A new class of editors takes over the leadership of The Michigan Daily today. Following are messages from the outgoing staff members.

Mara Gay, Opinion columnist, news reporter

I think everybody has to do a little work to make 420 Maynard, in some way, her own. For me, that meant working with three different editorial boards, one stressful newsroom, and four years of maniacally fun people who have shown me incredible things. It used to be that I walked into The Daily and saw a sea of strangers who seemed to be involved in some elaborate inside joke I would never be a part of. Now I think I get it.

I am convinced that you have to be at least a little insane to find yourself at home among all this madness. Still, I find myself at home among all this madness. I hope you do too.

Kevin Bunkley, Assistant Editorial Page Editor

From the editorial page I have seen history repeatedly made at this university, and feel honored to have been a part of it. There was a time when I didn't think I'd make it here to the University, but the third application gave this lifelong Wolverine the chance to live his dream.

I thank former editor Emily Beam for wooing me to the editorial page, when I was unsure of my role and unsure of myself. I thank Imran for being a teacher and a friend, and am grateful to my fellow Associates: Theresa for your kindness, Rachel for making me laugh, and Emmarie for being so sweet.

The time will come when I'll miss arguing with the Editorial Board two nights a week, and this outnumbered conservative will always treasure our time together. To new editors Kate, Matt, Emily and Gary: behave.

The Daily allowed me to experience the dream of attending this University more fully than I could've imagined, and I'm a better person because of those I have met here and the knowledge I have obtained. Ed Murrow said once, "Just because your voice reaches halfway around the world doesn't mean you are wiser than when it reached only to the end of the bar." The Daily teaches us that even though we have a lot to say, it matters how we say it.

So long.

Anne VanderMey, Magazine Editor

The Daily helped make me who I am today. I only hold that against it a little bit.

Thank you to Bridge, Emma and Peter - for all your hard and brilliant work on The Statement. Wall, much love and thanks for the ghost-editing. Karl, now you can relax about the rule numbers. Jess, you're a knockout. Keep it up. The Daily I've read has often approached greatness. I'm confident your class will take it the rest of the way.

Remember, it's secretly always "the year."

David Mekelburg, Associate News Editor

As a Daily reporter and editor, I feel as if I led a charmed existence. I spoke with senators, activists, MSA presidents and Hot Dog Man, to name a few. I've sat through City Council meetings and Ron Paul rallies. I watched the University change before my eyes in just a few years.

If I hadn't walked into the Daily as a sophomore, I probably wouldn't have seen any of that. I doubt I would have even cared. Let's behonest, have you ever been to an MSA meeting? I have, and based on attendance at the meetings I've been to, I doubt you've ever watched our student government in action.

But if honesty is the order of the hour, then I have to say that I'm really glad I went to those meetings. It changed my life. That's sort of a weird thing to see in print: MSA changed my life. It's true, though, just as Ron Paul, Facebook.com and Ohio State fans changed my life. I got to watch my own life unfold through the lens of an objective reporter, and I have it awkwardly stored away in AP style.

For those that may have expected a shout-out, sorry, you know you've been important to me. This here, though, is the first and only time I get to thank the Daily. If you've read something I've written, thanks, you're the reason I got to do this. So thanks to the Daily and thanks to you.

Peter Schottenfels, Managing Photo Editor, Multimedia Editor

The Daily has been he most valuable thing that I have done while in college. I am truly thankful for this opportunity to explore the university and Ann Arbor. I've learned more than I ever will in a classroom, and I have met some of the most fantastic people I will ever know.

To campus, thanks for looking at my photos every day. To photo staff, thanks for putting up with me. Take advantage of everything this place has to offer. To the photo family, Mother Carrot flows through my soul. I will break a garbage bin. The Daily hasn't been the same without you.

Mike Eber, Opinion Columnist

I have only been around for a bit, but enjoyed the ride. Believe things for yourself.

Good bye, Daily.