Hello to everyone who has made it this far in the paper (@ our parents), and shame on everyone who has simply skipped to games (sigh). The time has come for us to say our farewells and hand off the paper to the next Beaconers. 

We are incredibly grateful to the Jackson-Reed community that has consistently supported us in covering some of the most complex and difficult issues that we are facing today. Throughout the recent election cycle and in its wake, so many of you have shown bravery and dedication by speaking to us, and we are honored that you trusted us with your words and experiences. 

To the staff we cornered during lunch, the students we interrogated in the atrium, and the deans we chased through the halls for interviews, we appreciate your tolerance, cooperation, and willingness to answer our never-ending questions and help student journalism thrive at JR. 

To the rest of our incredible senior staff, without whom every paper this year would have been a ginormous flop, we could not have gotten more lucky. There is no one we would rather be at school until 10:45 pm with (heart emoji here). Thank you to Mr. Kelly for pushing us to produce a high-quality paper, and dedicating immense time and thought to The Beacon. We appreciate your commitment and vision (and the never-ending supply of Girl Scout cookies). 

Lastly, thank you, our dear reader. You hold us accountable, and your feedback is what drives us to be better. 

We know that The Beacon is far from perfect; our written content and staff still do not reflect the diversity of our school, and addressing this must continue to be a core goal of The Beacon.  Creating an inclusive Beacon community that all students would feel comfortable contributing to and joining is something we also strive for, and are confident that next year’s staff will continue to work toward making this a true reality. 

As the 89th editors of The Beacon, we are proud to say that we contributed to a publication that has documented the progression of our school, our city, and our country through the lens of high school students for nearly a century. We know that next year’s staff will continue to further The Beacon’s legacy and cannot wait to see what they achieve.

And with that, we say our goodbyes. See you all at the 10-year reunion! #RoarTigersRoar!

XOXO,

Izzie and Ro