I remember receiving my very first issue of the FHS Press back in ninth grade and being very intrigued about the fact that there was a class that allowed students to write articles that the whole school and some of the community then got to read. As someone that has always loved to write, the prospect of having an article written by me and distributed to my peers and the community was incredibly cool.
That’s what first sparked my interest in Print Media, and while it took me until my junior year to actually fit the class into my schedule, I’m so glad that I decided to pursue it. I learned far more than I could have possibly anticipated and found a love for journalism, photography and yearbook. I also put in far more hours and much more effort than had ever been previously required of me in my classes.
I took on the position of news editor my first year in the class and excitedly rose to the occasion of learning not only the basics of journalism and how to write articles, but on top of that learning programs I’d never used before in time for an October paper. The learning curve of InDesign was no joking matter, but I enjoyed the challenge of piecing together the puzzle that was the news section.
After having such a positive experience with that position and in wanting to fulfill a prediction made by Mrs. Niedbala during my freshman year, this year I decided to apply for the role of Editor-In-Chief (EIC) of the FHS Press. It’s been by far the best academic decision I have made throughout high school, well besides taking Honors English freshman year, which is what helped inspire me to take the class.
I’ve immensely enjoyed my time as EIC this year and have found that this position has even further challenged me to grow as not only a writer, but also a person. Delegating is not a task that comes easily to me, as normally I have a hard time giving up control of responsibilities that I feel fall on my shoulders. Through this position, I’ve learned that handing over control and taking suggestions can greatly help the quality of the publication grow. I’ve also learned to work to people’s strengths and how to make tactful decisions regarding the content of articles.
That all being said, it’s quite obvious I learned a lot from this class and the positions I held within it, but those are not the things that I will remember or cherish the most from my time as EIC. Instead, it will be the times spent working alongside my friends to complete the very best work that we possibly could, the hours spent after school working on yearbook, our team builders, the fun, friendly atmosphere, Mr. Fitzpatrick’s disappointed look, which we’ve all seen on so many occasions and the priceless friendships I have made throughout the past two years.
I would be remiss not to say a few very important thank yous to the people that have helped me so much to grow over these two years. Mrs. Niedbala, thank you for encouraging me to take this class and work towards this position. Thank you, Brianna Frashure, for showing me how to be a good EIC, helping me to learn the programs I needed to know and for being such an understanding friend. Thank you, Grace Hutchison, for being my right hand throughout this year, always coming through as my managing editor and for being your wonderful self and a terrific friend. Thank you, Mr. Fitzpatrick, for all of your endless support, guidance and always giving your best effort to make our class and publications the very best they can be.Thank you to the incredible PMWers that I have had the privilege of working alongside these past two years, and for becoming some of my closest friends. And, of course, thank you so much FHS for supporting the publications that your peers work so hard to produce.
Though my time at FHS is quickly coming to a close, I have no doubt that the FHS Press will just continue to get better over the next year and into the future since I know I am leaving it in very capable, talented hands. I’m extremely grateful for my experience and can’t wait to see where the skills I have crafted through Print Media will take me in the future.