Robert Kenyon "Ken" Ripley, Jr.

I own a small town weekly newspaper and in 2015 will celebrate my 40th anniversary as editor. I am very active in the N.C. Press Association and the Eastern N.C. Press Association, plus lots of civic positions in the town. I am a consistent multiple press award winner, particular for my editorials. I am also active in the United Methodist Church as a certified lay speaker. I regularly preach at small UMC congregations and have an active prison ministry, which has been fascinating. Before I moved to Spring Hope in 1975, I worked three years for Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship based on Madison, Wisconsin, producing a national student newspaper for them. I like hearing from old classmates and teachers.

1-2 times a year, infrequently.

Mary Parker

I've become an effective public speaker, especially in the pulpit. I've also morphed from a print journalist to a print journalist who also creates videos.

My biggest and fondest memories were of working on and being editor of the school newspaper, plus being part of our creative writing club.