Dear Readers of the North Howler,

I did not join the North Howler until my junior year. Until then, I couldn’t define what journalism was, I didn’t know how to quote someone properly, and I was unsure what a feature story was. My growth, the past two years as a student, a writer, and a leader has been profound in the last two years in room G215.

I started as an unsure writer who signed up for the class because my sophomore-year English teacher, Chloe Healy, told me I should. I had seen the North Nonsense and Wolf of the Week posts and figured, ‘Why not?!’ Little did I know that filling an empty slot on my schedule with newspaper would be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

My first year on staff consisted of much trial and error. Under the patient instruction of kind upperclassmen such as Grace Jesske, Courtney Hagestad, and Mallory Ringenberg, I slowly but surely found my writing voice.

I first took on more light-hearted subjects: a feature on a foreign exchange student, a few entertainment reviews, and multiple articles about high school relationships. While I was proud of my work, I had a hard time thinking my pieces were important, and I never envisioned that I would have the opportunity to lead the newsroom.

When the discussion about future leadership came up, I didn’t know I was even considered as a candidate. I remember filling out the application thinking ‘just maybe,’ and excited about a potential new role in a class I loved. When I found out I was chosen as the next editor-in-chief, I was elated.

This year, with more experience and more confidence, I took on more serious topics with my writing: the stigma surrounding public schools, the importance of community on an athletic team, the emotions behind politics, and the unsafe reality for women in America.

While I still enjoy writing my own pieces, I have also discovered a new joy in helping and leading others. I have learned the benefits of a positive work environment and have observed the success that follows communication.

Being Editor-in-Chief has instilled me with a great sense of pride in my school and in representing the voice and view of my peers.

Throughout this year, I have proudly watched the many reporters on the North Howler grow and evolve into creative and thought-provoking writers.

The sophomores have brought a new voice to the North Howler. Through their imagination and wit, Nia Kandari and Taiya Viacrucis have reached new readers through their unique articles and cartoons. Jack Reinoehl’s positive energy reflects not only in his writing, but also daily in our newsroom.

The North Howler provides coverage on a multitude of topics for the ENHS community. While some of our work draws attention to the outstanding character of students, others cover timely events around the world. Each piece is unique to the reporter, and in this print issue we showcase the time and effort of every member of the North Howler staff. For 52 minutes a day, five days a week, the Howler’s staff works to represent and cover various topics that are timeless and unique to Elkhorn North.

Many of my classmates are not frequent users of the North Howler, however, one published piece this year had everyone in on the Howler website. With 3,557 views and counting, one article, Bridge the Divide by junior reporter Elan Perry, had everyone talking. Journalism is intended to spark conversation and, while not everyone agreed with the view expressed in the article, the North Howler circulated like never before. 

I have learned that it is the job of reporters to discover and offer perspective. Readers will struggle to understand or grasp a topic that they don’t have perspective on or awareness, but journalism provides a bridge and access. It is the choice of the readers to use it to cross into understanding or not.

I faced a similar situation when I wrote a piece [featured on page —] about what it is like to be a woman today in America. This was more vulnerable and personal than my other work, and I knew not everyone would agree with me. I was nervous to publish this piece and have to face the potential push-back. That fear made me start to doubt my work and my writing on an article I had spent weeks drafting, editing, and perfecting.

Despite my nerves, I decided to publish. As a senior and the editor-in-chief, I knew I was in the right place and this was the right time to voice my opinion on a subject I have always been passionate about. 

The opportunity to write such a piece has taught me a lot about myself. I have learned it’s ok to be vulnerable, opinionated, unsure, and confident all at the same time. 

Fourth period is my favorite part of my day, every day. Newspaper has not only brought me writing and leadership skills, but also some of my best friends. I admire the qualities of every editor and reporter on the team. The newsroom would not operate the same without them, especially the rest of my editorial team.

Chloe Mead is a beckoning light of joy and optimism in the newsroom. She always puts others before herself, and I aspire to show her level of kindness.

Tyler Cooney’s attention to detail in writing and graphic design has established consistency and sophistication throughout the North Howler.

Chelsea Mahloch’s engagement and passion has allowed our social media and creativity to flourish.

Garrett Ringenberg’s strong voice has delivered countless successful pieces.

Through her clear leadership, kind heart, and brilliant feedback, our adviser Chloe Healy has established herself as one of the most respected adults in my life. Ms. Healy has helped guide me through countless situations in high school, writing related or not. Ms. Healy is my closest confidant within the walls of the Elkhorn North, and I will forever be grateful for the chance she took on me and the opportunities she has granted me.

The idea of a “scrapbook” theme for our annual print issue was pitched in an editor meeting. The idea of a scrapbook captures the memories and moments of this year while also including meaningful, interesting, and relevant articles by our reporters. What seemed like a fun and maybe girly idea has allowed us to incorporate aspects of countless individuals. This issue features the work of many art students, giving coverage to an abundance of individuals who may not have been interviewed in other stories. 

I hope each student and senior in particular will enjoy our scrapbook filled with the memories and moments of high school we captured through the writing and art of Elkhorn North students.

Thank you to the North Howler Staff for your hard work and dedication. I am so excited to see and read all you do next year.

With Love,

-Payton Brummels