I joined my high school newspaper staff, The Central Times, when I was a junior. I didn’t really have a passion for journalism, but I did have a friend on staff, and I thought it might be fun. Plus, I had lots of opinions, which I was very certain were very profound, and The Times gave me space every month to shoot my mouth off about whatever was on my mind.

And while I did grow to have a passion for scholastic journalism and I came to appreciate its vital role in our democracy, the bigger reason that I have stayed connected to scholastic journalism for all these years is that it has a unique power to bring people together. Every time a reporter interviews somebody for a story, they are bringing together voices about shared topics of concern or celebration. Every time a person comments on a story, they are stepping into a forum where people can exchange ideas. 

But what Metea Valley’s Class of 2025 student journalists reminded me often is that this community isn’t just outside our classroom: It’s within it. They reminded me of why my years on The Central Times were the best parts of high school. Something truly special happens in our classroom each day, and the staff form bonds forged through a shared vision and the shared sense of accomplishment of doing something real and making a real difference. Every day, I saw these seniors laughing together, engaging in deep conversations together, solving problems together, singing and dancing together, and, sure, sometimes also getting on each other’s nerves. But that’s ok. That’s what real friends do sometimes.

They breathed joy and life into our classroom every day. They made my job so much fun. I will miss them so much.

Ace: You are such a talented artist, who brings your own unique style and view of the world to the beautiful art you create. More than that, you are a kind and loyal friend to all those lucky enough to be friends with you.

Apurva: I always enjoyed getting to know you better through your podcasts! Thank you for sharing your stories and perspectives with the whole school community.

Frida: We didn’t have you on staff nearly long enough! You are an incredible photographer with a good eye and a knack for creative compositions that capture a moment.

Liv: You brought your love and knowledge of sports to our newspaper, telling the stories of our student athletes with skill and enthusiasm. (And, yes, you can go to the bathroom.)

Zoe: Is there anything you can’t do? I loved watching you bring everything you learned from the world of broadcast journalism into our news journalism classroom as a podcaster. Your episodes were always so professional and a joy to listen to.

Bella: Whether on the cross country course or in our newsroom, you are always willing to go the extra mile! You aren’t afraid to tackle difficult things head on, and you do it with grace and perseverance. Most of all, you make everybody around you better, always willing to lend a helping hand to those around you.

Carlos: Just because you are quiet, that doesn’t mean you don’t have things to say. I am so glad you joined our class, where you can learn the power of your voice, that your voice matters, and that you are a leader at heart.

Emily: You make everything look easy. You take your job seriously, and you take our responsibility to our community seriously. You are committed to learning, growing, getting better, and doing better. You are never satisfied with “good enough.” And you inspired everybody around you to raise themselves up to the standard you set by leading by example. 

Lily: It has been so much fun getting to know you both as a student in our English class and as a journalist on our newspaper staff — and watching you find out who you are and what you are about along the way. And you went viral!! I’m not at all surprised — you are fun, funny, and creative, and I have loved having you in my classroom for the last three years.

Nama: I am so thankful that you made your return to our staff this year! I saw that spark of passion form at the convention in St. Louis, and it’s been so rewarding watching the passion continue to grow, and how contagious it has been on the people around you. 

Jordan: From the amazing tunes you play in the hallways on Friday, to your skills as a journalist, designer, and leader, there is a reason that everybody loves to be around you. You are positive, enthusiastic, thoughtful, fun, interesting, and always kind. We need more people like you in the world.

Will: I am always so proud of how much you have grown as a student and a journalist! You have a curious mind that makes interesting connections, and you aren’t afraid to tackle complicated stories and tell those stories with complexity. 

Isabelle: One of the first things I said to you as a sophomore was, “You are tenacious.” It was true then, and it’s even more true now. In your three years on staff, you have not only become a stronger journalist and writer, you have also become an amazingly self-assured leader and person. You know how to zero in on what’s important, and how to set aside what’s not. You know what you want, and you aren’t afraid to do what it takes to get it — no matter who stands in your way. 

Have I told you recently that I like you guys? Because I really do. Each of you gave me so many reasons to smile, to laugh, to love every minute that we spent together. And now it’s time to kick you ducklings out of the nest, so you can go spread that joy beyond our walls, and to keep making a difference in every community you find yourself.

Stay in touch, ok? Don’t forget to write.