Editor-in-Chief: Isabella Lazansky
This is my second year at RVC and I am working towards my Associate of Arts degree. After graduation, I’ll be transferring to a university to pursue degrees in Mass Communication and Sports Marketing.
My interests include music, fashion, and hockey. In my free time you’ll likely find me online shopping or at a hockey game.
You can reach me at: isabellalaz827@gmail.com
Managing Editor: Jazmyn Austin
This is my second year at RVC as a Mass Com student. I am working towards both certificates
in the program.
My interests include screenwriting, journalism, and filmmaking. I enjoy thrift shopping, going to
the movies, and going places with my friends.
You can reach me at jazmynaustin@gmail.com
Photo Editor: Justin Akin
I am a current Mass Com student at Rock Valley College and I am working towards my Associate of Arts degree and media production certificate. I am also a student worker in the Mass Com department.
My interests include photography, books, video games, movies, and listening to music. I also enjoy playing music, and being part of creative activities.
Story ideas? You can reach me at: thethunderpaw@icloud.com
News Editor: Maya Johnson
This is my first year at Rock Valley College. I am working towards my Associate of Arts degree. Afterwards, I plan on transferring to a university to study journalism and media production.
I have always enjoyed writing and got introduced to media studies during my junior year of high school. My interests include golfing, reading, and cooking. In my free time, I enjoy shopping, yoga and being with the people I love.
You can reach me at: maya.johnsonk13@gmail.com
Staff Writer: Seth Caiola
This is my second year at RVC. I plan to graduate with an Associate of Arts and a Media Production Specialist Certificate. I’m currently working part-time contracting tech for local production companies.
My interests include sports, launching high power rockets, and volunteering for local churches and camps. I enjoy watching movies, F1 races, and making my own documentaries.
You can contact me by email sethcaiola@gmail.com
Staff Writer: Isaac Frazier
It is my first year at Rock Valley College where I am working towards my Associate of Arts degree and Media Production Certificate. After I complete these, I will be transferring to a university to study filmmaking.
My interests include film, music, and philosophy. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends, working out, and doing other creative activities.
You can reach me at e.isaacfrazier@gmail.com
Staff Writer: Maricela Gonzalez
This is my first year at RVC. I am planning on transferring to the University of Illinois Chicago next year; where I will study to get my bachelor’s in marketing, and a minor in communications. My interests include soccer, Formula 1, music, and movies. An interesting fact is I love doing pageants!
You can reach me at: maricelagonzalez.glez@gmail.com
Staff Writer: Jordan Hannah
I’m a one-man band in writing, cinematography, acting, and editing. I have crafted and filmed stories that focus on life-changing and often heartbreaking experiences and other light-hearted, witty films and visual media.
I recently just graduated from IFOxRVC, A film workforce training program offered by Rock Valley College. Wanna talk or make some films?
You can reach me at Jordan.hannah89@gmail.com
Staff Writer: Quinn McCoy
This is my second year at RVC and I am working towards the Media Production Specialist Certificate in the Mass Com Department and a certificate in Fire Science.
My hobbies include fishing, traveling, and filming, both in my free time and for my YouTube channel, called “Right On Q Fishing”.
Feel free to reach out by sending me a dm on Instagram to @rightonqfishing24.
Staff Writer: Ryan McNeilly
This is my final semester of Rock Valley College. I am currently getting my Associate of Arts Degree and Mass Communication certificate.
My interests include playing video games, acting, walking around my neighborhood block, watching football,hockey, and wrestling, going to the movies and making videos on my YouTube channel @adventuresryan.
You can reach me at mcneillyr16@gmail.com
Staff Writer: Maggie Peterson
This is my first year here at RVC. I am working on my Associate of Arts degree in order to pursue a degree in creative writing and film.
In my free time, I love creating, whether writing or drawing, making music, including playing with the community band here on campus, and spending time with my family and my dog.
You can reach me at: petersonmags07@gmail.com
Staff Writer: Lauren Schaefer
I am currently a Mass Com student at Rock Valley College, working towards my specialized media production certificate.
I have been able to work with the Professional Bowlers Association’s Fox and FS1 crews and I did an incredible internship at WTVO/Eyewitness News morning show, with Whitney Martin.
You can reach me at: s0528117@student.rockvalleycollege.edu
Staff Writer: Stephanie Thompson
This is my first year as a Mass Com student at RVC. I am working on both the Media Production Specialist and Multimedia Journalist certificates. After these, I am going to travel the country and start a travel blog.
I have two amazing kids I love with all my heart! In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, listening to music and true crime podcasts, crafting, and playing games.
You can reach me at: stepht379@outlook.com
Staff Writer: Justin Trimble
I’m currently in my second year at RVC. I’m going to get my Associate of Arts degree, and also 2 mass communication certificates.
When I was in the newspaper in high school we covered Belvidere and national news. I’m looking forward to covering more ground in Rockford, along with my home town of Belvidere.
I would love to hear from you. Please don’t hesitate to email me: Jat11544@aol.com
Staff Writer: Nathaniel Washington
This is my second semester at RVC and I’m working to get my Associate of Arts degree by Spring 2026. After this, I plan on transferring to Rockford University.
My interests include graphic design and video-making as an editor or cameraman. Outside of college, I mainly watch movies, play video games, and do some commission work with my high school.
You can contact me on my email: invertedcardinal@gmail.com
Staff Writer: Kay Watson
This is my second year at RVC and I am working on my AA degree. I’m a “Running Start” student through South Beloit, and I plan on transferring to UW Whitewater to get my bachelor’s in Communications and Public Relations.
I enjoy everything that allows me to be creative. I spend a lot of time in my sketchbook, painting, writing, taking pictures, and listening to music.
You can reach me at: kaylandapolonia@gmail.com
Journalism Instructor: Eric Wilson
Welcome to The Valley Forge! I’ve been an adjunct professor in the Rock Valley College Mass Com department since 2017. You will see many of my students’ work on the Valley Forge’s pages.
I spent nearly 30 years in local radio/TV broadcasting before recently switching careers. I’m the director of the Crusader Community Health Foundation.
When I’m not working or teaching you can find me working out, flying (I’m a private pilot), on the RVC Starlight Theatre stage, or hanging out with my wife and daughter.
Contact me at e.wilson@rockvalleycollege.edu
Faculty Adviser: Jerry LaBuy
I am the faculty adviser for The Valley Forge and this is my ninth year in that role. I am a member of the RVC faculty and academic chair of the Mass Communication department. This is my 18th year at RVC and I have worked in the media production field professionally since 1998.
My journalism career has included many written and photojournalism projects for NPR, ABC, FOX, and other news affiliates.
You can reach me at: j.labuy@rockvalleycollege.edu
