Honoring Journalism’s Class of 2023

High school is a process that nearly all teenagers have to experience. Not only is high school a place where kids are educated but it’s also a place where students make friends, experiences, and memories. This year it is the end for the class of 2023 where students are going their separate ways to hopefully achieve their dreams. Throughout this year, the seniors in the Journalism class have worked hard to write articles for their fellow students, whether to inform them about what’s happening around the world, share opinions, or give advice. 

“Is this the end of all endings?” – Taylor Swift 

Caroline Gillies has been in journalism for 3 years. Throughout 2022-2023, Gillies has worked exceptionally hard as the editor-in-chief. She has edited approximately 150 articles and helped students grow as writers. In total, Gillies has written 8 articles ranging from news to arts and entertainment. After graduating from Huntington Beach High School (HBHS) Gillies is attending San Diego State University majoring in education but planning to explore political science.

After being in the journalism class for almost her entire high school career Gillies says, “My favorite memory was learning Mrs. T was pregnant.” The journalism class is a great way for students to make friends and write about what they are passionate about. For future slick journalists, Gillies recommends “[To] use the journalism platform to amplify the voices of people in need.” 

“It’s like no time has passed.” – Lizzy McAlpine 

Tess Walshe has been a part of journalism for 3 years. In total, she has written 8 articles mainly expressing her opinions. During the 2022-2023 school year Walshe was the managing editor. After graduating from HBHS Walshe will be attending the University of California, Irvine to major in Criminology, Law, and Society.

This year in journalism Walshe enjoyed helping students with their articles, Walshe said “I loved our Trader Joe’s snack tasting!” This was a day where students helped Ollie Hart, a freshman at HBHS, taste test Trader Joe’s snacks in order to rank them. Throughout her time in journalism Walshe loved to learn about other’s ideas for articles, Walshe says, “It’s so much fun to work with everyone in the class and get to see everyone’s great ideas.” For incoming students who want to be a part of the journalism class, Walshe advises, “Don’t be afraid to try new things! The best articles are the ones you are passionate about and implement your creativity.” 

“School was, something I guess.” – Toby Hodne 

Toby Hodne has been in journalism for 3 years. During the 2022-2023 year, Toby was the head of Human Relations. Every Friday in class he would come up with a question of the day which students in the class would answer as well as share their Friday celebration.

In total, Hodne has written 11 articles mostly in the arts and entertainment section. After graduating, Hodne plans on working. During this year of journalism, Toby says his favorite memory is “Going to New York.” Students who have been in the class for more than a year had the opportunity to attend conferences at Columbia University where they learned skills to help them as student journalists. Reflecting on his time in journalism, Hodne says, “I like the environment and everyone working together.” He recommends to students joining the class “Don’t procrastinate your article, it’s easy to do it, so just don’t.” 

“I love my dog.” – Chloe Nguyen

Chloe Nguyen has been in journalism for 2 years. During her time in journalism, Chloe has written 7 articles in total ranging from holiday advice to informing her peers about Kanye West’s Donda Academy. After graduating from HBHS Nguyen plans to go to a four-year college. Nguyen also says “The NYC trip,” was her favorite memory from this year. Chloe says her favorite part of journalism is “Having the freedom to write about anything that interests you,” and she advises students to “have fun” during their high school years. 

“Life is short, the world is wide, I want to make some memories.” – Mamma Mia

Kelsea Andrews has been in journalism for 2 years. During the 2022-2023 year, Kelsea was a team leader and social media manager. In total, Kelsea has written 6 articles including sports and arts and entertainment. After graduating from HBHS Kelsea will be attending OCC to major in Elementary Education and a minor in Communication Disorder Sciences.

Andrews said her favorite memory in journalism this year was, “The Trader Joe’s taste testing or finding out Mrs. T was having a baby!” During her time in journalism Kelsea enjoyed making friends, and said, “Everyone is so amazing, and I love them so much.” To the students that are planning to join journalism in the upcoming years, Andrews recommended “[To] get your work done on time and make sure by the time it gets to your team leaders that they don’t have to do too many edits on your article.” 

“The world is your oyster.” – Shakespeare 

Tori Haberl has been in journalism for 1 year. Throughout this year she has written 3 articles mainly about her passion: sports. After graduating from HBHS, Haberl plans to go to Oklahoma State University. Reflecting on her year in journalism, Harbel says, “getting to interview teachers around the school,” was her favorite memory in journalism. Haberl added, “the people in the class and the sense of community,” were the best part of being in journalism. To incoming freshmen, Tori suggested “[To] use your time wisely.”  

“Live laugh love.” – unknown 

Clara Gonzalez Blasco has been in journalism for 1 year. As an exchange student, she was able to get multiple interviews from people across the world. She has written 4 articles primarily about politics happening around the world. After graduating, Clara plans to go to University in Madrid.

Gonzalez Blasco said, “Seeing your own article being published on the website,” was her favorite memory in journalism. Throughout her time in the class, Gonzalez Blasco said, “Having the freedom to write about what I am passionate about,” was one of the reasons why she enjoyed the class. For incoming freshmen, Gonzalez Blasco advised “[To] Organize your work,” this is important for students in order to avoid procrastination. 

“If you want to be a loser, be a loser.” – Fred Cisternelli

Gina Cisternelli has been in journalism for one semester. This year she has written 2 articles in total one paying tribute to Aly West, a student who sadly passed away this year, and one reporting on the Next Steps ceremony. Cisternelli says “publishing my article” was her favorite memory in journalism. During her time in journalism, Cisternelli says “getting to know people” was what she liked the most about being in the class. Cisternelli advises “[To] stay on top of your work and be productive,” for incoming freshmen. 

“Later losers.” – Sophia Montanez 

Sophia Montanez has been a part of journalism for 1 year. During her time in the class, she has written 4 articles mainly about the impact of social media. After graduating from HBHS Montanez is attending Cal State San Marcos University to major in digital media and design. During her time in journalism, Montanez enjoyed listening and sharing what other students were celebrating that week. She said, “Friday celebrations were my favorite memories in journalism.”

Montanez says, “The people and collaborating ideas,” was the most joyful part of being part of the class. To the incoming students, Montanzes advises “To not stress about the small stuff because it won’t matter later on.” 

“I’m confused.” – Me (Hayley Durrant) 

I’ve been in journalism for 3 years. In total, I’ve written 12 articles. I generally enjoy writing about news and events happening on campus. After graduating from Huntington Beach High School, I am attending San Diego State University to major in Political Science. My favorite memory this year was the New York trip. It was my first time going to New York, and I enjoyed going on the metro and learning new skills to help me become a better writer. The best part about being in the class is the community, everyone supports each other and advises their peer’s articles. For incoming freshmen, I recommend that people get involved because it’s the best way to make new friends. 

All these students have worked hard to write articles on topics they are passionate about. Although the class of 2023 will be missed, the journalism class is excited for new writers to join and give them a platform to use their voices. Congratulations Class of 2023 and good luck!