By Miles and Nicole Layton

Our son, Robert, made a speech in church on Sunday – talked about the importance of having a vision for the future. He is a high school senior, poised to graduate in June and then attend the Virginia Military Institute, and later to serve our nation in the US Army.  

“For what purpose do my words serve? In those cathartic moments, looking to a sunset hidden beneath the trees, I saw clarity in a vision of myself existing for the purpose of a better world, where we can all overcome ourselves and come together for the sake of a better society, free from the constant division and lack of mutual understanding

damaging the whole of the world,” Robert said to the congregation at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.   

I thought about that statement – it’s about time to introduce myself and my wife, Nicole, to the Beacon’s readers – then share our vision for what we hope to do in this community.  

We’ve been working as journalists for more years than I care to count at papers large and small across several states. We’ve won many state press association awards for our writing, including some prestigious awards from the Associated Press, and I was awarded the Henry Lee Weathers Freedom of Information Award by the NC Press Association for coverage of Hertford Town Council. Master’s degrees. Newspaper leadership roles. A lot of big and small stories — some that have made national news.

We prefer to work at community newspapers because, through our writing, we share a message and a vision that echoes my son’s statement about coming together for a better world. 

We’re not in this profession for ego or to pursue an ideological agenda or to take down the powers-that-be, certainly not the money. 

We’re in it to bridge the divide – by telling people’s stories, we can bring the community closer together. 

We’re in it to spread the gospel that everyone has a story to tell, which may help people understand each other better, so we can unite to serve others. A story about a neighbor helping a neighbor, or a church serving meals to others during the holidays, shows the power of kindness and how our better angels have not given into cynicism.

We’re in it to shine a spotlight on local government so that citizens can make informed choices and make their voices heard when decisions run counter to public interest. 

We’re in it to boost the community because a local newspaper is the front door to any hometown. If there’s nothing but bad news on the front page, it distorts people’s perception of their hometown by casting a shadow on the good news and progress that’s happening. 

We’re in it because we want to tell the world about Washington County — who we are and what we stand for. Our history, heritage and culture are worth preserving because Northeastern NC’s values stand as a role model to others since we still hold true to our faith, family and friends.  

Too often, the mainstream media and misguided politicians spread messages that divide and distract us from doing the right thing. 

Instead, let’s build a better newspaper — a stronger Roanoke Beacon — so that our words, our deeds can echo an eternity.