The Endeavor Team

MANAGING EDITOR

Gervasio Torres, Jr. - Julio to his friends - has been an editor with THEEndeavor since 2019 and became Managing Editor in 2023. His works can be found in Don’t Shake the Spoon, volumes 3 and 4 as well as The Prison Journalism Project. Mr. Torres believes in the importance of education, community, and communication. He has been a contributor to GED education programs for nearly two decades and has developed ESL programs and card care for seniors and children programs. He has no free time for personal pursuits, though he does love watching wrestling on television.

SENIOR EDITOR

Justin Slavinski is a former textbook editor who unwillingly lives in Miami, Florida. His previous publications include Don’t Shake the Spoon, Volumes 2, 3, and 4; Hear Us: Life on the Inside during the Time of Covid; Witness Magazine; Iowa Prison Writing Project; ReSentencing; and Coda. He has been Senior Editor for THEEndeavor for five years and has an ongoing food column on the Prison Journalism Project’s website titled Chow Hall. Mr. Slavinski enjoys teaching creative writing classes, running Dungeons and Dragons games, and eating Nutella.

ART DIRECTOR

Frank Morse is a self-taught artist who has been learning about graphic design while trying not to harm the professional image of THEEndeavor. He enjoys spending his days creating artwork in the art studio he currently resides in. When not painting, he is always keeping an eye out for a newsworthy story to write.

CONTENT EDITOR

Devin O’Keefe has contributed to THEEndeavor since 2019, initially co-writing Really, later evolving into a reporter, and finally becoming Content Editor, his current role. He has been published in Don’t Shake the Spoon, volumes 3 and 4 as well as The Community Literacy Journal. In his off time, Devin enjoys reading and drawing manga, shredding on the guitar, and sleeping up to 18 hours per day.

William Brezinski has been an editor and occasional contributor to THEEndeavor at Everglades Correctional Institution since 2023. He is also a published writer whose work can be found in Volume 4 of Don’t Shake the Spoon, despite tending to write in long compound sentences and having no problem finding a preposition to end sentences in. He has been in prison for over a decade. He enjoys reading humor, sci-fi, fantasy, and non-fiction. He has a passion for education, science, and science education.

Edward is a former geometry teacher and father of three wonderful children. He enjoys movies, video games, and volleyball. He holds to the deep belief that there is nothing in life that can’t be improved on by adding pizza. He currently resides at Everglades Correctional Institution, and has written for THEEndeavor for over 4 years.

Freddie Vontress is a journalist who has written for over three years with THEEndeavor. He has been published with the Prison Journalism Project, as well. He is an actor and artist who enjoys painting, spending time with his family, and taking long walks on the beach.

Jonathan Wright has been a staff writer for THEEndeavor at Everglades Correctional Institution, located in Miami, Florida, since 2020. He is an avid participant in Exchange for Change writing classes, and enjoys reading, meeting people, and sports.

Brian Baker is an underpaid and underappreciated writer – just kidding. He’s just happy to be here. A legend in his own mind, he enjoys kayaking, fishing, good food, strong coffee, and family events. He enjoys anyone’s family events, not just his own family events.

Aaron Avis’ journey to THEEndeavor began in high school, where he was part of a journalism magnet program. There, he learned the principles of print and broadcast journalism, wrote and reported for his high school newspaper, worked on the yearbook, and assisted with the school’s radio and TV journalism program. He joined THEEndeavor as a writer in May 2023. Mr. Avis is also an accomplished drummer, who plays for the Everglades Correctional Institution’s rock band, Eminence.

James joined the E-Team in July 2023 as a contributing editor. He has since become a permanent member of the team as a copyeditor and writer. Prior to joining THEEndeavor, he was a member of the Greenwood Preparatory Collect pursuing a degree in English Literature.

Daryl Driver unofficially joined THEEndeavor in early 2023, and officially later in the year. With an eye for detail and an impeccably dry sense of humor, he is chief note-taker and typist for the team. In his spare time, he enjoys reading and resting until he can read again.