Goodbyes aren’t my specialty.

Especially when I don’t want to leave, but know I must.

For me, today (Thursday) being my last day at the Powell Tribune isn’t a product of my desire to depart Powell, but more so a need to be back home with family. And it’s ironic that I say that, because for the last year, the Powell community, its coaches, athletes and citizens have made me feel like a member of another family — the Powell family.

Never could I have imagined a town being as close and dedicated to itself as Powell. When I interviewed with Tribune co-owner and general manager Toby Bonner, features editor Tessa Schweigert and (then) managing editor Tom Lawrence in August 2014, they filled me in on the prestigious sports history deeply rooted within the city limits. But not even they could have prepared me for the warm welcome I received from coaches, players, parents and officials during my four seasons of sports coverage.

I was not only accepted — I was embraced.

With that said, I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge Powell High School head football coach Chanler Buck.

If moving to a new town and tackling a new job wasn’t tough enough, having my first major beat come in the form of a PHS football team that had recently lost its beloved head coach was terrifying. Teaming up with Buck, PHS’ assistant-turned-head coach, who was attempting to carry on Jim Stringer’s legacy and values, was a blessing. Buck was supportive, communicative, positive and committed. Whether it was on the sidelines or on the phone, Buck was never too busy to give me his time. He understood the difficulties we were both facing within our respective positions, and I believe a positive bond was formed through that understanding.

That’s all you can ask from a coach, and even more so, from a person. Buck’s positive attitude and helpfulness served as a prelude to the types of relationships I’ve enjoyed with Powell coaches — youth through college — during my time here.

Within the office, it would be unfair to single out any individuals. From the day I stepped foot in the Tribune office, a helping hand was not beyond reach. The knowledge and talent within the walls of the Tribune propelled me. While many of the Tribune readers have complimented me for great stories and coverage, just know that my contributions were made better thanks to the great minds dedicated to making our overall product great.

The Powell Tribune was my third newspaper job during my four years in the industry, and perhaps what they say about the third time being the charm is true.

With that in mind, I won’t say goodbye. Instead, I will say thank you. Thank you to Toby Bonner, Tessa Schweigert and Tom Lawrence for taking a chance on me. And thank you Powell for allowing me to take that chance and share it with all of you. Anywhere I go from here will surely be possible because of your willingness to help me flourish behind the support of the Powell community.