Dear Clemson,

Out of the 14 editions of The Tiger I have overseen as Editor-in-Chief, our annual Best of Clemson is definitively the most work. On the flip side, it is also the most enjoyable issue.

While we seek to collaborate with the community throughout the year, Best of Clemson season is when we are truly able to appreciate, celebrate and network with our local community. It is the time of year when I watch students in my classes fill out the form, hear people telling each other to vote for this person or that business and see the signs downtown asking customers, “Vote for us in Best…”

Putting on Best of Clemson is incredibly rewarding. For the past two weeks, our staff at The Tiger has been counting the votes, reaching out to the winners and interviewing them. Being able to shine a light on a local favorite and tell their previously unknown story is an incredible gift, and I am so glad to do it.

Best of Clemson has been a staple for the past 28 years in recognizing local establishments and serving as a guide to our small slice of South Carolina. To our winners, congratulations and thank you for all that you do. To everyone who voted, shared our form and promoted this year’s contest, thank you for engaging and making your voice heard. And to everyone who is just picking up this issue, I challenge you: go to all 46 winners and see what makes them the Best of Clemson.

Caroline Block is a senior English major from Mobile, Alabama. Caroline can be reached at [email protected].