EDITOR’S COMMENTS

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

As March quickly approaches, marking nearly a year since COVID’s grand entrance into the public forum, we’ve witnessed a myriad of unprecedented events in this virus-ridden world: glaring shifts in modern lifestyles amid a monumental public health crisis, grim milestones tallying the tragic deaths of fellow Americans, a contentious presidential election, and hostile partisan debates within the political realm that have subsequently erupted into a divided nation.

With this bombardment of salient news and information often serving as an intense stressor for adolescents and adults alike, especially given the abundance of distressing reports amid this unparalleled time, this stimulus overload is incredibly formidable in the eyes of most citizens. Navigating this overwhelming news stream is tricky, and we frequently rely on the work of the media to assist us in sifting through important information.

Yet, what comprises media is more than the crowd of stories we see populating the New York Times webpage. Instead, what lies behind these stories are real-life reporters who must work tirelessly in attempting to give a voice to voiceless people and experiences. With much of our knowledge originating from the work of reporters who share stories they feel should be made public to better inform the nation, this time of ever-changing and copious news has showcased the critical role journalists play in communicating information with the people at large.

We often don’t think of the reporters whose names sit beneath the captivating headlines, inadvertently neglecting the realness of the people who make our access to contemporary news possible. Spending copious amounts of time trying to unearth groundbreaking news and penning stories for hours upon hours in order to flawlessly present us with pertinent information, reporters work to share stories and experiences that will help shape and refine our worldview.

Who are these reporters who have carried, and will continue to carry us, through these times? These journalists walk the halls of North Royalton High School, serving as remarkable student reporters who understand the importance of sharing vital news and stories. The students within these pages, featuring the Royal News club as opposed to the incredible journalism class of last semester, toiled away in the pursuit of giving a voice to exceptionally prominent topics. With our community permeated with delicate issues and subjects that are difficult to investigate indepth, these student journalists showcased their talents and worked to provide us with immense insight through their storytelling and reporting.

Complete with numerous opinion pieces, a variety of news articles on crucial topics, and light-hearted features to help lift spirits amid this time, these students chose to recognize the issues that pervade our community. Instead of turning a blind eye to the intricate problems that work to complicate both our lives and the world at large, they worked to perfect both their writing and reporting skills in hopes of educating their fellow human beings.

Within this issue, North Royalton’s student journalists proved their critical role in storytelling -- and their ability to provide voices to what we must hear. Thanks, as always, for reading.

-Emma Kolick February 2021