Graduating from high school feels like such an out-of-body experience. I haven’t fully processed that it is actually happening to me. There have been many ups and downs through these past four years, but the one constant has been the Newspaper program. No matter what was going on in my life, I knew that I always had a safe space to come to where I would be welcomed with open arms.
I took Journalism 1 freshman year because I love to write, and when I saw it as an option on my schedule, I knew it would be the perfect place to develop my passion for crafting stories. I would have never expected how much this program would shape me beyond just academically. I have learned how to work as a team, step out of my comfort zone, talk to all different types of people, and, most importantly, the importance of journalism.
With each story I write, I feel like I have contributed to something larger than myself. Whether it’s a feature, news, or politics story, I know I am sharing information that makes an impact on people around me. I will never forget the feature story I wrote in senior year about Ruby Platchta. I got the amazing chance to see how truly memorable that story was to her. It meant so much that her mom even framed it and hung it in her room as a birthday gift. Knowing that the words I type in this classroom have such an impact is something I learned over the four years here that I will never take for granted.
Mr. Reeves, thank you for being one of the teachers I could always confide in, but also someone who always held me accountable. You pushed me to be a better student and to take care of my mental health. I am forever grateful that you have been a part of my high school journey, and I couldn’t have asked for a better program to be a part of. Thank you so much for working so hard to build a program like Newspaper. It is so unique, and everyone who gets to be a part of this special staff is so lucky.
Marissa, Caroline, Charlotte, and Sam, I couldn’t ask for a better group of girls to have gotten closer to in Newspaper and beyond.
Charlotte: I have known you since we could barely talk, and growing up with you has been amazing. You have always had such a kind heart and I know that I can talk to you about anything, no matter how deep the conversation gets.
Marissa: From a 6th-grade science classroom to 12th grade, knowing you has been such a blessing. I couldn’t ask for a better person to call my best friend. You have the special power to make me laugh when no one else can. I want to thank you for always being there for me no matter the situation, and when things got rough junior year, you never once judged me, you held my hand through it all, and I want you to know I will be forever grateful to you.
Caroline: I am so happy that we have grown closer throughout high school. You are such an amazing friend, and I know that I can confide in and trust you. I can’t wait to see where life takes you! Expect so many visits from me to New York!
Sam: I don’t even have the words to describe how much our friendship means to me. No matter what happens or if it feels like we have drifted apart, every time I see you it feels like we pick up right where we left off. I am so lucky to be your friend, not just for your caring nature but also for your amazing personality. You are such a unique person in all the best ways possible, and I know that you will go so far next year, and I can’t wait to hang out all the time!
Nick: I am so happy that you joined the newspaper staff this year! Seeing you find a passion in photography has been amazing. I’m going to miss seeing you every day, and I will especially miss our classroom banter, which is so fun! I love you so much! I hope your passion for photography continues to grow and that you never stop pursuing your creative interests!
To all of the seniors: Your hard work and dedication shine through in each aspect of the paper and our online sections! Y’all are such amazing people, and I will truly miss having class with all of you next year. I know each and every one of you will go on to do amazing things next year, and I can’t wait to see where life takes you!
