Voice Alumni Statements 2019

“What did the Voice mean to you?”

Voice alums talk about the benefits of the program

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y involvement in newspaper not only offered me leadership opportunities, chances to submit my work for awards, and impressive padding for my college applications, but it also (most importantly) prepared me for a successful life. Through newspaper, I learned how the big, frustrating, amazing world out there works, and built foundations for a professional, enriching, and exciting future. Additionally, I earned a full ride to the 7th most selective college in the nation, mainly because of my success in this class. I don’t know what my high school career or my college decision would have been like without newspaper.

Holly Baldacci ‘14, Washington University, St. Louis ‘18

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received the same letter that you’re holding, took it home, and told my parents there was no way I was going to sign up. Three years after my mom made me sign up, I was named editor-in-chief. The Voice made me who I am. It gave me the ability to challenge authority, cause trouble, turn heads, and make change. It gave me my best friends. It gave me a mentor who I know will be in my life forever. It gave me my high school experience. And most importantly, it gave me the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself. It gave me my voice.

Alexandra Landman ‘18, University of Dayton ‘22

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t HHS, I took the broadest range of classes anyone could take, from foods to BC Calculus and AP Chemistry. But of all the classes I took, none prepared me more for college-and life-than Newspaper. Newspaper was great because it taught me everything high school couldn’t. I learned time management and teamwork, organizational skills and even competitiveness and ambition. Beyond the assignments, though, was joy. I pulled pranks and played basketball, ordered pizza and danced during design nights. I learned a lot in high school, but learned no more and had no more fun in any class than in Newspaper.

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Marek Makowski ‘13, University of Missouri ‘16

ubs provided me with the skills needed to succeed not only throughout high school but throughout college and the real world. Pubs teaches students to work together and make sure the magazine is the best it can be.

The people that you meet in the class not only were my best friends throughout high school, but peple that I keep in touch with today. Without taking PUBS, I don’t know where I would be. It was such a big part of my high school career and I am forever grateful.

Devin Martin ‘16, University of South Dakota ‘20

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or me, joining the newspaper staff was the best decision I made during my high school career. This class taught me pretty much everything I needed to know about working, living, and thriving in the real world. Not only did I sharpen my writing skills, but I also learned valuable experience in speaking with peers and superiors, while also developing positive leadership and communication skills. But most importantly, I created relationships that I know will last a lifetime. Overall, Pubs shaped me into the more well-rounded, confident, and successful person I am today and am grateful for my time on staff.

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Maddy Moffett ‘17, University of Iowa ‘21

ince coming to college, I have realized that being a part of The Voice was by far my most valuable high school experience. The skills I learned in Pubs—meeting deadlines, managing time, working efficiently, cooperating with others—have proved extremely relevant to almost every aspect of my life as an aerospace engineering major, from design teams to studying to lab reports. Unlike most classes that require students to memorize facts and procedures, pubs actually teaches you how to succeed in life, and for that, I’m eternally grateful.

Miranda Peterson, Valedictorian ‘13, University of Michigan ’17

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ews Media Production prepared me for college more than any other class at Huntley High School. Scheduling interviews, selling ads, and all the other responsibilities that come with the class taught me how to manage and handle myself in professional situations. As I progress through my college career, I realize more and more how much Pubs helps high school students mature into successful members of society. I know that the skills I learned as a part of The Voice will be valuable tools in my life after college.

Kyle Sommerfield ‘14, University of Notre Dame ‘18

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hen I joined newspaper my sophomore year, I didn’t know the impact the class would have on me. News Media Production is unlike any other class offered at HHS. You learn real-life skills that are applicable to your life outside of school. You learn by doing, rather than sitting back and listening to a lecture. I gained valuable leadership skills, life-long friendships, and an idea about my future. Because of the Voice, I am currently studying Journalism and Media Communication at Colorado State University and work for student media on campus.

Courtney Thomas ‘17, Colorado State University ‘21