.” Her grandparents Mike Rhodes and Jackie Finkbeiner were students at this school around 50 years ago. She was given old Sylvan Hills memorabilia from her grandfather such as old yearbooks and even his letterman jacket. Not only did the story have personal significance, it was also recognized by the city of Sherwood and reposted on their outlets as well.

Emily’s history isn’t just a source of inspiration for stories, it’s in her middle name-literally. Emily is also known as her middle name, Faye. However, most might not know the history behind this name. The name originates from her great grandfather, Fay Eugene Ison. “My mom always knew that she was going to name her kid after him, so she gave me the feminine version but switched it to be Emily Faye.”

While her middle name has a rich history in the past, Emily has bright plans for her future. She plans on going into the Army National Guard and attending Harding University to study English in order to pursue a career in publishing and writing.