Who Are We?

Erika Despradel Urdaneta

Editor-In-Chief

Erika Despradel Urdaneta is a senior at MC School and the newspaper’s longest-serving op-ed writer, as well as its Editor-in-Chief. She brings years of experience and a clear editorial vision to the Gazette. Outside the newsroom, she enjoys reading, surfing, skateboarding, playing volleyball, and cooking.

Brenda Liriano Pérez

Managing Editor

Brenda Liriano is a senior at MC School and the newspaper's Managing Editor. Brenda joined the newspaper to develop her editing and creative-writing skills. In her free time, she enjoys sports, outdoor activities, spending time with friends, and watching true-crime documentaries.

María Vásquez Ventura

Lead Copy Editor

María Vásquez is a sophomore at MC School who covers politics and pop-culture. As the youngest member of the newspaper’s leadership team, she serves as Lead Copy Editor. Her involvement in Model UN has fueled her interest in global affairs and public discourse. Outside the newsroom, she enjoys cooking, listening to music, and playing padel.

Carlos Graveley Carlo

Carlos Graveley is a sophomore at MC School who reports on major world events for the Griffin Gazette. A former guest member of the National Honor Society, he brings curiosity and a strong academic background to his work. In his free time, he enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Andres Castillo Encarnación

Andres Castillo is a sophomore at MC School whose creativity shows up in everything he does—from designing LEGO builds to exploring his neighborhood on his bike. When he’s not outside, he loves playing video games with friends. He brings that same energy and curiosity to his work with the Gazette.

Valeria Perez Tejeda

Valeria is a junior at MC School with interests in writing about travel, news, and a variety of other topics. She is also a member of the school volleyball team and enjoys staying active. Outside of school, Valeria spends her time with family and friends, pursuing her favorite hobbies.

Daniel Jiménez Núñez

Daniel Jiménez Nuñez is a sophomore at MC School. With a background in French and chess, he brings focus and curiosity to sports journalism. He will be covering sports news with an emphasis on soccer, his favorite sport. Outside the newsroom, he enjoys participating in sports, playing video games, and trying new foods.

Luis Jose Díaz

Luis José Díaz is a sophomore at MC School who loves both the intensity of sports and the strategy of chess. He hopes to bring that same competitive spirit and sharp thinking to his writing for the Gazette. When he’s not studying or training, he enjoys playing soccer and hanging out with friends.

Dillon Shelton

Dillon Shelton is a teacher at MC School and serves as the Adviser for the Griffin Gazette. He teaches tenth-grade English, 12th-grade AP Language, and Capstone. Mr. Shelton is passionate about helping students grow as thinkers, readers, writers, speakers, and people. In his free time, he enjoys reading, chilling with his wife, and learning Spanish.