Goodbye to Journalism and Harmony

From the very beginning, I knew this would be a fun documentary. If I were to describe everything that happened this year, I would call it a wild, fun ride. So much happened that few people know about—many calls to the principal’s office, getting the website up and published, seeing our site on Google for the first time, and more.

When The Tiger Press website was first launched, the only people in the room were Berra and me. If you were in the surrounding rooms that Friday, I’m sorry for the loud screams we let out when we saw our website pop up on our phones and Chromebooks. This year, Berra built, ran, and kept alive the website you see today. Without her, we would still be stuck on Google Sites, wondering if anyone was actually reading our articles.

Karma saved my life a few times—not just in journalism, but in other ways too. She became someone I could talk to about anything under the sun, and we made it a point in our friendship that if something happened, we would tell each other. Over the past year, we kept each other in check—whether it was me reminding her to study for her AP Human Geography test or her checking if I had cried recently over Ace Attorney. She became someone I could trust, and because of that, I am happy to say she will step into the role of Editor-in-Chief of The Tiger Press starting May 22. I’m so proud of everything she has accomplished this year, from her articles to her ability to run Wix. Karma also wrote one of the most meaningful articles this year, Dear Harmony. She and everyone involved did an incredible job, and I couldn’t be prouder of them.

Elijah started the year as one of our few editors, but over time, he became the person we relied on to polish the articles you read today. Elijah contributed a lot of creative input, ensuring the articles were top-notch and fun to read. We’re thrilled that Elijah will continue being a part of The Tiger Press next year, helping edit all the stories you love.

The last person I want to talk about is our teacher, Mr. Cooper. Thank you for believing in me this year. Without you giving me a chance, I don’t know if I would be the person I am today. You taught me so much over the past three years—even when one of them was just an advisory class. You helped me gain confidence in my writing, enough to shift my dream from being an on-screen personality to becoming a writer. I don’t know what I would have done without being able to stop by during passing periods to steal some grapes or whatever fruit you had that day—you really did keep me healthy. Thank you for teaching me so many life lessons and helping me convert Tristan into a Swiftie. I couldn't have done it without you. I’m really going to miss seeing you every day.

Our Tiger Press staff and class deserve recognition. Building this website and writing these articles put into perspective just how hard everyone worked to make this first-year journalism class great.

Lastly, to my school and my friends: You are going to do amazing things in whatever field you choose. Throughout high school, you will face challenges and doubt yourself. Trust me—you can do this. You’ll take elective classes that shift your perspective on your future. You don’t have to be a doctor, engineer, or computer scientist. You can pursue sports management, journalism, forensic science—whatever your dream is, go after it. At Harmony, it can be tough because they push students toward STEM fields while business-related paths sometimes get overlooked. But if you fight for what you want, maybe those opportunities will come back. Some days, you will hate being here. But in the end, it’s worth it because you get to be with people you grew up with and have known since the beginning.

You don’t need to be ranked No. 1 to get into a good college. Just be yourself.

And don’t cheat!

I won’t miss the school, but I will miss the people in it.

—Teagan Sanders