When I enrolled in the Journalism Newspaper course my sophomore year, I thought that it was just going to be an easy elective that would serve as a break in my school day. I would have never thought that it would play such a prominent role in my life, but boy was I wrong.
When I registered for the class, I was welcomed by senior editor Michael Williams, who often referred to me as the future of The Blue Streak. This title came with its fair share of pressure, but it left me inspired to treat the class as more than just a break in the day.
I began taking the class sophomore year, and I grew accustomed to it. I quickly developed a newfound passion for journalism, and that propelled me to put forth maximum effort into my articles. I was ready to be the future of The Blue Streak and contribute to its continuous success. Then came March 2020.
COVID-19 took a drastic toll on The Blue Streak in 2020. After already not having enough students to keep it as a class, it was practically impossible to keep it going as a club amidst a raging pandemic and virtual meetings. It appeared as if there would be no future for The Blue Streak.
That February, though, in one final desperate attempt to bring it back, Bennett and I advertised The Blue Streak to students, sharing announcements on Canvas and spreading the word to our peers. We focused particularly on gaining the support of younger students so that the future would remain in good hands. The course had just six students going into this year - all rising sophomores - and that was just enough to bring back the class.
Flash forward to now, and The Blue Streak is back and better than ever. Articles are uploaded on a weekly basis, and we have developed a tight-knit community that cannot be found in any other class. This is the future that Michael was talking about, and boy is it bright!
It has been such a blessing to witness how the staff has come together and worked towards a common goal this year. The Blue Streak newsroom has not only become a working space, but a family. As I prepare to step into the next chapter of my life, I do so with confidence in this group of students and their abilities. Each one of them has a passion for journalism and their school, and they are all going to do great things in the years to come.
As I close out my career with The Blue Streak, I just want to thank everybody that has poured into me and this publication in recent years. Thank you Mrs. Williamson for remaining confident in me and this publication through the difficult times. I would not be anywhere close to where I am right now without you. Thank you to all the staff both past and present that have shown their passion for the newspaper day in and day out. I am so proud, and I cannot wait to see where The Blue Streak goes in the future!
Sincerely,
Eli Hardegree