Articles

In writing this article, less than 48 hours after Booker's speech, my goal was to connect a national political moment to the lived experiences of students and faculty in our diverse school community. Having classmates from across New York, the country, and the world, I wanted to show how Cory Booker’s speech resonated on a deeply personal level for many. Since many members of our school community hail from New Jersey, I shed light on how political action can feel immediate and inspiring when it reflects the places and people we call home.

AI is often discussed in abstract terms, so when writing this piece, I was really interested in how AI is actually being used in our classrooms. There’s so much fear around AI in schools, especially when it comes to cheating, but I wanted to look at how teachers at Masters are using it in thoughtful and creative ways. As I spoke to Mr. Thorn, Mr. Hardy, and Mr. Cusano, I began to see how differently each of them approached AI. Nonetheless, they all had the same goal of helping students think more deeply. It made me realize that AI isn’t replacing learning; it’s becoming part of it. I hoped this article would show how complicated and human this conversation really is.

I always aspire to spotlight the unique passions and pursuits that make our school community so vibrant. This profile of Clover Graves '27 -- a precision rifle shooter, student-athlete, and aspiring medical practitioner -- captures how discipline, focus, and ambition take shape in unexpected ways. In telling her story, I wanted to show how our students pursue excellence not only in the classroom, but in deeply personal and often surprising arenas.

Immediately after receiving notice of Pope Francis' death, I began working with another Tower staff member to write this piece, which was published the next day. We spoke with students and teachers from many walks of life, people who saw their values, cultures, and identities reflected in his leadership. In such a diverse school where faith and background influence so many perspectives, it felt meaningful to bring those voices together in one story. This article received a Best of SNO award.

Last year, two other staff members shared the first reports on the asylum seekers in Ardsley, but as Trump’s second administration began and immigration policies took a sharp turn, I knew this story needed a deeper, more personal look. Over several months, I, alongside another Tower staff member, dug into every detail. We talked with families, local volunteers, and community leaders to truly understand what these people were going through and how our community was stepping up to help. Our mission was to show the heart of our diverse school and neighborhood during a time full of uncertainty and hope.