I am so glad I said yes.
It feels like just yesterday I had Rachel, Tina, and Mrs. Mannle sat in front of me asking if I wanted to be Editor-in-Chief, and I was extremely hesitant, gave them a “maybe” and thought about it for a week, but I eventually came around. I was worried that amongst college applications, 5 APs, Model UN and Student Council, I would not have room on my plate for The Chariot. However, if I have learned anything from The Chariot this year, it is that whatever I think my maximum capacity is… it is way beyond that. Thank you, Chariot, for teaching me to delve into the unknown, constantly push past my limits and to say “yes!”
Cartoonists: What I find most fascinating about the Chariot is how there is someone on staff for every aspect of this publication. One person’s weakness is another’s strength- you cartoonists are the perfect example of filling the gaps of our paper with color and life. I have never once been disappointed by a piece of art produced by this phenomenal group. Thank you for completing the Chariot.
Photography: At almost every NHP sporting event, you can find someone running down the sidelines with a camera in-hand. While Areej and Alvin are the main photographers on staff, Mrs. Mannle’s words have stuck with me throughout the year… “everyone is a photographer on Chariot.” So, if you’ve ever submitted your photos to our publication, thank you. Thank you for showing up to events. Thank you for being brave to ask around. Thank you for answering messages late-night to send in last minute photos for a last-minute article. Thank you for catching glimpses of our community and translating them into our work.
Writers: What is The Chariot without you all?! This publication stretches so far beyond just our staff, but to our entire community of writers. To be a part of anything in NHP is special, but to be a part of a group that connects seventh graders to seniors is more than anyone could ask for from their highschool experience.
Staff Writers: Being a staff writer for The Chariot means stepping up when it is needed most to cover a topic that either came up last minute or that we couldn’t find a writer for in time. This job often goes overlooked, and it takes so much grit and dedication, but more importantly, requires an unwavering desire to “carry the news.” To Jacob, Fatima, Manal, and Carmela, thank you for stepping up when it’s most needed! You are all such a valuable addition to this paper.
Dylan & Arjit: The dynamic duo… thank you guys for bringing your sports knowledge to the table and consistently helping out to pick up articles in your section. Thank you for chasing down Mr. Maguire for last-minute quotes, and for emailing coaches and players to ensure every athlete has a place in The Chariot. Watching the both of you develop into better journalists and reporters, and also fall in love with the publication process has been a pleasure, and I am so excited to see what you both bring to the tables in the year to come.
Rachel & Julia: The dynamic duo (part 2)… watching you two work together (despite being in different sections) is truly a pleasure. I’ve never met two people so in sync, but that still each brings their own experience to the table. For two people who just joined staff this year, your editing is nearly flawless, and more specifically, both of your work ethics are inspiring. Thank you for being so deeply involved with our writers, and for always being open to work one-on-one to aid them in the writing or interviewing process. Seeing how much good both of your kindness has brought to the Chariot is touching, and I am looking forward to seeing what the year ahead will bring for the both of you.
Evyn: Evyn, your transformation on this staff in just one year is truly remarkable. Coming to the school as a new student with so much experience and passion, you climbed your way from writer, to staff writer, to News section editor in the span of 4 issues- and I could not have imagined your journey any other way because you deserve every opportunity that The Chariot has to offer. When I met you at our first distribution, I was so disappointed that you were not a part of our staff, but felt so lucky to have a new addition to our Chariot community. When the position opened for Staff Writer and later Section Editor, it was a no-brainer- and you are perfect for both roles. Seeing how far you have come in such a short span of time speaks to your capabilities as a journalist, member of a team, and leader. You are a tremendous contribution to the energy of our staff, and I am so lucky that The Chariot found you this year.
Shohom: Shohom, you are one of the most intelligent people I’ve been lucky enough to work with on Chariot, and I am inspired by your perspective every day. Thank you for bringing a new perspective to articles, whether they be about sciences, politics, or an editorial about anything. You have truly made such a home out of features. Not only am I excited to watch you grow and develop as a reporter over the rest of your journey with The Chariot, but I am excited to see what you will accomplish in life with your intelligence and creativity. Getting to know you has been a pleasure.
Darsh: Darsh, Darsh, Darsh! You are one of the most phenomenal students and workers I have ever met. Your strive to continuously go above and beyond what is expected and asked of you is truly remarkable. You are our unofficial, undeclared, honorary EIC Jr, always staying the latest for late nights, running around the school to get a last-minute quote, or taking the camera around to get pictures. Darsh, if I could only describe you in two words (I couldn’t even do it in a million), those two words would be dependable and outstanding. You consistently do things for others and step up when we need you, but you always do things for yourself too, taking on all of The Chariot’s duties simply because of how passionate you are about the things you love. While I am older than you, I have been so inspired by you, and learning from your work ethic has been an honor.
Marco: Writing this for you is so easy. You are truly a best friend (I take that word to heart). You, Marco, are a star. You are passionate and driven. You are likable and hilarious. You are probably the most popular student amongst all of the teachers in our building. We always joke that we are the same person, that you are following in my footsteps almost exactly, and to that all I can say is thank you. Thank you for inspiring me to be better, and for reminding me that you look up to me, even when I don’t feel like someone to look up to. You are going places, Marco, and if at any point along your journey, in whatever you do and wherever you are, you need to stop and turn around to see how far you’ve come, I will be there, right behind you, holding a neon colored sign and screaming, cheering you on. I am SO proud of you.
Linda: From the bottom of my heart, I could not have asked for a better partner-in-crime this year. Linda, you are dependable, kind, and have such a passion for The Chariot and the publication process as a whole. There is truly no one better for the job of EIC than you, and I am so excited to watch you continue your career as a journalist in the future, as I know you will be insanely successful. You are truly a force to be reckoned with. Out of all of the challenges we’ve faced this year, from losing much of our material on the Wix, to many of our late night tears and last minute decisions, we as a team have always found a way to persevere, and for that I am SO grateful. Working with you has been such an amazing experience and I am beyond lucky to know you. Leaving you and The Chariot is so sad, but I am truly excited to watch you thrive in all of your future endeavors. I am SO much faith in you and all that you will accomplish.
Mrs. Mannle: Mrs. Mannle, I truly could not have asked for a better role model and rock in this insane journey of being EIC. Thank you for pushing me to take on this challenge and for believing in me from day one. Thank you for listening to my rants, drying my tears, and always bringing me back to Earth. I love hearing about all of the stories you have, either from your previous experiences in broadcast media or just stories about your seventh grade classes. I admire your passion and compassion, and I hope as I grow older and continue my career as a student, I can adopt all of the amazing qualities you have demonstrated. Thank you for EVERYTHING. I will miss working with you so much.
