A Farewell to Ms. Ludwick

Thursday, Feb. 5 marked the last day that beloved Urbana High School teacher Erin Ludwick would be the Journalism Advisor for the UHS Echo.

Ludwick was appointed to the position of interim dean, replacing Steve Waller, who in turn replaced Greg Hall as interim athletic director and assistant principal. She will continue to teach Advanced Composition due to the partnership with Parkland College, but forfeited her Journalism class. Ludwick broke the news to The Echo staff Wednesday, Feb. 4, who were less than ecstatic to see her leave, although proud of her accomplishment.

“I was shocked and saddened to learn that Ms. Ludwick would no longer be our journalism advisor. However, I am very happy that she is advancing her career and setting a positive example for how to achieve professional goals. I wish that I could’ve ended my journalism experience at UHS how it began — with Ms. Ludwick,” said Editor-in-Chief Caitlin Elliott.

Ludwick was loved by not only her current students, but past as well.

Class of 2013 Broadcasting Editor Myles Kelley said, “I feel like she is a great fit for the dean position because she takes her job seriously and she’s not afraid to lay down the law, but she also loves the kids and wants to see everyone be successful in their academic career. She’s an awesome teacher and will be an even better dean.”

Amongst other admirers of Ludwick’s work were her peers at UHS, specifically English teacher Julie Erlinger and her boss, Principal Matthew Stark.

“I think she ran The Echo extremely well, and it grew under her leadership. I think that’s largely because she really knew her students’ voices and knew what they had to do to get the story. Her energy really made, and makes, the program thrive,” said Erlinger.

Similarly, Stark said, “I think she was excellent. She did an amazing job. The Echo is a strong, integral part of Urbana High School. The true legacy of a teacher is how things continue when they step away from their class, and it still runs without them. It’s one thing for things to run with them there, but once they leave and you guys are still continuing things, that’s credit to their teaching.”

Ludwick’s legacy in the journalism program will undoubtedly carry on for years to come. She taught the class for six years, and during that time introduced the thriving broadcasting program to UHS. Ludwick’s successor is Cortney Thomas, current yearbook teacher at UHS. The Echo staff plans to continue on per usual, releasing a printed paper in March.

Everyone at The Echo wishes Ms. Ludwick the best of luck in her future endeavors.