The Critic extended an invitation to the Vermont State University – Lyndon community to submit thank you notes for publication to recognize those who have made the 2023-2024 academic year special. This could be a person, a group of people, a club, or an organization.
The Critic received 7 submissions of gratefulness and community support. Below, you will find personalized notes of thanks to several of our community members on our campus!
To: Robin Granito and Jonathan Chambers
From: McKenna Blay
“Dear Robin and Jonathan,
I am so thankful to you for stepping up in Gardening Club halfway through the year. For taking on the executive board duties in your Senior year as well, when I know you both already had a lot going on.
You helped me to run the club smoothly picking up slack in places I was struggling, coming in with idea that I wouldn’t have though of and being very supportive of the club and all of its members.
Robin, when you archived Occult club, and choose to join Gardening Club, as a member, and even as the Secretary it was great. At that point it was just me and Jane, it was nice to have a third member to rely on, as well as to round out our voting. I am very thankful that you choose to become Gardening Clubs Secretary and that you gave up your time, and some of your money to Gardening Club, to help us thrive in times we were struggling, and support the club always. You became one of the people I relied on during club promotion events, with fun crafts, to do and a happy presence.
Jonathan, you joined Gardening Club because we wanted another member in our Kahoot game. You came to that meeting and then (in my working memory) to every single meeting since. You became the club’s Treasurer, while you were already the President of Gaming Club, and at least a member of Rugby, and to my knowledge AMS. You took a very busy schedule and made us fit into it, and I am so grateful. While you always had your own table to run at events for one of the many clubs you were in, if we ever needed help, or a hand in anything you were ready. I am thankful to you both for stepping up for Gardening Club in so many ways, helping me as President, as well as every member within the club.
Sincerely,
McKenna Blay, Gardening Club President”
To: Alex Huff
From: Evan Colman
“Though you have graduated already, you have set me up for as much success to run The Critic as I possibly could have. I have written so much more this year than I ever would have thought, and you always make me strive for the success of this club every step of the way even though I don’t really know what I am doing a lot of the time. Even when there are weeks where I worry this is the end, I know it can’t be if I keep trying because of you.
You inspired me to be so involved in campus and through this I have met such a great variety of friends, I have done so many things that I never thought I would do, and I learned so much along the way, especially this year. Even with you not here every day to be my peer leader, I know you are supporting me and there to help whenever I need it. I am forever thankful for that and for you making my college experience the best it possibly could be.”
To: The professors, staff, and students of the ATM program
From: Anonymous
“Thank you for persevering to provide the best atmospheric science program in the world!”
To: The Critic Staff
From: Evan Colman
“For everyone who wrote something this academic year: Thank you so much for your dedication. I know writing articles is not always the easiest thing when you have so many other things to worry about in your life. I personally am grateful for every single submission we have received this academic year.
For everyone who was involved in any other way: Thank you for keeping me sane throughout this year as we had so many talks about what was happening with our club, with the university, and so, so much more. I appreciate every point of view that was brought up and I am glad you all were willing to listen whenever anything major was brought to a meeting. Thank you all for staying involved and being the heart to our campus!”
To: Jane Bradley
From: McKenna Blay
“Dear Jane,
Thank you for being such a wonderful Vice President. You were my right-hand woman, always knowing how to help, and having great ideas on what to do next.
The year started out rough for Gardening Club, going through two Presidents until it got to me, you stepped up and became the Vice President. You work, you have your own band, and you have your own personal life, but you were always ready for a Gardening club question, or idea that popped into my head.
You helped me to become a better leader. It was my first year here and I didn’t know much to start with, and I am still learning and improving as I go, you taught me some of the in’s and outs of being a club President. I am very thankful for your experience, your help, and your dedication. I am also very thankful that you helped to grow all of our starter plants in your room, and that you have a really good green thumb.
Your love of planting and gardening shines through to myself, Gardening Club, and its members. I can’t wait for next year so that we can work side by side again, and so that we can continue to share Gardening Club and its values with the campus, and community.
Sincerely,
McKenna Blay, Gardening Club president”
To: Dayne Bell
From: The Critic Staff
“We know technically you are not from Lyndon, but we wanted to extend our thanks to you (and the rest of the Basement Medicine team!!) for working with us this academic year and for letting us share content across our platforms. Thank you for giving us the opportunity for some of our articles to be put in print for the first time in years, it has given us all a morale boost for sure. We look forward to working with Basement Medicine in the future!”
To: Professors
From: Anonymous
“Thanks for being so dedicated to making VTSU a great place! Students are grateful for you all!”
From all of us at The Critic, thank you for reading our articles this year and for participating in our first-ever Thank You Week as Vermont State University – Lyndon!
We are grateful to our passionate Lyndon community for their support as we create articles and learn more about the university after the transformation. We can’t wait for you to see what we have coming up for this upcoming academic year!
Feature Photo by Evan Colman