NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
W
ith this year being marked by grave plights and bleak outlooks, the recent past has been characterized by feelings of increased worry and heightened apprehension due to severed social connection and drastic deviation from standard routine. Experiencing anxiety objectively made sense -- yet, it so often doesn’t. Given the power and capacity of the human mind, we spend a remarkable amount of time obsessively contemplating the trajectory of our futures and inventing false concerns as opposed to contemplating real world wonders. We tend to provide anxiety with far too much credit, and though the difference in mental outlook is considered to have worsened over the course of the pandemic, we’ve undoubtedly showcased a collective mental strength that many previously felt was unachievable. Instead of ruminating on the hours spent fretting over both salient and miniscule topics, we must pride ourselves on our increased courage and tenacity that will allow us to use these experiences in leading future endeavors. The resilience displayed by human beings is nothing short of extraordinary, showcasing our drive to battle through difficult situations -- and we ultimately won that challenge, as vaccine numbers increase exponentially and America experiences a gradual return to normalcy. Life’s beauty is inseparable from its vulnerability and fragility, and we’ve felt joy amid periods of immense suffering. While this year has undoubtedly shed light on countless negatives that pervade the world, innate human adaptability and resilience has prevailed, and
that must be celebrated. Motivation to persist through adversity was evident throughout this year’s newspaper, and North Royalton’s student journalists labored away to provide the community with information and stories when it so desperately needed it. Sadly, this serves as our final issue of the school year, yet these students’ stories will be etched into our memory and woven into our perceptions of all that has transpired. Their dedication to storytelling and reporting has been remarkable, and their passion and work ethic has culminated into three wonderful issues that gave a voice to crucial subjects and informed the community about prominent topics. Though this unforgettable group of students will pause for a well-deserved summer vacation, and several writers look ahead to an immediate future marked by journeys that extend beyond North Royalton High School, their collective pursuit of ensuring the community is provided with immense truth and knowledge will leave a lasting impact on those who took the time to read their words. Evolving into journalists in the fullest sense, they’ve impressed the idea upon the district that their words and ideas matter -- student voices are of great importance in transforming the world, and so often we tend to forget this. Despite a year full of unprecedented crises, they toiled away in their efforts to bring voiceless experiences and people to life. These reporters are the future, and I hope beyond hope they don’t lose sight of that. Thank you, as always, for taking the time to read. -Emma Kolick, 2021 The Royal News Editor T HE ROYA L N EWS
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