2018-2019 Staff
Calvin Prenkert
Editor
Calvin is very happy to be returning to the Optimist staff this school year. When he is not pursuing journalistic endeavors, he enjoys playing tennis, Frisbee and singing his heart out.
Jen Crystal
Editor
Jen is a senior at South who's enjoying her second year on The Optimist. She spends her time watching movies and avoiding physical activity at all costs. She loves a good bar of chocolate and any quality "Heathers" reference.
Taylor Harmon
Editor
You probably know me as that girl who trips and falls constantly, often in public places. Lover of plants, ice cream, Julie Andrews and Meryl Streep.
Maddie Roberts
Staff Writer/Business Ads Manager
Currently in her second year on staff, Maddie is looking forward to making the most of this year while it lasts. She plans to major in Sociology in college as well as continue her studies in Journalism.
Melissa Thomas
Staff Writer
Having just returned to Bloomington after living overseas, Melissa is excited to start following some of the remarkable stories hidden in South.
Hailey Allgood
Staff Writer
Hailey "Hinkles" Allgood, is the newspaper baby, being only a sophomore. In her free time she likes to play lacrosse and religiously watch Disney movies!
Brock Pedersen
Staff Writer
This is Brock's first year on The Optimist staff. He enjoys playing football and lacrosse for BHSS.
Noah Moore
Staff Writer
Noah Moore is a senior and first-year Optimist staff-writer. He enjoys singing, chilling with his dog Ginger and not playing the trumpet. If you see him in public, give him a firm handshake and commend him on his disinterest in...
Colin Doyle
Staff Writer
Colin is in his first year as a staff member of The Optimist. He plays soccer year-round and is a member of the Bloomington Bullets.
Tommy Beggs
Staff Writer
Tommy is a first year writer on the Optimist staff. He is a swimmer for Bloomington South and enjoys the Star Wars Prequels and playing a spirited game of chess. He is slated to bat cleanup against Yearbook in this year's softball...
Katie Apple
Staff Writer
The shortie you see in the hallways occasionally. Looks like a freshman but is actually a junior.
Jackson Moore
Staff Writer
Jackson Moore is a senior at Bloomington High School South and is excited to be serving in his first year on The Optimist news staff. In his free time, Jackson enjoys playing soccer, tossing the flat ball and eating Chipotle.
Tommy McEvilly
Staff Writer/Photographer
Tommy McEvilly is a senior and first year Optimist staff-writer but appeared as a guest photographer during his junior year. He enjoys singing, chilling with his two cats: Merlot and Sangria and color-coding spreadsheets.
Alexander Christopher
Staff Photographer
Photographer, pedantist, sesquipedalian. And only slightly pretentious. He's excited to participate in his second year with the Optimist staff.
Olivia Dodrill
Staff Photographer
Olivia is in her first year at Optimist. She's a senior and plays basketball at South. Olivia enjoys cuddling with her cats and spending Mondays with Young Life.
Lexi Cornett
Staff Photographer
Lexi Rae is a senior at South and this is her second year as a photographer for the Optimist. She enjoys art, film, photography and fashion.
Logan Hanchett
Sports Writer
Logan likes to disc golf, debate and destroy Colin, Brock and J.T. in fantasy football.
Eli Chafin
Staff Writer/ Photographer
Eli is a senior and a first year staff photographer. He likes to paint things, climb things and look at pictures of small animals holding knives.
John Law
Sports Writer
Only true athlete on staff. Plans to dominate the Gothic-Optimist softball game. Holds the Optimist record for most David's Sunflower Seeds unshelled and eaten in one day. Back to Back Fantasy Football Champ