We have done it. We have made it to the end of the school year and, for me, the end of high school. It’s a bittersweet moment for me as well as many other seniors in our school. We began our freshman year differently than any others had to, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. From hybrid schedules to where we are today, we have come a long way. The last four years have been an incredible experience for me that has helped me figure out what I want to do with my life.
Four years ago, I came into the journalism class as a freshman who just needed an elective to complete his schedule. However, right from the beginning, I knew I made a great choice. I immediately took a liking to writing and reporting in the sports section. After being made sports editor a couple months into the year, I continued to gain confidence and various skills that helped me grow as a journalist. With that foundation, I went on to be assistant editor for two years before becoming editor-in-chief this year. I have been through so many different experiences while on the Owl staff that have helped me to see things in new ways and expand my knowledge through all topics in journalism.
I have also been blessed with two amazing advisers during my time on the Owl staff. Coming into this year, I was nervous to be working under a new adviser. But Ms. Kaitlin Edquist was the best new adviser I could have asked for. She came in with new ideas and a fresh mindset, which helped lead our newsmagazine into what I believe was a successful year. I spent most of my time in this class with Ms. Suzanne Williams, who took me in during freshman year and saw something in me. She led me on a path of success in journalism and always pushed me to be better in everything I did.
I believe, over the past four years, this publication has made a tremendous jump into being one of the best in the state. In my time here, the Owl went through a complete redesign, going from a traditional newspaper to a more magazine-style publication. This helped us appeal to more of you and modernize the look of our work.
As we move on to the next volume of the Owl, I am looking forward to seeing it continue to improve. I believe, with Caden Kerr as editor-in-chief, the newsmagazine is in good hands, and our audience can only expect this publication to get better.
As I move on to Washington D.C. to study journalism at American University, I want to express my gratitude to everybody who has supported me as well as the magazine in general. Those people helped me find my passion and truly enjoy my time while on the Owl staff. I wish nothing but the best for the future of this publication, and I hope everybody has a wonderful summer.