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Editor's Note:

I would like to start this note off with some simple realizations that have only now been made clear to me. This year has gone by fast, now everyone says that, but truly it feels as if my junior year has been swept out from beneath my feet in a blurry flash. In all my years of youth, to which I must still sort through, I never truly envisioned myself as the leader of anything, therefore, becoming the Editor and Chief of a school’s publication setting never once crossed my mind. If it did, it was in my childish dreams and imaginative caricatures of “those cool people who get to be the boss of things.” Being an introverted and plain individual, this position never seemed to fit my description. However, in my freshman year I was nominated by Ms. Dixon, my creative writing teacher at the time, to be on the Speechless staff. I was awed and enamored by the works of the staff, the students, and all those who contributed to the growing publication site when I first joined. By my sophomore year I saw almost the entirety of the staff I had come to know graduate, leaving Speechless with a new wave of influence as well as myself a position as Art Editor (even though, funny enough, art cannot be edited). Presently, I find myself as the Editor and Chief of Speechless publications, and to me, that is a great honor and achievement.

And now, my own personal sentiments about myself aside, I must acknowledge those who are quintessential to Speechless, those who, through hard work have made it a worthwhile endeavor. I must first honor Mr. Cutler, who throughout the years has rounded up this odd group of unmotivated teens, and pushed them to work and organize the Speechless publications. Without his wisdom and guidance, this site would not be as it is today. I must also honor my fellow staff members, who are far different than the initial staff I had been introduced to, but are all the same quite extraordinary. Hunter Cook, our new Webmaster who must work tirelessly to revamp and maintain the Speechless site. Madison Bradburn, for her picky tastes in poetry (now thankfully assigned as the Fiction Editor). Kathryn Brown, whose presence not only as the new Poetry Editor, but as the Student Body President, offers us a great deal of help. Cully Barr, our sweet and sole senior as the Nonfiction Editor. And lastly, our two Copy Editors who work diligently to tie up the loose ends and ensure the preservation of each featured genre: Emma Blythe and Hanna Carver. Staff members aside, I must now thank you, our readers for not only reading this long editor's note, but for experiencing and appreciating the works of Swain County High’s featured students.

I now present to you, Speechless 2016.

May you now find yourself at a loss for words.

Eliza Watson