Looking back over my past four years with The Spotlight, I couldn’t even tell you which parts I’m most grateful for. There’s some serious competition between the amazing people I got to work with, the skills I was able to practice, and the opportunities the club made available to me.
For one, I’d like to give a huge thank you to the editorial staff. Gianna, Morgan, Kelcie, and Tessa each contributed so much to our publication, and it wouldn’t have been the same—wouldn’t even have been possible—without each and every one of them. And beyond the writing, editing, and design they put into The Spotlight was the heart they invested, with all those hours we spent hanging out in the pub lab. I’ll never forget the pope table, our favorite sergeant, one special turtle, or of course coffeegate.
Another huge thank you to our advisor Mrs. Spritzer. I know how much effort you invest making sure everything gets written, graded, edited, and sent to the publisher on time, all while teaching your other classes. You always made sure we knew our rights as student journalists but also helped us navigate the more complicated topics ethically and with due respect. I credit so much of our publication’s success to your teaching.
Moreover, I credit Mrs. Spritzer’s teaching with so much of my personal growth. The journalism course is an invaluable practice ground for confidence in talking to unfamiliar people, media literacy, and of course writing skills. I’ve never foreseen myself becoming a reporter professionally, and even so I know I’ll be able to use the lessons learned from this class. I’d encourage everyone to join the newspaper journalism course, or at least its Spartan Period, because communication and collaboration skills are worthwhile no matter where your life is headed.
Besides, you really can’t beat the opportunities Mrs. Spritzer and her course provide students. I have so many great memories from the Pennsylvania School Press Association field trips we attended, and am so proud of everyone who placed in the competitions we had the chance to enter. I’m also proud of the various awards we’ve earned for the publication as a whole over the past four years, especially our string of School Newspapers Online (SNO) award-winning editorials.
All in all, my time with The Spotlight has been one of growth and a whole lot of fun. I’m so grateful for the invaluable lessons and memories it’s brought me, and hope I’ve left it with something worthwhile in return. I’m sure I’ll miss the publication, but I’m happy to know we’re leaving it in good hands that will still be writing up articles long after we’re gone. I can’t wait to see what the next class of staff members will do.
Sincerely,
Alexis Behrens