I would like to take this opportunity to recognize some pretty awesome women.

Cassandra Favre, the lifestyles writer at the Picayune Item, is amazing at her job. She has a way of relating to people, and making them feel comfortable during interviews, which is not a skill all reporters can claim to possess. She is very likeable.

I would describe Ashley Collins, staff writer at the Item, as a “go-getter”. She is the real life Energizer Bunny. Ashley is on the phone setting up stories, and getting interviews from the second she walks into the office in the morning.

As you can imagine, having such a small staff means a lot of work for all of us.

I believe these ladies handle the pressure with all the grace in the world, and I am proud to call them my co-workers.

I think it is very necessary in any work environment for everyone to receive praise when it is warranted. It is so easy to become mentally exhausted and discouraged at work, and if one does not have a strong support system surrounding them life can be miserable.

Here at the Item, we are each other’s support system. However, you play an important role in our job as well.

If you read something in the paper you like, tell us.

It truly does make our day when we receive positive feedback from a reader.

You are a big part of what keeps us going.

To my two favorite reporters: you guys are great.

You have helped me and encouraged me so much in the two months I have been here and without you it is safe to say I would not laugh as much as I do in the course of a day.

Keep up the amazing job, because I see it and I am so proud.