The summer before my sophomore year of high school began, I received my class schedule for the upcoming school year. There was a course listed that I had no interest in taking, so I looked at the options for English electives listed in the course selection book to find a class to switch into. I read a short paragraph of what journalism students do and decided to just go for it–I didn’t know what else to do. That hasty decision changed my life.

I had absolutely no idea what to expect going into my first day of the class, as I had never before considered what a journalist’s duties are and didn’t even know that AP Style writing exists.

From writing short feature stories to interviewing intimidating seniors at lunch, I quickly discovered that I have a passion for the organized chaos of a newsroom. Although that first semester in the class was challenging to say the least, as I hadn’t expected an elective course to require so much effort and dedication, I knew that I wanted to come back the next school year ready to take on more work.

Fast forward to this school year: I am the editor-in-chief of this prestigious publication and am not looking forward to leaving it behind. However, I know that the next student leader of the staff, Carly Herbert, will do an amazing job of continuing the legacy of and upholding the reputation of The Chronicle.

There are numerous individuals who have helped me make my final year of reporting for Kettle Run a success. I have to thank Dr. Jeck, superintendent, and Mr. Warner, associate superintendent for instruction, for always responding to my constant emails. Both of them have been willing to take the time out of their hectic days to answer any questions I have in a timely manner.

The same goes for any other teacher, administrator, or student who has contributed in some way to the newspaper. Without the information they give to members of the staff, the newspaper would not exist. Hopefully, members of the Cougar community will be just as willing to provide information, photos, and anything else that staff members need in future years.

Also, I must thank the members of the staff who have been through it all with me. We have bonded through “warm fuzzies” and Secret Santa gift exchanges. We have experienced enormous amounts of stress together, frantically completing assignments before the seemingly never-ending deadlines. And we have become like a family, defending each other against the angst-filled words from all of the “J1s.” I will never forget the times we spent creating the morning announcements, trying our best to not laugh our way through filming (yes, it was mostly me trying not to laugh but it was memorable nonetheless).

Lastly, none of my successes would have been possible without the knowledge and wisdom of Mrs. Norden, Kettle Run’s publications adviser. She has taught me to always present both sides of every story, make sure that I double check all of my sources and constantly be on the lookout for creative ways to keep the newspaper up with the times. Her experience working in the journalism field translates to the way in which her class functions- -like a realistic newsroom.

I plan to major in journalism in college because of the experience I have gained from reporting for The Chronicle. Looking back on the initial unhappiness I felt as I made my way into room 223 three years ago, I realize now that I made the right decision.

Signing off, Erin Hogge Editor-in-Chief 2017-2018