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Though they had a variety of experiences and time in journalism, the three senior girls – Brooke Syme, Gracie Kjar and Aidan Inglish – were all essential to the success of the class this year.
“These three are some of the best we’ve ever had,” advisor Ben Cox said. “I don’t think I’ve ever had a more dependable, hard-working group who just dug in and got work done whenever it was needed. They have been incredible!”
Whether she is acting as editor-in-chief, a managing editor, or a reporter, Brooke Syme has loved everything about her three years in journalism.
“Honestly, almost everything has been my favorite part,” Syme said. “I really like the people and everything I’ve learned from the class and just being around the environment and doing the things we do.”
Syme remembers when she first clicked with her group in journalism. Her editor promised them that if they got their stories in early, she would buy them all ice cream.
“That was when I really felt the connection of journalism and connecting with somebody and going; these aren’t just like people I’m in class with, they’re my friends,” Syme said. “You care about me, I care about you.”
Aidan Inglish has also been part of journalism for three years. She is head of design and a managing editor and also enjoys the relationships that are built.
“It gives me more opportunities to get to know people,” Inglish said. “We have a pretty friendly environment, a pretty friendly community. If I interview a kid, the rest of the year they’ll be waving at me in the hall. It just feels nice cause it feels like you’re building friendships along with connections.”
Journalism has become something more than just a class for some people.
“It started out for me as something that was kind of just an obligation,” Inglish said. “I never planned on joining, but I joined because I was told to join. I think as time went on it’s become more and more something that I’m passionate about.”
Senior Gracie Kjar has only been in journalism for a year but has managed to evenly split her time between journalism and jazz band, another 0-hour class, something that no student has ever done nor will probably ever do again.
Kjar had wanted to take journalism for years, but the conflict with band was too much. However, Cox and Jazz band teacher Tim Kidder talked about the possibility this fall and determined that it could possibly work just because of Kjar’s high level of excellence and motivation.
Kjar is still enthusiastic as she comes to a class that is new to her.
“I always show up on time,” Kjar said. “I’m excited but I can understand how doing it repetitively for that long could be blah but me being able to just have it this year I’ve been excited to do it and try to make the most of what I’ve got.”
Cox appreciates both the leadership and connection that he’s made with these three students over the years.
“It’s hard to fully express my gratitude to these three,” Cox said. “Gracie has been amazing this year with her stories and artwork. It took me years to convince Aidan that journalism is awesome, but she has been more incredible than she realizes the entire time. And Brooke has just been phenomenal as an editor-in-chief. Whenever I needed anything, she was always there to help. I’m going to miss them all.”
All of the girls share a love of music. Syme plays the flute and piano and has participated in the fall marching band for a year and the summer band for three years. She loves to ride side-by-sides, 4-wheelers, and get dirty. She also enjoys reading and was the English Sterling Scholar.
Kjar loves to bake anything and everything, and she enjoys playing pickleball with her grandpa. Kjar also loves art and was the visual arts Sterling Scholar.
Inglish shares that love of art and can often be seen sketching away in her notebook. She also enjoys photography and fine arts. Inglish was selected as the 2023-24 character banner for creativity.
