Writing a sign-off letter is a task typically reserved for the Editor-in-Chief (EIC) of The Griffins’ Nest. However, since EIC Adelaide Guan (11) has one more year left before her own sign-off, she suggested that I write the letter instead. As the most senior member of The Nest, I thought I would share my experiences over the five years I have worked with the paper.
I distinctly remember my first-ever Griffins’ Nest meeting. It was October 8th, 2019, and I was a shy, yet eager grade 8 student.
I reluctantly walked into the classroom of Mr. P. Scaglione (Social Studies), which was packed to the brim with students — students who, all too soon, would graduate and pass the baton to me.
At the front of the room stood Sarah Azad Manjiri (Alum) and Haley Sengsavanh (Alum), the Editors-in-Chief at the time.
The Nest looked quite different back then. Our staff consisted of a couple dozen people, compared to the hundred or so reporters we now have. Article assignments were written on a whiteboard rather than the multi-page Google Doc we now send out each issue. The paper had no Editorial Board; all the design and editing work was done by the two EICs alone.
Most importantly, however, the paper looked completely different. The Old English masthead we now use didn’t exist back then. Each issue had dedicated sports and fine arts sections. And the entire paper was only eight pages long.
These were the humble roots of the Griffins’ Nest we know and love today.
Also in the room with me during that meeting was Spencer Izen (Alum), an esteemed reporter at the time who, as he would often tell me, preferred to “stay on his high horse of international news reporting”, rather than writing student life articles like me.
The next year, Spencer became the Editor-in-Chief of The Nest, guiding the publication through the challenges of the pandemic. During his two-year run as EIC, he made a great deal of changes, forming an Editorial Board, overhauling the paper’s design, and completely changing the internal organization of the club. It is thanks to his work that The Nest looks and functions the way it does today.
It was during Stephen Kosar (Alum)’s EIC term that I became an Executive Editor with the paper, a role that I held for a year before becoming the 2023–2024 Managing Editor alongside EIC Adelaide Guan.
Although my role as Managing Editor is difficult to define precisely — some of my work includes merchandise, advertising, formulating syntax guidelines, and creating last-minute crosswords — it is a job that I cherish dearly and will miss with my whole heart. Some of my fondest high school memories are of this club, from our editorial grind weekends to the two journalism conferences I had the privilege of attending with the Editorial Board.
Most importantly, however, this opportunity has allowed me to meet a great deal of incredible people to whom I extend my deepest gratitude.
To the countless people I have interviewed over the years — students, teachers, city officials, and most recently, the organizer of a national boycott — thank you for providing us with your invaluable information and perspectives. It is because of you that I have persisted in my efforts with The Nest to amplify your voices in a space where you are often otherwise unheard.
Mr. A. Wightman (Social Studies) has passionately and wholeheartedly supported our paper since the day he volunteered to sponsor the club. He has provided us with valuable feedback, advocated on our behalf, and offered his classroom to us countless times, while still allowing us to maintain our operational and editorial independence. His role as an ally to our publication should never be undervalued nor forgotten.
To the Editorial Boards of 2021–2022 and 2022–2023, thank you for teaching me everything I know about news writing, editing, and advocating for what’s right. To Spencer Izen especially, thank you for always believing in me, for encouraging me to become an editor, and for constantly pushing me to improve. I’m not sure where I would be now if it weren’t for you.
To the younger reporters of The Nest, the best advice I can offer you is to keep going. Student journalism is a noble and important cause, and I encourage you all to keep writing, interviewing, and stepping out of your comfort zone. Remember to persevere and seek help when needed — no matter how difficult it may seem now, your efforts will pay off. There will always be someone out there watching, noticing the time and energy you are contributing.
To my fellow graduating editors — Gina Hallensleben (12), Anthony Lu (12), Max von Dehn (12), and Austin Witter (12), along with Design & Layout Editor Izzy Jang (12) — it has been a pleasure and incredible honour to work with you this year. You are among the most talented and ambitious students I know, and it brings tears to my eyes to think that our time on the Board together is coming to an end. I know the amount of work and time it takes to succeed in this role, and I applaud you all for your unending dedication and passion toward everything The Nest does. You are all bound to achieve incredible things — and you already have.
I wish I had more space to sufficiently recognize these incredible individuals I have had the privilege of leading and collaborating with, but I must pass the torch to the next generation of editors.
Your 2024–2025 Editorial Board will be led by incumbent Editor-in-Chief Adelaide Guan, and consists of Andre Chen (11), Suhani Dosanjh (10), Olivia Gowans Hoar (10), and Zak Tucker (9). Natalie Kosar (10) will take the role of Design & Layout Editor, and Sara Maya Budhiraja (11) will replace me as Managing Editor. All seven of these students are immensely talented and competent individuals, and I have great confidence that they will continue to lead this publication to new heights.
To the incoming editors: the journey ahead will not be easy, but it will be incredibly rewarding. Hamber is in the midst of a multitude of changes, from a new administration to a new building; it is your responsibility to adapt to these changes and continue to uphold the high editorial standards The Nest has historically kept. Have trust in yourself and each other, and remember that what you put into The Nest is what you get out of it. It will be well worth it.
I hope that I have served our community well in the five years I’ve spent with The Griffins’ Nest, and that students, teachers, parents and guardians, and members of the public will continue to place their trust in The Nest for many years to come. Thank you once again for the opportunity to serve in this role. @ehgriffinsnest forever.
Signing off,
Katja Radovic-Jonsson
2023–2024 Managing Editor | The Griffins’ Nest
