Meet the Team

Norah Nappi, '21

Editor-in-Chief

I have always been more of a humanities student, so the segway into journalism was pretty natural. I have also always been interested in politics and current events, and I love how journalism allows you to document them both. Most of all, journalism is a field that continuously provides opportunities to learn something new and that is what appeals to me. This is my second year in the class, and I could not be more happy to take on the role of editor-in-chief this year. Outside of writing, my favorite hobbies include singing, listening to music, hanging out with friends, and watching some good Netflix.

Favorite band: Fleetwood Mac

Favorite Book: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Favorite News Source: The Wall Street Journal

If I could travel anywhere in the world, I would travel to: India, Japan, and Italy.

Kate Walter, '21

Managing Editor

Hi! My name is Kate Walter, and I am the managing editor for the Here and Now this year. I believe that journalism plays such an important role in shedding light on social issues and starting important conversations. Some of my hobbies include running, swimming, and listening to podcasts. I hope everyone enjoys this edition; our team has put in a lot of work to make our ideas come to life. Happy reading/watching/listening :)

Favorite artist: Taylor Swift

Favorite podcasts: The Daily and You and Me Both with Hillary Clinton

Favorite book: Educated by Tara Westover

Favorite news source: The Washington Post

If I could travel anywhere in the world, I would travel to: Paris!

Anna Lesmes, '21

Digital Editor

Hello! My name is Anna Lesmes and I am the digital editor for the SR Here and Now. My role is designing and maintaining the online version of the Here and Now. I have a love for writing, film, and painting and enjoy expressing myself through my creativity. There are no particular topics that I solely like to talk or write about, but I tend to gravitate towards anything that allows me to be creative with my work. Here are a few more fun facts about me so you can get to know me better:

Favorite movie: Almost Famous

Favorite TV show: Rick and Morty

Favorite song: "Ivy" by Frank Ocean

Favorite book: The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Favorite news sources: Washington Post and New York Times

If I could travel anywhere in the world, I would travel to: Tokyo, Japan! I've also always wanted to go skydiving in Switzerland :)

Isabella Calogero, '21

Senior Staffer

I’m Isabella Calogero, and I’m a senior journalist for the Here and Now. I most enjoy writing about things involving social justice, and my favorite articles that I’ve written so far have been about the tampon tax and the evolution of women’s rights. I get most of my news from the Washington Post. My favorite TV show is Supernatural, and my favorite books are The Raven Cycle series by Maggie Stiefvater and Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo. My current favorite song is “Renegade” by Styx, though it changes all the time. I spend most of my free time riding horses or playing and writing music. I have a twin sister and two amazing dogs!

Kristin Lucas, '21

Senior Staffer

Hi! My name is Kristin, and I am a senior. I have attended SR for the past three years. I am addicted to puppy videos, and my spirit animal is the butterfly. I am an Aries, and, as previously hinted, I love astrology. My favorite news outlet is the New York Times, and my favorite artist is Frank Ocean.

Favorite movie: Spiderman

Favorite TV show: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Favorite song: "Where is my mind" by the Pixies

Favorite book: Becoming by Michelle Obama

Favorite news source: New York Times

If I could travel anywhere in the world, I would travel to: Paris, France

Sofia Morra, '21

Senior Staffer

My family is from Buenos Aires, Argentina, but I live in Maryland. My favorite things to do include traveling, watching movies, and hanging out with family and friends. I love reading biographies, such as I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai and A Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela. My favorite movie is Mamma Mia. I always keep up with current events by reading The Washington Post or The New York Times, and my phone is constantly flooded with Apple News alerts. If I could travel anywhere, I would go to India, Morocco, and South Africa. I decided to take journalism to keep others, including myself, more informed about what is happening in the world. I hope to write more articles about current events and how they affect our community.

Junior Staffer

I’m Elisa Baker and a junior writing for the Here and Now. I love reading all kinds of literature, as well as writing poetry and short stories. I also am interested in politics and the effects it has on modern society. Journalism creates the opportunity to make my community more welcoming and allows me to take more risks writing-wise. Outside of school, I enjoy exploring different genres of music to play on the violin, drawing, and watching New Girl. In addition, I hope to study psychology or sociology in college, which is why my article for this edition surrounds the topic of mental health and mindfulness. Being a part of the Here and Now crew really excites me and motivates me to develop a wiser and well-rounded opinion of the world around me. I hope you enjoy the issue!

Junior Staffer

Hi! My name is Paige Kenny, and I am a junior writer for the Here and Now. I’m super passionate about politics and current events, and I also love exploring alternative media forms like videos and magazine spreads or anything other than a traditional article. Outside of journalism and writing, I love playing lacrosse, listening to music, and watching Netflix. I’m obsessed with anything true crime, and I’m constantly trying to find new podcasts to listen to. I’m overjoyed to be a part of the Here and Now team, and I can’t wait to write my next article! I hope you enjoy this issue!

Favorite news source: CNN

Favorite TV show: Criminal Minds

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Favorite food: Chipotle

Junior Staffer

Hello! I am Haley Porto, and I am a junior. I am new to the Here and Now team, but I am so excited to be a part of it. I have been at Stone Ridge since second grade, and I have always enjoyed writing. I want to write about things that students can relate to or share an interest in: mental illness, learning differences, the ocean, outer space, history, fashion, or whatever else I develop an interest in. Besides writing, I love to watch movies, travel, swim, and listen to music.

Favorite movies: The Princess Diaries & The Outsiders

Favorite TV show: Stranger Things

Favorite song: "Pluto Protector" by Rex Orange County

Favorite book: The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Favorite news source: Washington Post

If I could travel anywhere in the world, I would travel to: The Greek Islands