Farewell From the 2025-26 Senior Staff

Daniella Prieto:

After four years in this classroom, I can confidently say that it meant a lot more to
me than just another period squeezed into my schedule. No matter what kind of day I
was having, I knew I could walk through those doors and find something familiar: the
conversations before deadlines, the sound of keyboards (and equally laughter) filling
up the room, and the people who slowly became a constant in my life. That being
said, over the years, I have watched staff members and close friends alike graduate
and move on. While it has always felt strange imagining the publication without them,
now, I find myself in that very same position as I prepare to leave behind a place that
shaped so much of who I became.
I had once walked into this class as an anxious freshman who barely spoke up or
even knew how to approach strangers, and somehow I’m leaving as someone far
more confident and ambitious than I ever envisioned to be. Journalism pushed me
into situations that forced me to grow, whether it meant interviewing strangers,
covering events, learning how to lead others during stressful deadlines, or even
spontaneously taking on a fulfilling internship. I was fortunate enough to have been
guided by my editors who believed in me long before I fully believed in myself and as
I grew into such leadership positions, I only hoped to offer that same encouragement
to our younger staff members. Undoubtedly, this publication changes you for the best
and grants you the means to carry yourself with such a drive and purpose long after
high school ends.
As I leave, I know this publication is left in good hands. I am proud of the staff that
will continue serve it and of the new editors who will guide it forward. This class gave
me so many opportunities and memories I never could have predicted from my
freshman year and I hope it continues to do the same for everyone who walks into
this room after me. Thank you to everyone, especially Mr. Lage, who has pushed me
thus far. While my time here is ending, I know the publication will keep on growing,
just as it always has, and I will always be grateful that I got to be part of its story.

Miranda Barrantes:

As I write my final article as Sports Editor, I just want to say how thankful I am for this
experience. Getting to cover our school’s sports teams has been such a fun and
meaningful part of my senior year. I loved being able to share the hard work,
dedication, and exciting moments that our athletes put into every game. Thank you
to everyone who supported me, especially the athletes and coaches who let me tell

their stories. Being Sports Editor has taught me so much, and it’s something I’ll
always be proud of.

Amanda Perez:

If freshman-year me could see me now, she would be shocked that the kid who was
nervously writing sports articles somehow ended up running the newspaper.
As a freshman, journalism was a completely new experience, and while it was
intimidating at first, it quickly became one of the most rewarding parts of my high
school experience. During my sophomore year, I was offered the role of Managing
Editor. I was hesitant as I was not sure I was ready, but accepting that position
turned out to be one of the best decisions I made. For two years, I had the privilege
of working alongside Kat, our Editor-in-Chief at the time, who was an incredible
mentor and role model. She showed me what strong leadership looks like and
helped prepare me to take on the role myself.
This year, as Editor-in-Chief, I realized just how much this publication means to me.
Journalism has given me more than deadlines and article edits; it has given me
confidence, leadership skills, and friendships that I know will last far beyond high
school. I want to thank my amazing editors: Sofia Morales, who is always
dependable and one of the kindest people you will ever meet; Daniella Prieto, whose
creativity and thoughtful ideas brought so much to our publication; Miranda
Barrantes, my long-lost twin, who somehow matched my energy almost immediately
and kept sports coverage under control; and Emily Rojas, whose positivity and
dedication make me completely confident that The Talon is in the best hands next
year.
A special thank-you goes to Mr. Lage, who believed in me before I fully believed in
myself. He took a chance on me, guided me through every challenge, and somehow
managed to stay patient through every deadline and last-minute issue, and even a
couple of awful jokes. Thank you for your trust, your advice, and for creating a
classroom that became so much more than just another period in my schedule.
I am leaving journalism with more than memories. I am leaving with friendships,
lessons, and enough funny stories to last a lifetime. I am incredibly grateful for every
article, every laugh, and every moment that made these four years unforgettable.
The Talon will always have a special place in my heart, and I am proud to have been
part of its story.