Magic Mile Media and Neuse News staff share what they are thankful for this holiday season
As Thanksgiving arrives and the Christmas season begins, the Magic Mile Media, Neuse News and partner teams reflected on gratitude in their own words. Their responses show the range of personalities behind the work, from heartfelt to humorous.
Trey Scott, vice president of digital media at Neuse News Sports, has been with the company for four years. When asked what he is thankful for, he said, “I’m thankful for family, community, and God.” As Christmas approaches, he said he is looking forward to “spending time with my family.”
For Travis Towne, who works with LCPS, Magic Mile Media, Neuse News, District C and Bridgewater State University, gratitude centers on purpose. “I am thankful for the opportunities I have been provided to do things I love and be involved in serving others in a variety of capacities,” he said. He is looking forward to “being able to spend time with my family and enjoy creating memories.”
Gameday Show cohost Vinston Thorpe has been with Neuse News Sports a little less than a year. He said he is thankful for the chance to invest in young athletes. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to showcase my knowledge of the game of football, the understanding of the student athletes in this area, along with the NNS team,” he said. Looking ahead, he said he hopes for “a state championship, a head coaching job, and for NNS to expand and become one of the biggest sports coverage platforms in the state.”
Magic Mile Media vice president Aleatha Thrower, who has been with the company nearly seven and a half years, spoke with characteristic warmth. “I’m thankful for my people. My daughter, Hannah, and my family who keep me grounded, my friends who let me vent and then laugh with me, and this community that always feels like home no matter what kind of year it’s been,” she said. “I’m grateful for the work I get to do in Kinston and Lenoir County, for the stories we tell, and for every client we have. I’m also thankful for hot coffee, cold wine, and a heart full of peace.” She said she is excited for time with her daughter, family gatherings and “a season full of music, love and joy.”
Chance Scott, chief correspondent for The Pirate Pulse, said he is grateful for the health and safety of his family. “I’m thankful for a healthy wife and baby,” he said. This holiday season, he is looking forward to “spend the holidays with my family.”
Magic Mile Media founder BJ Murphy, who has been part of the organization since its inception, reflected on gratitude in a broader sense. “There is simply too much to be thankful for. To attempt may seem braggadocious, so I’ll share the same thought I’ve been sitting in for a few weeks. I am not losing sight of the blessings in my life and I’m being careful to not continuously ask for more,” he said. “I am trying to enjoy this season without losing sight of how quickly life can change. We are a blessed family, team, community and nation. And I am a blessed man.” For Christmas, he said he looks forward to “moments for pause and reflection,” seeing extended family and enjoying “wonderful music, great food, and a slower pace.”
Executive coordinator Destiny Stout, who has been with Magic Mile Media for just over a year, expressed gratitude for home life and work life alike. “I look forward to each and every day with my children and the most supportive and loving husband I could ask for,” she said. “I am also grateful for my job and everyone I work with. They truly make every day great and I always look forward to the work day.” She said she plans to spend Christmas “spending time with my family, resting, and getting ready for a successful new year.”
Videographer Danny Perez, with Magic Mile Media for five years, responded with humor that fits his reputation. When asked what he is thankful for, he said, “Only 3 more years.” For the Christmas season, he said he is looking forward to “for this year to be over.”
Kristy Kelly, managing editor at Neuse News for six and a half years, said she is grateful for the connection between newsroom and community. “I’m thankful to have a voice in a community that I love so much,” she said. “I’m grateful for the love and support I have of my husband, my children, and the community that I stand behind.” Looking toward the coming year, she said she is excited “to further our reach into covering our community and building better relationships with the people who live here.”
Together, their words reflect a team grounded in service, community and family.
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