The Red & Black Editor in Chief: Signing Off…
As the first Editor in Chief of our school's online publication, Hailey Julian takes a moment to reflect on the year as it comes to an end.
May 18, 2017
Moving on from something you’ve known most of your life is difficult. Having to face the reality that all of it is coming to an end can be heartbreaking for some. I know this isn’t the case for everyone but, I know for most seniors, these somewhat agonizing thoughts are running through their heads right now. It’s astounding to think how far we’ve all come since freshman year. What were once “kids” in braces and carrying overstuffed backpacks, are now young adults with car keys. I remember roaming these halls as a freshman thinking how tough the change would be from middle school but, I guess I never thought that that wasn’t even the hardest transition.
However, I know this change will bring good things. There is an opportunity for everyone to achieve their goals and this is because of the foundation we were given here at Patchogue-Medford. I hope that the future brings happiness and success to all, and even with struggles along the way, we will all rise above them and continue on our path to a great life.
My hopes for the Class of 2017 is simple: always chase your dreams. No matter how difficult something may seem at first, it isn’t impossible. We need not settle for anything other than what we have always dreamed to be. Even if it seems like you will never achieve it, go after it. I have learned that our experiences, no matter if they are good or bad, shape who we become, who we choose to be. I hope we all take risks and face the toughest challenges. I hope for all the success and happiness life has to offer my classmates because everyone deserves that, at the very least. This class has been through so much together and I know, from the bottom of my heart, that each and every person has the ability to do great things.
Furthermore, I hope this newspaper, The Red & Black, continues to shine. It has been such a pleasure to be part of this amazing club. The passion and hard work behind everything our staff does is nothing short of inspiring. I hope they will keep building on the success they have already gained in such a short period of time. To think that this paper has received recognition as the Best Online Publication by LIU Post, and is now nominated for a PCLI award is simply mind-blowing. It irrefutable proof that our staff is incredibly dedicated. Also, I hope Mrs. Sullivan and Mrs. McKeough keep inspiring and pushing these writers to be the best they can be. This whole newspaper would not be as successful as it is today if it wasn’t for them. This is because they are determined and want to see all the hard work of the staff to be paid off in the end. I want each writer who is part of our newspaper to realize how powerful words can be. Words are what move and inspire people in ways that can foster change: in our community, school, and the world.
Legacies aren’t always left by athletes, singers, or someone famous. A legacy can be created by anyone who made an impression on others. More importantly, a legacy lives on and have the power to inspire others to do more. I know this year, 2017, The Red and Black has created their own legacy. As the first Editor-in-Chief for the online newspaper, I hope that this club will only continue to grow and make its mark on both our school and community.