The Griffin Gazette staff of the 2024-2025 school year. (Photo courtesy of Aiden Shellhammer)

Disclaimer: Prepare yourself for a significant amount of cliche sentimentality; this is the prerogative of a senior approaching graduation.

Dear Griffin Gazette staff,

I prepared a whole speech that I planned on giving at our banquet on Friday, but we ran out of time, and I wouldn’t have made it through the first sentence (because of allergies that made my eyes water). You would think that after three years of working on this paper, I would have an abundance of words to recall memories and describe how I feel at this moment. And yet, writing this, I was at a loss to sum up three years that mean so much to me.

I firmly believe in the power of writing (hello, we’re journalists), but how can words capture the satisfaction of pressing publish for the first time? The thrill of chasing breaking news? Most of all, the joy and companionship in our classroom — the laughs, banquets, brainstorms and celebrations?

When I think back to the fall of 2022, the Griffin Gazette’s first year, I’m blown away by how far we’ve come. I mean, light years. We doubled our staff, and our numbers continue to grow. The Griffin Gazette produced a news broadcast and videos, podcasts, a satire edition and a print zine — projects we never saw coming but are becoming regular parts of the program.

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Last semester, four Griffin Gazette students became marketing interns at The Youth Center. (Photo courtesy of The Youth Center)

We won contests, hosted guest speakers and attended the country’s largest high school journalism convention. Finally, we won all six SNO badges (!!!), at last earning us a place on their list of Distinguished Sites and a glorious seal on our website.

The Griffin Gazette is a nationally recognized student publication. This was unimaginable when we started three years ago. Forgive my sappiness (I warned you), but I see the most growth in each of you. Some of you entered journalism in August having never written an article. Now, you’re crafting complex news stories and winning awards, with many of you becoming editors, earning internships and taking on leadership roles next year.

The growth in your reporting and writing skills is astounding, and I admire your kindness and willingness to learn. I’m so proud of all of you. Graduation is already bittersweet, but it’s even more so because while I look forward to my next chapter and the Griffin Gazette’s, there’s so much I will miss.

I loved watching our class get to know each other, bond and create lasting friendships. I’ll miss group reviews, Twister, banquets o’ yum and (especially) questions about grammar and AP style — you know that’s my favorite! Oh, and all of you. (Duh!!)

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Bella Kim

The Griffin Gazette took a day off to play Twister on Halloween.

Journalism is so special; we’re a family. Thank you for being my favorite people, the ones who, some days, were the only reason I wanted to come to school because this class can always make me smile. I can’t wait to see the excellent work you’ll create and the new heights you’ll take the Griffin Gazette to.

I invested so much into this program that I thought it would be hard for me to leave it behind. But it’s not. Returning staffers, I have complete faith in you; new students will look up to you as role models next year.

I told Mrs. Franzen this week that I felt “done,” something I’ve never felt in here before because, as we know, there is always something next on the Griffin Gazette to-do list. However, I’m leaving this program in the most capable hands, so I feel at peace.

I doubt any of us were surprised that Katie and Jaya will be co-editors-in-chief next year. On their own, they’re already talented journalists and kind, passionate leaders. Together, they’ll make the strongest team.

Katie, I’ve known for five years. We started on the McAuliffe Birdwatch together, and she’ll be the first four-year member of journalism. It’s a joy to watch her grow into a confident, skilled journalist who tackles everything she does with curiosity and compassion.

Jaya, I met last year. It’s hard for me to believe that she’s finishing her second year in journalism because she conducts herself like a seasoned professional. Her creativity and initiative made her stand out early as a leader in our class.

Being EIC is hard, but it’s so rewarding. Katie and Jaya: You are ready, and you can do this. Your dedication to this program shows that you deserve, want and will shine in this position. Both of you are incredibly strong writers, and you stepped up as leaders in class. From your Spotlight Schools internships to working with The Youth Center and Friends of the Rossmoor Library, respectively, you have valuable experiences under your belts.

You also have each other as support, and combining your skill sets will make you a dynamic team. I feel proud to pass on the title of editors-in-chief to Katie and Jaya.

If I was saying this in class, Mrs. Franzen would tell us all to look away from her. I’m sure a lot of us can say that she’s more than our teacher or advisor. I think I spent more time in her classroom than anywhere else on campus. Thank you, Mrs. Franzen, for making your room a fun and safe space, for listening to me talk about all the things and offering advice. I’ll miss eating lunch with you and talking about books, and I’m going to miss you and all your Mrs. Franzen sayings and seeing you every day.

I have so much love for this class. Thank you, everyone, for all the great times and memories that I’ll cherish forever. I hope you’ll continue our traditions, make new ones and keep learning and having fun.

Before I say goodbye, my advice to you is this: Take risks. Make the phone call, apply to the program, submit to the contest and put your work out there. Say “yes” when opportunities find you, and don’t let fear of rejection stop you from trying.

I believe that all of you can become the journalists the world needs if that’s your goal. But I also want you to apply what you learn here to the rest of high school and the wonderful places you go next. Please keep in touch! Reach out if you need anything — journalism or otherwise — and I want to hear all about the fabulous successes I know you will have.

I wish you the best of luck next year and beyond, and I’ll miss you so much. I’m cheering you on, always!

This is your editor-in-chief, signing off for the last time.

Sincerely,
Bella Kim