The Last Story We Tell

To everyone who supported, followed, contributed to, or believed in the Atomic Cougar Press Association,

This organization began as a small idea between a few students who believed that student voices mattered and that journalism could be something more than assignments in a classroom. What started as a simple idea became one of the most meaningful parts of my life.

Over time, A.C.P.A. grew into something I never imagined it would become. We conducted interviews with public officials, reached audiences outside our school, launched media projects, built a podcast, created livestreams, advocated for student press, and built relationships with leaders across our community and state. We were interviewed ourselves, recognized by public officials, and proved that students could build something real with enough determination.

But behind all of that success was an enormous amount of work.

For a long time, I carried this organization because I believed deeply in what it could become. I believed A.C.P.A. could grow into something lasting, something bigger than any one person. At one point in my life, this organization meant everything to me. It gave me purpose, direction, and memories I will never forget.

To the members who stood beside me through the highs and lows of this organization: thank you. No matter where life takes us, I will always appreciate the moments we shared building something from nothing.

Unfortunately, over time, the effort required to sustain A.C.P.A. stopped being shared equally. As responsibilities grew, participation and commitment declined. An organization like this cannot survive on one person alone, no matter how much that person cares about it.

As I now begin focusing on the next chapter of my life and my future in Fire and EMS, I have come to the difficult realization that I no longer have the ability to continue carrying this organization without a fully committed team behind it.

Because of this, the Atomic Cougar Press Association will be entering an indefinite closure.

This decision was not made out of anger, hatred, or resentment. It was made out of honesty. I would rather allow A.C.P.A. to rest with dignity than slowly become something that no longer reflects the mission and passion it was founded upon.

To everyone who read our work, supported us, listened to our interviews, watched our streams, or believed in what we were trying to build: thank you.

What we created mattered.

And no matter what happens next, nobody can take away the fact that for a brief moment in time, a group of students built something real.

Although the Atomic Cougar Press Association is entering an indefinite closure, this website and our official social media platforms will remain online as an archive and memory of everything this organization accomplished.

The articles, interviews, photographs, live streams, statements, and projects published throughout A.C.P.A.’s existence represent more than just content. They represent the work, dedication, and vision of a group of students who believed they could build something meaningful.

Rather than removing that history, we have chosen to preserve it.

This site will remain accessible so that those who supported us, contributed to our work, or simply followed our journey can continue to look back on what was created here. Our social media pages will also remain active as a historical record of the organization and the impact it had during its time in operation.

A.C.P.A. may be coming to an end, but the work we created and the story behind it will remain.

—
Syles Rosser
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Atomic Cougar Press Association (A.C.P.A.)