Editor’s desk: Bend softball star’s story shows the power of your support
Published 6:26 pm Friday, June 14, 2024
- Bend High’s Addisen Fisher, center, reacts as her mother, Heather Fisher, surprises her with the trophy for being the 2024 Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year during a special celebration on the softball field at Bend High School on Tuesday morning.
At The Bulletin, we believe in the power of local journalism to connect, inform and uplift our community. Our mission is to provide in-depth coverage of Bend and the surrounding areas, capturing the stories that matter most to you.
Local journalism is more than just reporting news — it’s about building connections and fostering a sense of community. Our journalists live in the neighborhoods they cover, attend the same local events and understand the unique challenges and triumphs of our area. This deep-rooted connection allows us to provide nuanced and comprehensive reporting that you won’t find anywhere else.
Take, for example, the recent article by sports reporter Brian Rathbone on Addisen Fisher, a standout athlete from Bend High School. Brian chronicles Addisen’s extraordinary journey from a promising freshman to being named the Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year.
Brian’s reporting highlights the personal and communal aspects of Addisen’s story. He doesn’t just recount her impressive statistics — 845 strikeouts, 11 perfect games, and a .587 batting average — he also captures the emotional moments that resonate with our readers. From the surprise announcement of her national award at the Bend High softball field to her heartfelt reaction upon seeing her mother with the trophy, Brian brings these moments to life.
This level of detail and personal connection is what sets local journalism apart. We tell the stories that reflect our shared experiences and values. As sports editor Mark Morical said: “Brian’s connections to Central Oregon students, athletes, coaches and parents is the essence of the community journalism for which we stand.”
However, producing high-quality local journalism requires resources. Subscribing to The Bulletin is an investment in our community. Your subscription ensures that we can continue to cover the stories that matter to you — whether it’s celebrating the achievements of local athletes, investigating issues that affect our neighborhoods, or providing a platform for diverse voices and perspectives.
By subscribing, you are directly supporting reporters like Brian Rathbone, who dedicate their careers to bringing you the news that shapes our community. Your support allows us to maintain our commitment to journalistic integrity, in-depth reporting and the comprehensive coverage.
We invite you to join us in sustaining the vital service that local journalism provides. Subscribe to The Bulletin and be a part of the community that values and supports quality reporting. Together, we can ensure that Bend’s stories continue to be told with the care and attention they deserve.
— Julie Johnson
City editor