Karl

During the course of my high school career, there have been a number of people and experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today. I can remember walking in my first day of sophomore year as a transfer student and feeling completely lost in this new environment which was so much different than anything I had ever experienced. I would sit at the end of the table in the corner by Ms. Gluch’s desk, one of the few people I talked to in that class.

I credit my relationship with Ms. Gluch and my experience in the journalism intro class for pushing me into newspaper. The class quickly became one of my favorites and I felt like I grew a lot throughout the course of the year thanks to help from the senior class. I made a lot of new friends and looked forward to being in a class which gave me the freedom to explore writing, one of my creative interests, and to express myself. It was one of the first instances at McNeil where I felt like I belonged. 

I’ve enjoyed learning and growing as a writer and will cherish the memories and friendships made during my two years in the program.

To the staff, thank you for continuing to want to learn and grow. From working through print paper deadlines to listening to feedback for online stories, I’m proud of how far y’all have come and am excited to continue to see your progress. 

To Amanda and Bentley, both of you were deservingly chosen to run the publication next year. I am consistently impressed with your skills and know that you will continue to take the publication to new heights. 

To Sophie, your hard work and dedication has not gone unnoticed and I am grateful that I got to lead the publication with you. Your support throughout the year in helping me navigate the sometimes stressful job of managing the Trailblazer was essential. To Harper and Tierra, thank you for providing the laughter that kept the mood light and fun.

Thank you to Gluch for being the best advisor we could ask for. I will forever appreciate how you helped me in my transition to McNeil and into newspaper, having the confidence in me to allow me to continue to grow both as a writer and a person. 

To the reader, without your continued support, none of this would be possible. Our motivation as a publication is centered around producing the best possible product for you to consume, so thank you for reading.

Sophie

Signing up for journalism going into high school felt like a no brainer. I had loved doing yearbook in middle school, and I knew I wanted to continue along that path. Walking into the journalism class freshman year I was so excited.  Even in the smallest moments, journalism became one of the places I felt most comfortable. At the time I don’t think I realized how much of an impact that class would have made on me.

Sophomore year was my first year officially on the Trailblazer staff, relearning AP style, figuring out deadlines, captions, and interviews, was so overwhelming. It was a year of learning for sure, but it pushed me outside my comfort zone and taught me how to take criticism, improve my writing, and trust the process. Junior year I was feeling confident, and was so excited to be able to serve on the editor side of things for the first time starting in the second semester for the sports section. Being able to use my knowledge from sports to write what I was passionate about was so fun.  Senior year had truly been the greatest blessing of it all. I was able to expand my bubble and learn to work and create with new people. As I continue to get more confident in design it feels so much more rewarding putting each story on a page. 

Ms. Gluch, thank you for believing in me and always being a light and a leader in my life. I don’t think I would have ever applied for EIC if you hadn’t planted that seed in me. Throughout each high and low you have always been there with your honest opinion, whether it’s what I agree with or not. I am beyond blessed to have grown such an amazing relationship with you. Thank you for creating the inspiration for journalism in me which I know will carry on next year, and the rest of my life.

Karl, thank you for being the best co-EIC I could have asked for. You put up with me and my attitude day in and day out. Showing up with a smile on your face each day would set the tone for the entire staff. You lead with kindness and authenticity. Each print paper cycle you would help me more than I deserve, and I know the only reason each paper was completed well and on time was because of your efficiency and work ethic. 

To the Trailblazer staff, I know yall will all do great things. Thank you all for helping me and Karl produce a good paper every semester, nothing we have accomplished could have been done without each and every one of you. To the readers, staff, and administrators, who allowed us to interview and photograph you,  interrupt your classes, and tell your stories, thank you for supporting the Trailblazer and allowing us to capture the moments that make our school so special.