Andie Reinhart- ’13

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

The look of horror on Mr. K’s face when he heard “Monster” by Kanye West bumping the Journal Room.

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

Every deadline makes you feel like you might die — but then you don’t. And then you do a great job. Then you do it all over again and feel like you’ll die again. But you never do.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

Having a forum to bare my soul in safety among the shark tank of high school.

Anything else you would like to add about your experience on The Journal’s 100th year anniversary?

Congratulations, Journal! Y’all are part of some amazing history. Cherish it. Cherish the process. Cherish Mr. K and what he will teach you!

Emma Herwehe- ’21

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

The production nights. While long and extremely stressful at times, there’s nothing like producing great work with some of your best friends and watching it all come together into late hours.

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

The Journal inspired what I want to do for the rest of my life, and I am forever grateful for that. I learned so much about the field and feel ultimately prepared from my experiences. Also, I gained lifelong friendships and mentors.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

I’m most proud of the story I co-wrote about gun laws 20 years after Columbine. Not only were the sources some of the best I will probably ever get to talk to, but I’m so proud of our publication for tackling such important issues in our current political climate.

Anything else you would like to add about your experience on The Journal’s 100th year anniversary?

Anyone who gets to be part of this publication is blessed beyond measure in one way or another. The lessons you learn, and all of the experiences (good or bad) are some that will stick with you for a long time. I am forever grateful and will hype up The Journal no matter where I end up.

Nicholas Meacham- ’16

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

My favorite memories will have to be the Journal trips we took to Washington D.C. and Orlando.

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

Biggest lesson I’ve learned is don’t ever wait until the last second to do your work.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

I’m very proud of producing high-quality work. We did win the Hoosier Star.

Melissa Bushong- ’19

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

National conventions and thrift shopping for a new couch

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

The Journal and yearbook both grew my love for photography allowed me to meet so many great people and enjoy so many great experiences that I never would have had the opportunity to do without them.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

The group that I was able to work with received so many awards and honors in the few short years that I was involved in the schools journalism and just to be a part of that is something I am very proud of.

Niki Smithers- ’19

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

Some of my favorite nights in high school were spent in Room 400. The Journal staff would all be there preparing the next issue. Those were the time when we were all together, bouncing ideas off of each other. It was always really beautiful to see what we could accomplish as a team.

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

Working on The Journal was easily the best choice I made in school. I fell in love with writing and telling stories. I left high school knowing exactly what I wanted to do with my life – and now I go to work and do it every day. Not many people can say that.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

To this day, The Journal staff is one of the best student-run newspapers. Much of that is because of ethical reporting. With journalism under attack, it’s increasingly important to tell a transparent story. The Journal as always emphasized that, and it’s something I value to this day.

Morgan Edwards- ’15

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

Editing nights, something funny always happened.

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

It gave me a lot of confidence in my voice and my skills in art. I was on the online Journal and the artist for the paper my final year.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

I was most proud of getting 2nd place with a comic panel during one of our contests. I didn’t think I’d place at all.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

Journalism is something that will never be obsolete, and being a part of the Journal gave me an appreciation and respect of the people who dive into it or continue on into that profession.

Harshil Patel- ’13

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

Definitely Mr.K. Coming in to class with music always playing, the mood shifted into a positive manner. That would be one my favorite memories.

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

The drive and never ending pursuit of knowledge. It taught me to never settle for less and to always seek the truth!

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

I’m proud that we always covered stories from all walks of life. It was never biased and felt like true journalism. Allowed me to voice my opinion without having to restrict my words.

Anything else you would like to add about your experience on The Journal’s 100th year anniversary?

The Journal was a great experience for me. It helped me grow into a more mature individual, and (to) never stop chasing my dreams no matter how long it takes.

Julia Little- ’09

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

My favorite memory was when we nominated Mr. K for a teacher of the year award. He won, of course. We orchestrated the presentation of this award by having our principal lead K to believe The Journal was in trouble. She came in to talk to us and presented the award and a check to Mr. K.

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

I met the best people on the Journal staff. The people and the work shaped me into a more thoughtful and creative person.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

The thing I’m most proud of from being on The Journal is the inclusivity it created. The whole staff was welcoming and warm inside and out of the newspaper room.

Anything else you would like to add about your experience on The Journal’s 100th year anniversary?

I believe the reason being on The Journal staff impacted so many of us is because of the standard Mr. Klopfenstein set for us. He not only encouraged us and treated us as equals. He also challenged us to achieve things beyond our imaginations.

Riley Wallace- ’11

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

Getting to attend a match for the debate team! Not only did I write the story, I took the photos too which I really enjoyed.

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

I learned I do not like to work under the pressure of deadlines! I guess that’s why I’m in healthcare now. However, there was no other class that taught me about time management like writing for The Journal did.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

I was really proud of my class for not being afraid to speak about controversial topics. The opinion pieces were my favorite. There was no topic off limits.

Anything else you would like to add about your experience on The Journal’s 100th year anniversary?

The Journal is a publication that Southport students and staff could be proud of year after year. It was the perfect medium to push students to think critically about the world and their community. It taught them to ask thoughtful questions, to get to the truth of the matter and decide what these truths meant in the grand scheme of things. And holy cow, is Mr. Klop such an inspiring human being!

Sierra Davis (Sullivan)- ’15

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

The Southport Spit Off rapping contest! It was so fun to bring the school together and let kids showcase their talents!

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

The Journal gave me courage and confidence to speak to speak to strangers, the support to be who I am, guidance in a time in my life when I wasn’t sure of my next steps and many life long friendships. It’s even the place where I met my husband!

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

I am most proud of being the Multimedia Co-editor for the very first year of the Journal Rewired! It was new territory for our team, and I am proud of the impact we made.

Anything else you would like to add about your experience on The Journal’s 100th year anniversary?

I will never forget my time working on The Journal! It truly changed my life and I am always grateful for the time I spent on staff and the lessons I learned.

Wesley Keown- ’15

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

Getting lost on the way back from picking up an issue from the printing press and thinking I was gonna have to sell issues to afford gas to get home.

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

Friendships gained and strengthened, respect for journalism forged, skills learned and memories made. Truly something that has influenced hundreds of my choices as an adult.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

Being involved in a referendum vote and informing the public felt amazing! Winning awards for work was nice too but doing work that felt vital was invigorating.

Anything else you would like to add about your experience on The Journal’s 100th year anniversary?

Being on staff was the closest thing I can equate to actual job that I had done in high school, and that experience has proven invaluable. Klopfenstein has built something truly special in that classroom.

Moira McKinney- ’15

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

Journal family dinners, of course! The discussions and bonding that took place. Also winning awards for The Journal.

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

Being on The Journal taught me not just how to write, but how to write great. The skills I learned, hands down, my saving grace in college. To this day, I am still able to communicate my thoughts much more efficiently.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

I am most proud of earning the title of news editor and getting to create the front page my senior year and winning Ball State’s Superior front page design in 2014.

Anything else you would like to add about your experience on The Journal’s 100th year anniversary?

I constantly think about my experience on The Journal and tell people about it. I would do it over again in a heartbeat and start sooner than I did. It was my favorite high school experience.

Caroline Thomas- ’15

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

My best memories were just hanging out in The Journal room. I had such great friendships and the laughs were constant. Candid conversations about serious and humorous topics made my senior year.

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

The challenge of being around students who were serious about their work definitely made me step up and realize how much hard work pays off. I learned how to organize, how to manage my time and improve my problem solving skills.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

I was proud to include my work from The Journal in my portfolio. I enjoyed the work so much — even the tedious editing. It was all worth it to present work that truly drove me.

Alicia Jones- ’15

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

My favorite memory from The Journal would have to be the friendships I made while there. All of my peers were so friendly and made each class and work night so fun and entertaining.

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

It definitely made me a better creator I believe. It taught me how to write better and to take better pictures, which definitely plays into my career now.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

I was only on The Journal for my senior year and News Bureau for half of my junior year, but I definitely think some of my best stories were written while I was on The Journal.

Anything else you would like to add about your experience on The Journal’s 100th year anniversary?

I think Southport’s journalism in general should be encouraged more for all of the students! It was a great opportunity, and I think every student should get to experience it.

Brit Hemphill- ’12

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

My favorite collection of Journal memories are the moments when we’d get to the school early for distribution, see our work in print, and get our hands dirty. It was very fulfilling.

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

The Journal was the single-most “real life” stimulative experience I have ever had in an educational setting. It taught me a lot about grit, curiosity, and the importance of each person’s story.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

I am most proud of the amount of team work and collaboration that I know each staff of The Journal must have to produce such great work.

Anything else you would like to add about your experience on The Journal’s 100th year anniversary?

I think about The Journal in the utmost fondness at least once a week, and I wish real-life jobs were actually like The Journal— they would run so much better.

Caitlyn May (Jones)- ’15

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

Wow! Such a tough question because it’s hard to say one specific memory. Room 400 was filled with amazing times with amazing people.

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

Well, when I first started my Journalism class (before The Journal), I was a shy, young lady who did not speak unless spoken to. Now, I am an outgoing woman who runs a whole building of over 80 employees! Talk about growth!

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

I am most proud of my overall growth. I wouldn’t be who I am today without The Journal. I know I am successful because of this amazing program and the wonderful teacher, Mr. K.

Anything else you would like to add about your experience on The Journal’s 100th year anniversary?

I just want to say happy anniversary to The Journal! Thank you for accepting me for who I am and pushing me to be the woman I am today!

Breanna Bierod- ’13

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

Being treated like a professional and held to a high standard. Also, the respect among members since we had to work as a team and often help each other.

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

I think it made me more open to take on challenging opportunities and showed me that my art can be appreciated. It also helped me come out of my introverted shell.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

I really liked my political caricatures, and I actually sell caricatures for extra money now. It is a great side hustle.

Anything else you would like to add about your experience on The Journal’s 100th year anniversary?

Working on The Journal was single-handedly the greatest experience of my K-12 life. I grew immensely in such a short time, and I never forgot the lessons I learned.

Brooklyn Raines- ’15

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

My favorite Journal memory is all the laughs, stories and jokes that happened during production nights followed by good food.

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

The Journal allowed me to develop lifelong friends and was the first place I got to explore my love for writing and stories.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

I’m most proud of the story I did over Michael Taylor.

Anything else you would like to add about your experience on The Journal’s 100th year anniversary?

I loved being on The Journal and all the beautiful people I formed lifelong bonds with.

Kelsey Jones- ’21

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

Going to Washington D.C. with everyone!

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

Being on The Journal really showed how much I love photography.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

Most proud of being the first class to get 1st in the nation all three years of being on staff!

Noelle Straub- ’12

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

My Halloween Editorial of my Southern Indiana Ghost Hunting trip to Kentucky was quite an adventure! Two other staffers and I drove to Hells Gate Cemetery to write about an evening-stay in the cemetery with ghost-hunting equipment (and a ghost hunter) to pick up EAPs from the spirits! We plugged in the aux cord in the car to listen to our own recordings of the spirits all the way home that night. One of the staffers I brought is now a ghost hunter in real life. It was one of the most thrilling experiences I was lucky enough to endure!

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

Without a deep conversation, without Klop — I was teetering the edge of dropping out of high school the summer before my senior year. I didn’t have a strong foundation of “family” to help ensure I was staying on the path of success. Klop gave me some “tough love” – with guidance of what my future WOULD hold so long as I remained motivated. He truly inspired me to finish my education and live up to my fullest potential.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

I was so proud of being a part of a LEGACY. The Journal has always been known to be a group of prestigious and intelligent, like-minded young people. No matter how long and tiring those evenings were to finish our paper for the week – we all remained solid together. We all had the hive-mentality… to succeed together or fail together. We never let ourselves or each other fail. I still have never felt that “closeness” of ongoing support in my life since then.

Anything else you would like to add about your experience on The Journal’s 100th year anniversary?

Thank you to Klop for keeping this paper going and for all of the countless lives you have touched for giving some of us a PURPOSE. For all those nights & extracurriculars The Journal kept me busy – there was no room for excess partying, missing classes or failing. Thank you for giving me a sense of FAMILY with this paper and taking a chance on taking me under your wing. Thank you for believing in me! And to the current staffers – thank you for keeping this paper strong and expanding it online so we can ALL remain a part of it. It gives me great joy to show my 3 sons the current paper online and my former physical newspapers I kept for the past 10 years. Being a part of The Journal and the friends I made will always be the most wholesome part of my high school memories.

Kelly Miller- ’07

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

My favorite memory and what I looked forward to each week while being on The Journal was production days after school. There were equal parts seriousness and goofing off that it was so enjoyable! Oh, and the group trip to (Cedar Point) was really fun too!!

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

I learned valuable communication and writing skills from The Journal that still help me to this very day. I feel that being on The Journal helped me break out of my shell before going off to college and helped me succeed just that much more in life!

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

When my friends and classmates read my articles, I just felt proud to be able to be part of a great publication and have my work be noticed!

Drew Tapp- ’18

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

One time, when we were in Dallas for the NHSPA convention, the staff that went spent the evening in one of our hotel rooms eating pizza and playing games. It’s one of my favorite Journal memories!

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

The Journal brought me out of the shell. I’m not afraid to ask questions or talk to people anymore. I would not even be close to who I am today without it.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

My year as EIC was when we transitioned to the magazine format, and I love the centerfold stories that have happened since then. The in-depth reporting on important issues or highlighting students and others members of our community have shed a light on things around us and caused many good conversations.

Erin (Pabody) Sweitzer- ’08

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

Just the time spent with friends at production nights, after school, etc. We’d get permission from other teachers to spend any free time in the Journal room. Countless pizzas, laughs, quote boards, pranks and inside jokes. Spent lots of time in room 400 with the guy who is now my husband.

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

My time on the Journal (and Mr. K specifically) inspired my career in communications, and I’ve kept in touch with Mr. K because of the impact he had on my life. I text him every year on Father’s Day. He even emceed my wedding and recently met my new son.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

There was an engaged couple, Jake and Stephanie, in our senior class, and I interviewed them about their relationship and plans for marriage. Shortly after, Jake died unexpectedly, and I was able to give Stephanie a recording of Jake talking about how much he loved her. I’ll never forget that.

Anything else you would like to add about your experience on The Journal’s 100th year anniversary?

My junior year, we did an April Fools Day edition and truly fooled so many, to the point where angry parents were calling the school because of the “new rule” about only red and white cars being allowed to park in the parking lot and blue ones getting towed.

Riley Childers- ’16

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

One of my favorite memories from being on The Journal was being able to work with a team and create. I remember playing with layout designs to make them intriguing and correlate with each piece printed for the issue.

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

The Journal taught me how to be a leader. It is one of the characteristics that I have been able to carry with me to where I am today.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

I’m most proud that The Journal gave people a place to go. A second home. I remember holding family bonding nights that allowed us to play games, K-ball, and water balloon fights. When I think of my high school experience, I think of The Journal.

Anything else you would like to add about your experience on The Journal’s 100th year anniversary?

Just a big THANK YOU to Mr. K and everyone I came in contact with on The Journal. I had so many opportunities to learn and grow as a person through The Journal, and I’m thankful for that.

Megan (Lacy) Bernadez- ’06

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

My favorite memory is quality time spent after school on deadline nights, laughing and having fun, ordering Papa John’s, and of course, getting everything done.

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

The Journal had a big impact on my high school experience. When I think back to that time, the Journal is so much a part of what made my time and who I was in high school.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

I am proud of several feature layouts and articles written, and I loved being able to expand my creative and writing skills and seeing it come to fruition.

Anything else you would like to add about your experience on The Journal’s 100th year anniversary?

One of my favorite Journal memories was having Ms. Stockdell and Mr. K as our advisors. They were both so much fun to be around and really cared about all their students. Both were a big influence for me going into education, and I love seeing how their paths came together and their adorable family.

Corey Miles- ’12

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

No specific memory–a lot of it was a blur. A lot of Journal moments blended together, but I vividly remember having fun doing graphics and stories into the evening and joking with some good friends on a weekly basis.

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

Working on The Journal allowed me to meet a ton of people at the school, get better as a writer and designer, and develop skills. I was able to work and meet some of my closest life friends thanks to it.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

That time that Brittany Hemphill and I got credited for 3rd place at the Woman’s Press Club for Graphics and Illustration. Looking back, I was really able to develop design skills that helped with a lot of projects throughout college even if they weren’t directly related to my degree.

Anything else you would like to add about your experience on The Journal’s 100th year anniversary?

For my high school experience, The Journal was the catalyst that changed who I spent time with and how I saw the school. It’s special for those working on it as a way to learn, grow and bond while providing those who read it with useful and fun stories.

Madeline Claire Hittel- ’17

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

My favorite memory from The Journal was Mr. K letting me announce to the class that he was having twins during the first beats meeting. It was so exciting!

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

Being on The Journal taught me the importance of deadlines and accountability; not completing your work impacted more than your own integrity, but your teammates, too.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

My proudest Journal moment was when we attended the Indiana High School Journalism Awards at Ball State University (I’m not sure what it’s called exactly) and I received two honorable mentions for my pieces.

Madelyn Knight- ’19

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

I loved going to the journalism conventions! We went to Indianapolis, Dallas and Chicago. I did this insane competition with Lyndsay Valadez all three years that took up an entire day. It was extremely stressful, but we both loved working together and making an online news package under tons of pressure.

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

Without The Journal, my high school experience would’ve been boring. I made my closest friends, learned so much and had a blast every single day. I grew so much as a person professionally and learned so much about myself and capabilities.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

When I was EIC, the most proud moment was looking at the last issue and the first issue from the same year and seeing how far we came as an entire staff. The progress was evident, and I think everyone was just really proud of how far we came over the course of a year.

Anything else you would like to add about your experience on The Journal’s 100th year anniversary?

Here’s to a hundred more!

Alyssa Clark- ’18

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

When we went to Texas for the 2017 Convention, we went to a rodeo. They asked for volunteers, and my hand immediately shot up. Turns out that it was a blindfolded dance competition. They had the other girls stop dancing, so I was up there all alone giving the crowd a show.

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

The only reason why I joined The Journal is because my best friend, Chloe, was on staff. I’m so glad that she influenced me to join because it brought us closer together and I found my passion for writing/designing.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

I’m proud of everyone on The Journal, past and present. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication, and it can be hard finding the free time during high school. I’m also proud of Mr. K because he had the twins during my senior year but still worked his butt off.

Hailey Boger- ’18

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

I have a lot of memories, so it’s hard to pick just one, but production nights were always very fun and chill. Sometimes chaotic, but still fun.

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

I met amazing people through The Journal and had wonderful experiences I wouldn’t have gotten otherwise.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

I was the staff artist my senior year, and I’m most proud of having my art on the cover of an issue and winning numerous awards for my work.

Anything else you would like to add about your experience on The Journal’s 100th year anniversary?

Congrats on 100 years!

Laura (Pabody) Ryan- ’04

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

It feels impossible to pick one favorite memory. Traveling together for J-Day, pizza production nights and doing the homecoming parades together were so fun and memorable.

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

I made some of my best friends through Journal staff. We laughed so much but also worked really hard. Being able to collaborate with people I loved to produce something we were so proud of was a huge, positive part of my high school experience.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

I was proud of our coverage of 9/11. For a group who loved to laugh and joke around, we felt the weight of that moment and took it very seriously, working hard to capture it well. I was also proud when we won several awards as a staff at J-Day.

Anything else you would like to add about your experience on The Journal’s 100th year anniversary?

I am so glad I got to be a part of The Journal. High school would not have been the same without it !

Logan Flake- ’18

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

When I was a reporter my freshman year, Mr. Hanley and I had a wonderful interview about education. When I was the satire editor my senior year, I antagonized him by taking forever to get a good shot of him running. I photoshopped an angry scantron behind him. That’s evolution.

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

During high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. Since then, I’ve found passion in sports journalism. Writing and editing for The Journal gave me an irreplaceable framework for my future goals right under my nose for three years.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

I’m super proud of “The Red Onion,” the satire section of The Journal that I helped to debut and edited until I graduated. It lived a short life, but I like to think it was a wonderful, whacky and fulfilling one. P.S. It’s still pronounced “Faun-Ta.”

Nina Gojko- ’19

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

I always enjoyed production nights. Making sure all pages/layouts were in order, getting food and working away!

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

The Journal taught me a lot about working together as a team and how important individual roles are. The Journal operates like a real job with a lot of freedom to manage yourself. It was a good introduction to adult work life.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

I am very proud of the work I did for The Journal. Being the staff artist and a member of the satire team was fun and challenging.

Elizabeth Valadez- ’21

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

I will always remember the quote board from my senior year. Its mere existence taught us that we could work hard and still have fun. Work and play were never entirely separated, and that is something I now see was very unique to The Journal.

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

Room 400 was my second home. I knew I could walk in, talk Mr. K’s ear off and leave with more knowledge and wisdom than I had before. Mr. K provided such a safe space, and the impact of his kindness and his lessons will always be with me.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

I’m most proud of the confidence The Journal taught me to have in my work and in myself. At my first national convention, I received a Superior in newswriting. Without The Journal, I would’ve never produced something with such quality or with so much determination behind it.

Anything else you would like to add about your experience on The Journal’s 100th year anniversary?

I hope The Journal has many more anniversaries. The Southport community deserves the quality of The Journal and future students deserve the opportunity to grow.

Makensie VanNote- ’07

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

I loved being part of a big family that got to goof around and be silly but still complete great work. It was also very exciting to cover a local news story and get granted an interview with a source no other publications could get!

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

I learned how to be a leader during my time as Editor. It helped me develop my leadership style and gave me confidence to take on more responsibilities in my career.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

The year I was Editor, the school board made an unpopular decision that was big news in the community. My staff and I worked really hard to cover it in a more serious way than most of the more fun stories we usually did. We published a series of front-page stories that all turned out great. It was a proud moment!

Daniela Sanchez- ’09

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

Journal nights where everyone was just finishing stories, editing and just hanging out were pretty special.

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

The Journal gave me a voice I did not know I had. Many years later, it doesn’t matter in which language I am writing, my voice can eloquently be heard.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

The Journal gave me a sense of belonging, and the way it brings many students together with different interests is astounding. This is what I’m most proud of.

Anything else you would like to add about your experience on The Journal’s 100th year anniversary?

For many years, I thought I would study journalism. I actually ended up studying a science, but The Journal and its teachings have long stayed with me. The Journal gave me a voice to speak my mind not only in English but also in Spanish. In a way, it made me a storyteller in my 30s. I am forever proud to have being part of The Journal.  Even if it was for a few months, the voice it gave me has been everlasting.

Tilyan Aslam- ’20

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

I was an exchange student at SHS, and honestly, The Journal was one of the best parts of my year. I cherish all the memories from The Journal, but I guess working with staff is one of the best thing about it. I miss those beautiful smiles and the friendly Journal meetings.

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

My opinion and experiences as an exchange student being featured on The Journal is something I’m really proud of. It makes me so happy that people got a chance to read my story and learn about my culture and country of Pakistan.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

I just want to thank The Journal and the amazing staff for making me feel like home during my stay in US, and I wish to see The Journal on the top always because it deserves it.

Brett Evans- ’01

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

There are too many great memories to pick just one, but some of my favorites include: interviewing Indianapolis mayoral candidates with Cory Schouten, the stress of developing film in the black room (something I’m guessing the current students don’t have to deal with), my interview with a WWII vet, writing silly columns about the angsty experiences of being a high school student, and trying to start a tradition with a lavender plant that I’m certain never caught on.

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

The Journal team was an eclectic team. It brought together people who wouldn’t have usually hung out with one another from different backgrounds, grades and groups. The comradery, skills learned and late-night working sessions made a big impact on me well after I graduated. I still have fond memories of my days in that room.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

When I started with The Journal, I was surprised how many people in the community read it. I figured it was limited to the student body, but I had people from the Homecroft and Southport areas comment on stories I had written. I was very proud to be a part of that. The biggest thing I’m proud of, though, were the great people I had a chance to work with, many of which went on to be writers, photographers and even esteemed vocational journalists.

Anything else you would like to add about your experience on The Journal’s 100th year anniversary?

I can’t believe The Journal is celebrating 100 years! I’m very proud to have been a part of its history.

Sarah Patterson- ’01

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

My favorite memory was when we would crank up funk music (in the late ’90s!) and work on those old Mac computers together. It was also a lot of fun to go pick up the paper (physical copies) from the printing place if you got the chance to do that!

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

Working on The Journal helped me embrace who I am – a person who loves data and information! I went on to a become a researcher and I can see a lot of this reflected in the articles I wrote during high school.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

I’m proud of the community we built as a staff and our ability to get into and resolve arguments but also get things done.

Anything else you would like to add about your experience on The Journal’s 100th year anniversary?

I appreciated having the opportunity to work on The Journal in high school. It was a really important experience for me.

Abigail Barrett- ’16

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

There’s too many fond memories to pick just one, but if I must, the memory that stands out the most came at the very end of my tenure as Editor-in-Chief when managing editor Riley Childers and I pressed the send button, submitting our final issue of The Journal.

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

The Journal helped me blossom from a quiet wallflower into a woman who knew her voice and opinion were valuable and worth getting out there. It brought me a group of friends that became family and an outlet in the form of writing that has stayed with me to today.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

One thing I’m most proud of is being a part of the leadership team that built The Journal Rewired. When the online site merged with the Journal, I was able to help build it from the ground up and learned valuable web design skills I still use in my professional life.

Anything else you would like to add about your experience on The Journal’s 100th year anniversary?

The Journal was, without a doubt, the most special part of my time at Southport. My blood, sweat and tears went into that thing (quite literally), and I loved every moment. It’s something I’m still very proud to have been part of, and I’ll always be a weird Journal kid in my heart.

Kali Ingels- ’16

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

My favorite memory is the little community that was built through The Journal. The long nights and hard work did not seem too bad when you had a community rallying around you.

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

The Journal taught me how to step outside my comfort zone. The Journal also brought me lifelong friendships.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

The Journal was something everyone always looked forward to and was what that everyone talked about. I am proud that the newspaper brought so much excitement and it was not set aside and ignored.

Michael Long- ’19

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

I loved the nights where all the editors got together to go through the entire magazine before sending it to the printer. It was always a big relief to finally get an issue completed, and we always had a blast as our sanity ran thin during that final push.

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

My time on The Journal is what made me want to study journalism/media in college. I gained hard skills like InDesign experience, writing and editing along with soft skills like leadership and communication. In the process, I made some life-long friends and made some valuable memories with my girlfriend who I’m still dating today.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

I’m proud of the fact that I was an editor for a year where we won a Hoosier Star Award. I’m also proud of my sports column, which I got to write for 2 years. It was so cool to have a platform like that to express my opinion and see people read it. I remember being insanely proud when seeing one of my columns about track and field taped in the window of one of the track and field coach’s classroom.

Anything else you would like to add about your experience on The Journal’s 100th year anniversary?

I’ll always and forever say that joining The Journal was the best decision I made during high school. I encourage anyone who may be thinking about joining to take the leap. At Southport, The Journal is more than just another club. It’s really a family.

Hannah Garrett- ’19

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

My favorite memory from being on The Journal is all of the laughs that were shared and the friendships that were made in Room 400. Especially on production nights. Everyone coming together to produce the upcoming issue was always so much fun.

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

The Journal had a huge positive impact on me. I think it helped me with my communication skills and allowed me to feel more comfortable leading a team from experience being the features editor. I made so many amazing friends that I still talk to today. Also, my learning experience in InDesign software while being on The Journal has carried into college projects and has benefited me in many ways.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

I think I’m most proud of the projects and stories that my features team covered my senior year. Being able to tell stories about students, faculty and clubs at Southport I think did so much for the community by bringing people together. Getting to know your peers and some of the amazing things they do is so important in high school, and The Journal helped with that. On a more personal level, I was very proud of just getting pages designed and completed on time. It’s so rewarding to look back through the issues and see all of your hard work right in front of you. Also, winning a Hoosier Star award of course!

Anything else you would like to add about your experience on The Journal’s 100th year anniversary?

When I look back at my favorite memories from high school, many of them are related to being on The Journal. Room 400 was where I spent most of my time, and Mr. K made such a big impact on me by being such a great mentor, advisor and teacher. I think my time on The Journal was also one of the bigger milestones in The Journal’s history. It is when we made the transition from newspaper to magazine, and we really focused more on The Journal Rewired website. This had its challenges, but we were successful, and I’m so proud of our staff during those years. The fact that it’s The Journal’s 100th year anniversary is so crazy! It has come such a long way, and the amount of people it has reached is so awesome. I think to most people, being on a school newspaper/magazine is just another club to join, but at Southport High School it is an impactful experience that will affect students in the long run, and I am so proud that I was once a part of it.

Natalie Ullrich- ’11

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

My favorite memory from my three impactful years on the Journal staff is our class trip to Kansas City for a student journalism convention. We were already such a tight, talented group, and we grew even more so from that experience.

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

I was ready to quit after my first year; hustling and venturing outside my comfort zone had drained me. But after a heart-to-heart with Mr. K, I stuck it out and eventually held creative roles I loved. That was my first experience with true perseverance, and I’ve only grown tougher since being pushed by the Journal.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

Of all my Journal memories and successes, I think I’m most proud of the journalism ethics foundation those experiences instilled in me. Having gone on to a career in media production, I still lean on those steadfast moral roots to this day.

Anything else you would like to add about your experience on The Journal’s 100th year anniversary?

When I joined The Journal, I’d never before had to juggle so many responsibilities while being held to such high standards. I later found great success in college, grad school and a media career — largely because my Journal roots had made me reliable and able to out-hustle my peers.

Hallie Robbins- ’08

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

Going to the journalism conference in Philadelphia and developing life-long friendships there

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

I am not a journalist in real life, but being on the Journal staff taught me how to write and research like one. It’s been a far more beneficial (and affordable) experience than grad school ever was!

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

I wrote a story when the deseg order expired. Though I have a much more nuanced opinion now, I put my heart and soul into that story, and a bunch of people poured their heart and souls to me and trusted me to tell it. I’m still grateful.

Anything else you would like to add about your experience on The Journal’s 100th year anniversary?

I’ve learned that there is a time and a place for these: ; (and I use them a lot), but I still avoid all euphemisms for death and dying.

Casey Smith- ’14

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

Production nights were always filled with lots of laughs and good critiques as we stitched together the next issue of The Journal. The newspaper staff is a pretty tight-knit bunch. I loved that I could pursue my passions for writing and reporting alongside my friends.

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

The Journal was an incredible, hands-on introduction to journalism and a launching pad for my career as a reporter. I wasn’t just learning about reporting, writing and editing — I was producing stories for a real publication and audience. Those experiences allowed me to hit the ground running by the time I got to college. I’m not sure I’d be doing the important work I’m able to now without my early days at The Journal.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

I frequently think back to Brooklyn Raines’ 2013 story that explored homicide rates in Indianapolis. The story was a complicated one to tackle — even for a seasoned professional journalist. After hours spent conducting difficult interviews and pouring through data, Brooklyn told a powerful story that centered around the unsolved murder of 2011 Southport Michael Taylor. I’m still humbled to have worked as her editor on the piece. https://issuu.com/shsnewsbureau/docs/merged_document.pdf_for_bureau/6

Anything else you would like to add about your experience on The Journal’s 100th year anniversary?

That The Journal thrives on a century later is a testament to the hundreds (maybe thousands!) of students and advisors who have poured themselves into the publication and remained dedicated to telling the stories of Southport High School and the surrounding community. I’ll always be a proud alum of that camp. Go Cards!

Chelsea Lauren (Stidd) Beanman- ’07

What’s your favorite memory from being on The Journal?

We took a trip to Nashville for a journalism event. I remember having a lot of fun, being forced out of my element and really bonding with several of the staff who were selected. Production nights and the critique lunches were always memorable as well.

What was the impact The Journal had on you?

We were all really close. The friendships from different groups around the school led to some great conversations.

What are you most proud of from being on The Journal?

I was always really proud of the time an effort that went into each issue. As a high school staff, our paper looked great and sometimes better than what the “professionals” put out!

Anything else you would like to add about your experience on The Journal’s 100th year anniversary?

The friends that were gained during my four years were great, but the two advisors we had were the best mentors that I could have asked for. They challenged and encouraged me, which is exactly what I needed to succeed.