Wednesday’s Inspiring Woman ~ Kathyrn Purcell Schiliro. A writer, editor, wife, friend…a Voice.

Wednesday’s Inspiring Woman ~ Kathyrn Purcell Schiliro. A writer, editor, wife, friend…a Voice.

Today marks the last day for  Kathryn Schiliro sit behind the editor’s desk of our local newspaper the Morgan County Citizen.  

She’s been at the helm for almost five years.  

My friend Kathryn…  

You have a calming effect on that large creature. Hope same can be said of the stock market today.

Funny. When you reach a certain age and are very blessed — you have lots of friends. Some older and some younger.   

Hard to believe that you are just about the age I was when I married. Good grief. You seem so much more accomplished than I felt back then. Though we’ll miss you terribly around here (on a day to day basis), can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.   

Three words (how about phrases?) that describe you.   

Patiently tenacious, eternally a wordsmith and momentarily redheaded. I’ll take momentarily redheaded over high-lighted gray everyday, any day. And you are patient — but loaded with drive. I know these things…  

Personal info…your family.  

I am the daughter of a civil engineer-turned-professor – my dad – and an elementary school assistant principal – my mom. I have one younger sister, Claire, who will graduate this spring from the University of Georgia with a degree in Fashion Merchandising (through her internship with Tibi, she was my ticket to Fashion Week last year). My father is currently working on his doctorate through Georgia Tech. I am so proud of my family.  

Sister Claire -- during their visit to Fashion Week. "The"Fashion Week.

I am married to my high school sweetheart, David Schiliro, who I met at band camp (geek alert) my freshman year of high school. We have two children: a cat named Divot (she is black but has one white spot on her chest, hence the name) and a dog, the love of my life, named Holden (after my favorite book of all time). David currently works as the Assistant Communications Coordinator over Technology at the University of Georgia Police Department, and is getting Bachelor’s degree number two (well, three) in Computer Science. I am so proud of him as well. I’ve developed a theory over the years that we’re all basically geeky. Some go to great pains and energy to hide it from the world. Personally, I find that thought exhausting.   

The day they met Holden. He was so bitty. And that's her David. Who could resist biting that ear? Holden's ear -- just for clarity's sake.

 I was raised in Brunswick, Ga., and attended high school at Glynn Academy. I desperately miss the Spanish moss and crossing those wide rivers day in and day out. I love the beach and believe there is no better feeling in the world than coming home from the beach sun-kissed, taking a shower and a nap, and then eating low country boil for dinner. Following high school I started college at Georgia Tech (little-known fact) before realizing I wanted to be a journalist and transferring to UGA.  

What has been the most challenging part of your job?  

It’s a daily struggle to resist the temptation to eat at Claudia’s every day. Seriously. It is quite delicious, I agree. You’ll have to come back for a visit. If only to get your favorite at Claudia’s.  

It’s also tough to maintain relationships with sources and community members while at the same time asking tough questions. That’s a fine line to walk.  

With godson Peyton at her wedding in January 2009.

What are a few moments that stand out – good or bad?  

My proudest moment as a journalist had to be back in December (and school system administration is not going to like me for bringing this up) when I was able to establish that $1.7 million in ELOST II funds were collected beyond the tax’s cap and that the money needed to be refunded to taxpayers. It was then that I realized how great an impact I could have as a journalist.  

However, that’s not the journalistic moment I most cherish. I was most honored by being permitted to accompany the county’s World War II veterans on their day-long trip to Washington D.C. to see the WWII monument. Both of my grandfathers served in WWII, one in the Army and one in the Navy, and (this may sound silly) I feel that every time I connect with these veterans, these members of “The Greatest Generation,” I get a glimpse of Grandad or Grandpa. I think I hid it well, but I walked around misty for most of that day. That would have been one of those magical moments. Some of those dear men have passed on since then…  

I think he wants a walk or maybe a bite from your plate.

Where do you see yourself in the future?  

I leave that up to God and the universe to decide. Smart girl.   

A little known fact about you?  

“Raiders of the Lost Ark” changed my life. When the other little girls were dressing up as princesses for Halloween, I was Indiana Jones. To this day I want to learn how to handle a bullwhip. Changed your life… and Harrison Ford’s. I still have nightmares about snakes.  

Angelina Bellebuono captured this moment. I think Holden's even a smidge bigger by now.

 Any parting thoughts…. 

I leave the Citizen and Morgan County with a huge body of work. 

I’ve covered stories that have inspired me to be a better person, and I’ve covered stories that have made me so mad that the anger nearly prevented me from writing an objective story.  

Also, I’d like to give some credit to my co-workers. They all do so much behind the scenes to produce a newspaper each week, it’s unreal. And the sad-but-true part is, they don’t get a byline for all they do day in and day out. They’ve been a steadying force for me throughout my time here. More than that, though, they are my friends. 

Nothing will ever be quite like working at the Citizen, I’m sure. (I mean, come on, who has daily dance breaks at 4 p.m.? We can rock one heckuva “Soul Train Line.”) I love them very much and will miss them desperately. 

Kathryn training a new intern.

  You are soo right. Nothing will the same as working at the Citizen.  

And the Citizen  will be the same award-winning newspaper — just a bit different. 

Like I wrote you the other day… 

Change is good. But not always easy.  

Life is good too and I’ve been blessed to get to know you…and my only parting thought is (because I never say goodbye)… 

Trust in God and be sure to roll the windows down and enjoy the view along the way. 

Take  lots of care.