These past few weeks have been surreal–working on my last issue of The Spotlight and getting ready to say goodbye to Southern Lehigh. When I first signed up for Mrs. Spritzer’s class as a middle schooler, I could hardly imagine what lay ahead of me. I now feel privileged to call myself a part of The Spotlight community and grateful to have left my mark on the publication.
I remember how intimidated I was as a freshman. I had never been in a class with students four years older than me, let alone published my own writing. I was apprehensive about interviewing new people, keeping up with deadlines, sharing my opinions, and offering my writing up for criticism. After struggling with newspaper-style writing during the first issue, I felt defeated. I told my dad that it was a mistake to take this class (little did I know I would sign up for it for the next three years).
Looking back on the person I was in my freshman year, I am amazed at the ways The Spotlight has helped me to grow as both a writer and a person. Developing my own articles has challenged me how to have open conversations with those who have different opinions than my own. Listening to feedback from editors and our advisor has taught me resilience and patience. And, stepping up as an editor of the publication has taught me that great leadership happens not in the absence of adversity, but despite it.
In addition to my own growth, I am proud to see the ways The Spotlight has changed over the years. During my junior year, I was shocked at the attention our publication received from Best of School Newspaper Online, earning three awards for our editorials. From there, we did not lose momentum. We went on to earn two National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) First Class Ratings. This year we have especially improved the publication—updating the website, social media, and print layout. This success is derived solely from the passion of our staff. Day in and day out, we were focused on making the paper better in whatever new and exciting way we came up with.
After I leave behind the publication what I will miss most is the camaraderie of our editorial staff. Some of my favorite memories from school involved just working around the “Pub Lab” table and talking with the rest of the editors. Whether we were stressing about deadlines together, commiserating about our course load or laughing at Kishore for spilling coffee everywhere, I felt uniquely seen. Thank you to my fellow editors, Alexis, Kelcie, Morgan, and Tessa, for your guidance and, more importantly, your friendship.
Additionally, I want to thank our advisor Mrs. Spritzer. In one moment or another, you have believed in and stood up for each of us on the staff. Although I first joined your class as a shy freshman, struggling to keep up with deadlines, you saw the potential in me and have helped me develop into a confident and capable writer.
More now than ever, I am thankful that I decided to sign up for a journalism class. I do not think I would be the same person I am without it. Although it is hard to let go, I am excited to see what lies in store for The Spotlight next.
Sincerely,
Gianna Cusumano
