Each May, Hi’s Eye undergoes a change of staff: As the seniors write their final stories and prepare to say goodbye to their WHS journalism careers, the juniors—currently in Journalism II—excitedly take over our positions and responsibilities for the remainder of the school year.

With this solemn farewell to news-gathering, page design and paper delivery comes an eagerness to see what this hardworking group of juniors will accomplish as they fill our shoes. And although we can hardly believe our time on staff has come to an end, the confidence we have in our successors gives us hope that Hi’s Eye will continue to produce informed journalism week after week.

On these two pages, we have offered our final goodbyes to WHS journalism, which has given us memories and friendships we couldn’t possibly forget. We are honored to have been a part of such an impressive program; the future of Hi’s Eye looks bright. – Greta Frontero

“Journalism was initially a way to fulfill my practical arts requirement sophomore year with something new and interesting. After taking Journalism I, I was pleasantly surprised—I had no doubt that I wanted to continue. Despite this, I would never have guessed how much the class and my fellow staff members would mean to me by now. While having a conflict between swim and journalism was one of the hardest things to manage in all four years of high school, I discovered so much about myself, and I also learned how much the paper meant to me. I always tell people that if I could repeat senior year, I would still make sure that journalism was in my schedule.” – Chelsea Frisch

“Coming into the journalism program, I didn’t expect it to end like this. I have made so many friends who are going to last me through college and beyond. I have grown close to so many people I would have never had the chance to connect with. I have made a lot of memories in this class that I’ll never forget. I have learned so many things about myself and about the world of journalism through this class. I am going to miss everything about this class and wish I could spend another year as a part of Hi’s Eye.” – Olivia Milford

“Taking journalism and doing Hi’s Eye was one of the best decisions I made in my high school years. I learned skills that I can apply anywhere and everywhere. I can’t thank Hi’s Eye enough for that. I’m beyond proud of all the stories that the staff has come up with this year and I’m going to miss everyone next year because there’s no family like the J3 fam.” – Anna Masciandaro

“You know that phrase, ‘Words speak louder than actions?’ Well, it’s true. After all, I’ve never been the most vocal person, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have a voice. I’ve realized I do have a voice, thanks to Hi’s Eye, which has provided me the opportunity to provide a platform for my writing voice, like my connection to the Parkland shooting and my friends who were affected by the tragedy. Words are what influence people into thinking of something. Eventually, those thoughts and beliefs turn into taking action on that something. And that’s why I love being a journalist, and that’s what I love most about the Hi’s Eye community.” – Jessica Shih

“There is nothing quite like going out to interview for a story, failing at it then scrambling to come up with something good enough for a deadline. And once you make those final changes to a story and leave it in the hands of the editors, you get to move on to the next one; you get to forget about whatever it was that you worked so hard on covering until the paper comes out. That’s the best—becoming so consumed with pushing out good stories that you lose count of how many you’ve written.” – Olivia Morrison

“What I will miss the most are the people that I have met and bonded with during my time in the journalism program. This year, I have learned what it is like to run a business, which is something I never would have been able to experience in high school. Not only have I been pushed to improve my writing and expand my people skills, but I have also investigated really interesting topics, like the trends in college tuition and its effects on students and their families. Even though we have spent long hours working in Room 111, I can always count on Period 9 for a good laugh.” – Lindsay Freidenrich

“Besides the time Sarah and I got lost in Washington D.C. while trying to find a restaurant that turned out to be a food truck, being in Hi’s Eye has been amazing. The memories I have made at workdays will be with me forever, and more importantly the lessons that I have learned will help me in every aspect of my life. I’m so thankful for the friendships that I’ve made, and the experiences that journalism has given me. Best extracurricular ever.” – Bridget Hyland

“Hi’s Eye was the best thing I chose to do in high school because it was such a unique program that allowed me to make new friends and meet people in the community I never would have known otherwise. When I got the opportunity to be the first reporter to interview Mayor Brindle after her election, I realized how valuable being in this program is.  Although I realized journalism is not what I want to study in college, I have learned so many skills in the process of running a paper that I know I can apply in college and beyond.” – Rollins Terry

“I had no idea the impact the Hi’s Eye would have on my life when I first signed up, but it led me to the best group of people you could ever meet. I’ll never forget the memories and experiences we had together in Room 111 and I’m forever thankful for my second family.” – Samantha Forcht

“Being a part of the journalism program was a big step for me in deciding my career path. I came in not quite sure where I wanted to take my life and I am leaving intending to major in journalism to become a sports writer. The valuable lessons this program has taught me will always stay with me for the remainder of my writing career, and I am proud to have been a staff member of the Hi’s Eye. The friendships and bonds I have made these three years cannot be replaced and I can’t begin to thank this class for those memories.” – Joe Lotano

“When I first signed up to take journalism, I never thought my experience would end up how it did. I’ve always had an interest in writing, but journalism

sparked a completely new interest for me. Not only has this program made me a better journalist, but it has taught me what it is like to run a business with a great group of people. Room 111 isn’t just a regular classroom; it is where amazing ideas and creative layouts are made. Hi’s Eye created a whole new family for me and I will always cherish the memories we made throughout the past three years.” – Jordan Sacher

“Room 111 went from a room in the school that I didn’t know existed, to one where I’ve spent way more time than I’d like to admit. It’s rare to find something that makes things like embarrassing yourself to get the last interview you still need for your story, and staying at school for an extra four hours, worth it. For me, it’s safe to say that Hi’s Eye has done this for me. No matter how tedious some routine things get, this staff has always managed to make the most of it, whether it’s jamming out to music or debating which quote should go up on the board. Being a part of such a cohesive group of people has made every up and down all the better because we got to experience it together.” – Madison Pena

“Hi’s Eye has been an amazing experience that I will remember forever. Coming into this program, I would have never thought it would bring me many friendships that would last a lifetime. It has pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to take on new challenges. From workdays, to the legendary Christmas party, to stealing Lucy’s food every day, I am thankful for this experience and can’t wait to see what the new J3 staff does next.” – Haley Tomasso

“All the hard work that we did on staff always felt worthwhile since I knew we weren’t just doing it for a good grade. When we stayed late at workday to make sure everything looked perfect, we were doing it so that we could be proud of the papers we delivered every Friday. Having this common goal made it easy for J3 to become so close, and I feel like over this past year, the Hi’s Eye staff has become one big clique.” – Eve Crandall

“Hi’s Eye gave me the opportunity to write about things I never would have been able to write about in English class or anywhere else. I got to write about things I really had an interest in and it was rewarding when I saw my stories in the paper and when people would compliment me on them. I am proud to say I contributed to one of the best student publications in the country.” – Peter Ghaly

“Hi’s Eye has given me an experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life. The people in Room 111 made ninth period a place I wanted to be every single day. The memories made were special ones and I’m so grateful that I was able to have an opportunity to call these great journalists not only my classmates, but also my friends. The stories written by our group left a lasting impression on everyone who read them, which was always our goal, and I’m so glad we succeeded in that.” – Matt Meusel

“Hi’s Eye has taught me how to become a better writer and how to step outside my comfort zone. I will never forget every ninth period spent in Room 111. The memories that I have made are ones that I will continue to be thankful for. Hi’s Eye gave me the chance to write about things I never thought I would get the chance to, and it gave me a group of amazing friends.” – Sara Isser

“I’ve always enjoyed writing. It was the main factor in why I decided to take journalism my sophomore year. It was a lot more work than I was expecting; however, I instantly loved the unique writing style used in the class. The amazing bonds that I have made within these past three years made having to stay at school until 7 p.m. worth it. I have met some of my best friends through this class and have made a thousand memories through Hi’s Eye that I will always cherish.” – Lucy Gretsky

“Even though I started the journalism program with the intent of pursuing a career in journalism, it allowed me to grow in many different ways other than just writing. I found even after I chose not to major in journalism that the class was beneficial in allowing me to step out of my comfort zone every once in a while. I’ll never forget the memories made during my time writing for Hi’s Eye, and I am happy with the decision I made three years ago to get me to where I am today.” – Danny Bracco

“I originally just took journalism because my sister loved it and told me I would. I never actually understood why she loved being in it so much and didn’t mind staying at school for so long until this year. Hi’s Eye has given me so many new friendships and I am so grateful for that. I look forward to ninth period every day, and I’m going to miss that the most when I graduate.” – Nathalie Tucker

“Hi’s Eye has taught me valuable lessons of responsibility and hard work. I never would have thought freshman year that I would become so invested in the program with so many amazing relationships I have made on the way. Being able to write about anything I want and putting it out to the public is truly special and worthwhile. I will miss all of this greatly in the coming years.” – Stewie Pollock

“Hi’s Eye, and the journalism program in its entirety, have given me opportunities that I never could have anticipated when I signed up in sophomore year. Room 111 has seen the worst and best of my writing over three years, and the progress I made as a writer and as a person there is something I will treasure forever. Writing for Hi’s Eye has given me a voice with which I could express myself as a writer, a space to start discussion and a place to call home.” – Noelle Mesbah

“I didn’t realize when I started the journalism program I would be signing up to meet some of my closest friends, and I’ve never been more happy with my decision. I wouldn’t trade any of my experiences for the world and I’ll miss the long workdays that never felt too long when surrounded by my clique.” – Sarah Fox

“Hi’s Eye has been so much more than a simple journalism program and newspaper. I’ve become friends with people I never would have expected, and for that I am so grateful. The friendships made in Room 111 will last forever. I have also learned what it is like to to be a part of a business, which was totally new for me. There were tough deadlines and decisions that had to be made, but I have learned so much from them. I will take what I learned throughout this year into college and into the rest of my life, and I can safely say I feel well-prepared.” – Caitlin Hogge

“Hi’s Eye has given me so much more than I ever thought it would. Being able to have a class where students are free to be creative and collaborate how they choose to is something I am so grateful for. The friendships and bonds that I have made because of this class are ones that I will never forget.” – Emily Finn

“Hi’s Eye has not only taught me about the value of true and honest journalism, but also about the importance of teamwork and friendship. The staff has come together this year to produce hard-hitting, interesting and entertaining news week after week, and I am so happy to have been a part of it. I am beyond grateful for the WHS journalism program, and I eagerly await what the future of Hi’s Eye will look like.” – Greta Frontero