Rebecca Watts wanted to go to France.

So, last spring, she marched into the office of Dr. Chad Stebbins, the director of the Institute of International Studies and insisted he send her along with two Chart reporters making the trip. Stebbins didn’t know Rebecca and had no writing samples of hers to evaluate. The others had extensive newspaper experience. Stebbins told her so and thought he’d seen the last of her. But Rebecca returned the next day with writing samples and a determination that won the day.

Rebecca Watts went to France.

Rebecca will graduate next month with the rest of Missouri Southern’s seniors and The Chart will lose the woman who has been the heart of the newspaper since that day in Stebbins’ office. She will complete her Chart service as editor-in-chief. She worked tirelessly to reach the top of the masthead, but what is most remarkable is she got there after only one semester of newspaper experience. Along the way, she has gained professional experience with The Carthage Press, worked countless hours as editor and executive editor of The Chart and kept a grade-point-average well above 3.0. She has landed on the Dean’s List and was named the Outstanding Student in Mass Communication for 2006-2007.

As good a student and journalist as she is, we at The Chart know Rebecca is an even better human being. Her smarts, work ethic, electric smile and positive attitude all lead to one conclusion – she is going places.

France was just the beginning.