Senior and managing digital editor Leila Holte has been on the staff of The Cardinal Times for the past two years after taking the Intro to Mass Communications class her sophomore year. She was inspired to join the staff because journalism had been an aspiration of hers. 

 “I have interests in design and technology,” said Holte, “and I like learning new things with that.”

Holte was able to capitalize on these interests by thoroughly redesigning the Cardinal Times website. She wanted to make the site more engaging and eye-catching. She also wanted to earn the Site Excellence Student Newspapers Online (SNO) badge required for the site to be awarded a distinguished site.

“It was really important to get that badge, but also for teaching myself new things and understanding that I can try new things.”

In addition to her leadership on the paper, Holte is also one of the lacrosse team captains. Senior Hannah Robertson is another captain, and the two have been friends for nine years. Robertson admires many of Holte’s characteristics as a friend and as a leader. 

“[Holte] is often what we call the speaking captain, meaning she lets the officials know if anything dangerous or unsportsmanlike is happening…. She is a big role model for the lacrosse team,” said Robertson. “She is very kind hearted. She is always ready and willing to lend a helping hand as a friend and a teammate.”

Holte will be attending the University of Oregon in the fall and has not yet declared a major. Being on the staff of The Cardinal Times has taught Holte several skills that she will implement in her life after high school.“[During interviews] you have to be outgoing and confident to make people feel comfortable, so that’s taught me a lot about social skills,” said Holte. “Everything involves interaction… and that requires a level of confidence that I’ve gained more through Cardinal Times.”