There are a lot of things in high school that, in the grand scheme of life, don’t really matter. “It’s just high school.” But, being a part of this legit newspaper and writing about so many important, personal and sometimes funny topics-it’s crazy to think about the impact we’ve made in the short year we’ve been on staff.”

— Mary-Joy Sidhom

I don’t think I can really put into words how grateful I am to be a part of the Hi’s Eye. Not only did I get to write about important stories that impact our community, but I was able to gain a new family in the process. We’ve certainly all experienced our share of ups and downs, but it’s made us all better writers and better people overall. Being on this paper has been such an amazing experience for the past three years, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

— Kyle Henderson

I wasn’t sure what to expect when signing up for Journalism 1, but after these three years it is safe to say that it was one of the best decisions I made in high school. Knowing that even if we were on a tight deadline for the paper there would be plenty of laughs and jokes along the way is exactly what made being in Room 111 my favorite part of the day. Being a part of the Hi’s Eye community was such a great experience and I cannot believe that it is already over. ”

— Lauren Greenspan

We always talk about how Hi’s Eye is a family and how Room 111 is our home, but we really mean it. The things I’ve been able to accomplish and the friends I’ve made would have never happened if it wasn’t for the paper. From late nights doing layout to intimidating interviews to just hanging out with my friends in 111, I am so incredibly thankful for my three last years in the journalism program. ”

— Alex Sumas

At first, I just took Journalism 1 to fulfill a graduation requirement and had no intent in taking the course for more than half a semester. Three years later, and I think it’s safe to say that I have found a home in Room 111, and I could not be more thankful. I have loved every single second of the past three years being a part of Hi’s Eye and I can honestly say that the things I have learned in Hi’s Eye are things I will carry with me for the rest of my life”

— Safiya Amin

Journalism was, without a doubt, my favorite part of high school, and I can confidently say that I have learned more from working on the Hi’s Eye than I have in any other class. The Hi’s Eye gave me the opportunity to create real change, a place to express my creativity and most importantly it gave me some of my best friends. From reporting and writing, to workdays spent editing and trying to get the floaty tool to work, to listening to Julie’s epic playlists while mailing papers on Fridays, the Hi’s Eye was truly a once in a lifetime experience and it gave me memories that I will keep forever.”

— Lauren Sullivan

After switching jobs 13 years into my teaching career, I was terrified and full of anxiety starting this new journey. I was given such a powerful and important responsibility and there is no way that I could have handled that challenge without this group. This staff is intelligent, dedicated, and loyal. They truly cared about the important things in life: relationships, truth, and happiness. I never thought that halfway through my career I would learn new things, or become inspired again. But, this group of students did just that — they taught me and they inspired me, but most importantly, they made me laugh every single day. It is because of them and the home we built together in Room 111 that I know I made the right decision to come to WHS.”

— McDonald

Being a part of the Hi’s Eye has been an invaluable experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything. Room 111 is a part of school that doesn’t feel like school – a place where I know that my work matters, a place where I can say what I want to say, a place where I know that everyone is on my side. Hi’s Eye will forever impact me and the memories I have made will never be forgotten. Thank you, Hi’s Eye, for being one of the few things I will miss about WHS! ”

— Julie Dannevig

I feel so lucky to be a new part of the Hi’s Eye tradition at WHS. This group proved throughout the year that student journalists are real journalists—I’ll especially never forget their dedication putting together the Dr. Nelson tribute issue. My Hi’s Eye workday is Mondays; at the beginning of the year I decided to also come in “a few Wednesdays” to help proofread—but really to attempt to get to know the students better. Now I come to Room 111 on Wednesday mornings all the time, because there’s no place I’d rather be. (This talented group is also why McDonald and I think about Hi’s Eye constantly and text each other after hours so much!) It’s a real privilege to read students’ writing, to discover what they care about, and to know them as the wonderful people that they are. I’ve learned as much from this class of seniors as they might have from us advisers. I’ll never forget ‘my’ first group of Hi’s Eye students!”

— O’Connor

Journalism 1 was the first class in high school where I actually enjoyed the homework I was given. I know, pretty crazy. But you know you’ve found what you want to do when you actually enjoy the work that you are producing. Thus, for me, Hi’s Eye has been a learning opportunity, family, and a jumping platform to my future. What more could you want?”

— Hanna Zakharenko

I never had a voice before Hi’s Eye. I was always the quiet girl in class, who had an opinion, but never shared it. This newspaper gave me a voice. It gave me a platform to not only share my feelings, but also share other students’ feelings. There are no words to fully do justice to the Hi’s Eye experience. Room 111 is a room like no other. From the late nights spent at school, the stress if finishing an article on deadline, to the tears from different articles that were written, I wouldn’t change it for the world. There are a lot of things I won’t remember from high school, but my time in Hi’s Eye is something I will truly never forget.”

— Natalie Becker