Farewell from the Editor-In-Chief

I started my work with the Huguenot Herald almost four years ago as an anxious freshman looking for a way to join the New Rochelle High School community. Little did I know that I would eventually become an editor and later Editor-In-Chief. I am incredibly thankful for all of the opportunities the Herald has graciously afforded me and everyone who I have had the privilege of meeting upon joining the Herald family. I am sad to leave the community I have become so fond of, but excited by new opportunities that I would not have earned without the help of the Herald. 

I have always loved to write. However, upon taking my editor position, I realized just how interesting it is to work behind the scenes. Editing is a puzzle—a puzzle of words that allows me to learn about the lives of those around me. It enables me to help others express themselves, grow closer to people who have become my friends, and bask in the satisfaction of persevering through grammatical challenges. 

As Editor-in-Chief, I oversaw the creation of the Herald’s first-ever archives, which contain original issues dating back sixty years. Thanks to the help of our dedicated staff, we have cataloged all of the issues in our current collection and plan to share them with the greater New Rochelle community through the New Rochelle Public Library and New Rochelle Historical Society. 

First, I would like to thank our readers, who in my time at the Herald have made the transition from physical to online issues as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. While COVID-19 created challenges for a small student newspaper, readers are now able to tune in from places outside of NRHS and read the work of our talented writers everywhere. I have immense appreciation for my teachers, who always made my day when they would strike up conversations with me upon the release of a new issue. I must also thank everyone in the larger New Rochelle community who I (and the rest of our staff) have had the pleasure of interviewing—I am beyond grateful for the new perspectives I have subsequently gotten to explore. For the entirety of the Herald’s storied history, the NRHS community has been especially supportive of our work. 

I also have to thank our incredible staff, who routinely express dedication to their work at the Herald despite any challenges that come our way. To Connor, our Chief Website Manager, thank you for your unwavering enthusiasm—I am amazed by your devotion to your work at the Herald and your ability to lend a hand whenever anyone may need it. To Nila, thank you for putting your all into everything you write. I truly looked forward to seeing your thoughtful pieces each time I had the privilege of editing them. To Veronica and Annie, thank you for bringing the Herald the perspective of the Humans of New Rochelle. Annie, as our next Editor-in-Chief, I am confident you will do wonderful things with the Herald over the rest of your high school years and I am so excited to see everything you accomplish. 

Last but certainly not least, I must thank our extraordinary faculty advisor, Ms. McCain. You are so supportive of every writer and have consistently encouraged me to take risks upon assuming my position as Editor-In-Chief. While taking over this position had quite the learning curve, your faith in me has enabled me to grow as a leader. Despite the lack of resources promised to us, you have consistently advocated for the Herald and happily stepped in when I needed help. I am so grateful for all of the advice you have given me both personally and as an editor. You have played a defining role in my high school experience that I will never forget. 

Being your Editor-In-Chief has been the among most exhilarating experiences I have ever had. I am pleased to announce that I will be attending Cornell University in the fall in part because of everything that Herald has done for me. While I am sad for this chapter to close, I know that I will never truly leave the Herald community, and I am eager to watch for the spectacular things the Herald does next.