Four Spring 2010 Chipsters in the Washington, D.C., area shared their St. Patrick’s Day evening with CQS program Co-founder John C. Quinn and Program Director Karen Catone. Here, the Scholars offer a few wee insights about what the dinner and gathering meant to them.

Photos by Karen Catone

Ashley Marchand:

I knew there would be no better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than to dine in Washington D.C. with Irishman John Quinn, a giant of a journalistic legend with every bit of the spritely and mischievous humor of a leprechaun. We four local Chips Quinn Scholars from the spring class of 2010 reunited that evening with Mr. Quinn and Director of the Chips Quinn Scholarship Program Karen Catone to update each other on our experiences so far as interns in the newsrooms of the nation’s capital.

We talked and teased as though we had known each other for years, the result of what I like to call the familial “Quinn connection.” Few would have guessed that we had only met less than two months ago. Sitting at the table together that night felt nearly as good as being home. Any troubles one of us shared became the burden of all, lightening the load, while triumphs shared became the lead headlines of the evenings. I left the table that night feeling refreshed and recharged, with the knowledge that I will always find a safe haven in the company of my Chips Quinn family.

Richard White:

Any time you have a chance to see someone in person, take it. And when John Quinn and Karen Catone are around, it’s going to be a good time. When I received an invitation to dinner, there was no hesitation. I was going. Also, I wanted to see the other Chipsters.

I usually don’t wear green on St. Patrick’s Day, but I now believe John is one of the few people in the world that can make me do so. I knew if I didn’t wear green, he would be the first to pinch me. And why not, he’s John Quinn. He can get away with it.

Catching up with everyone, seeing smiling faces and partaking of the fanciest meal I’ve ever had was truly a night to remember. It’s true what they say: Time does fly when you’re having fun—or when you’re laughing at John’s jokes.

Luis Lopez:

Why did I say “Yes” to a dinner with John Quinn, Karen and the D.C. Chipsters? Would I have been able to live with myself if I declined?

The D.C. Chipsters shared a special experience apart from the orientation and multi-media experience in Nashville, Tenn., this spring. We were on the same plane to Nashville, ate lunch together as soon as we landed and for the most part stuck it out in the snow during a number of delayed return flights.

From a personal standpoint, any time I can hang out with people who inspire me is time worth sharing.

Nicole Norfleet:

First and foremost, I never say “no” to dinner. Second, I never say “no” to John Quinn, even if it means having to drive a couple of hours in traffic to make the appointment.

I haven’t been able to see all of the Chipsters who were with me in Nashville and who now are in Washington, despite our close proximity to each other. It was great to hear about the progress everyone has been making at their internships. It was also great to be able to slow down for a second and look at what I have done so far. When you are constantly running around, you forget to reflect. The dinner reminded me how hard I must work because I’m not just working for me, I’m working to represent every Chipster and the Quinn family.