I joined Rambler in the fall of my freshman year, when I still didn’t really know which staircases to use or even really who Mr. Vautrain was, but I knew I wanted to write. I had been hearing about the high school’s newspaper since sixth grade, and I remember thinking it was just the coolest thing ever that students were able to publish their very own print newspaper. Now, after four years of being a part of the Rambler, I still feel the same way.
I began as a writer, learning so much about journalism from the senior editors-in-chief, whom I looked up to as figures of academic success whom I strived to be like someday. I wrote about sports, clubs, events, and community news, and really became passionate about student involvement and connection in their education and community. Ambitions that were born from what I learned and shared via the Rambler led me to serve as a Student Representative to the Board of Education, volunteer at the library, join the National Honor Society, and then serve as President, and so much more.
I was promoted to editor for my junior year, which I felt really solidified my involvement in the paper. I felt so grateful to work on a leadership team of so many passionate, intelligent students, collaborating to create something each month that we could all be incredibly proud of.
Finally, working as Editor-in-Chief this year was one of the most rewarding, full-circle experiences I could have asked for in my senior year. It certainly was not without its difficulties, whether it be the layout site crashing or the monthly timeline never really going to plan, but I am so proud of the work we were able to accomplish this year. We had more new writers join than I ever recall seeing before, who all came in eager to collaborate and learn. Based on the growth I witnessed this school year alone, I am so thrilled to see the direction they take with the Rambler in the years to come.
Evie and Emma were the best co-editors-in-chief I could have asked for. It was an absolute pleasure to lead the paper with two of the most intelligent, driven, and inspiring people I have ever met. Whether it be in the group chat or during our Rambler gatherings during period 2, crunching to get an edition out each month was just so much fun with them.
Getting to work closely with Mr. Vautrain and to learn even more from him beyond what I had taken away from two years in his class always felt like an honor. His passion for journalism is evident in how he dedicates so much time and energy to the newspaper and inspires his students to greatness. He has taught me so much about the benefits of hard work, dedication, and learning, and I feel so much gratitude to have been able to collaborate with him.
To all Rambler staff members, it was a privilege to work with you all. Good luck and happy writing!
