Categories:
Journal bake-off
The staff’s third annual baking competition
Alex Garzia, Jasmine Chau, Nathan Switzer, Salem Ortega-Morales, Julianna Miranda, Elisabeth Pointer, and Tristen Draughon
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December 17, 2024
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About the Contributors
Alex Garzia, Videographer
Hey, it’s me, Alex! I’m the videographer for The Journal. I got this job because of my work and passion for SPTV. Three years ago I had begun making videos for the announcements, which would normally consist of filming my peers giving the news, and learning how to edit it all. However, it did not take very long for me to start going a little further with my camera. I now make skit videos for SPTV and of course, The Journal, using my skills to create entertaining content for all of you! Aside from my day job, I also love spending time with my lovely girlfriend, going to the movies with my friends and spending all of my money at the mall. I’m also learning how to play the guitar, something I daydream about almost every day. Above all else though, I just love to create. Ever since I was a kid, I was writing stories of all kinds in a little red notebook. Now, I get to share my weird imagination with all of Southport.
Jasmine Chau, Culture Reporter
Hey guys! My name is Jasmine Chau, and this year, I’m a sophomore in high school! This is my very first year on The Journal, and I’m gonna be a writer for the Culture section. I’m super excited. A little bit about me: I know how to play the piano and the violin. I also like to do arts and crafts, and I love to hangout with my friends. I love making new friends and getting to know people. I’m also in the school’s orchestra. I play the violin, as I’ve said before, and it’s super fun! I really enjoy the sound of music, whether it's playing it, listening to it or seeing it live. Some of my current favorite artists are Sabrina Carpenter, Enhypen and Chase Atlantic. Diving more into my personality, I would say I’m passionate, hardworking, friendly and understanding. I always make sure to stay on top of my work, and I value all of my friends and peers' feelings and thoughts. So this year, you can expect my work to be thought out and full of passion. Overall, I’m really excited to work with The Journal and all of the writers, editors and photographers! I’m looking forward to the year, and I promise to give it my all!
Nathan Switzer, Business Manager
I’m Nathan Switzer, and I’m the Business Manager and a writer for The Journal this year. I’m a junior, so this is my second year on The Journal. My job includes handling the money that comes in and out of The Journal and making the ad pages. I'm excited to continue to do my part on the staff and keep up with the happenings at school. A little about me is that I work at 7 Brew. And when I’m not working, I’m a plant daddy, taking care of my crazy amount of plants that I have in my room. I’m excited to continue to grow my skills and tell the stories that would otherwise be untold.
Salem Ortega-Morales, Photos Editor
Hi! It’s Salem, and for the third and last time in a row, I am writing another staff bio. I’m a senior now, which is really hard to believe. I am this year’s Photos Editor. Going from a Culture reporter to here is a weird pipeline! I do quite a few things besides Journal, such as the Latino Advocacy Mentorship Program, Cards @ Camp, Cardinal Cadre and work. As of right now, I am still a McDonald’s employee for the next two weeks, and then I’m free! I love reading Junji Ito’s horror manga and learning German. I’m a huge DCU and Sonic fan. This year, I acquired my own Nikon camera, so I’m looking to start a photography business soon, so be on the lookout. Not only has my position changed this year, my number of pets has increased. I now have six dogs and five cats, and some chickens. Alas, some things never change. I am still your favorite Steve Lacy, Tyler the Creator, Arctic Monkeys and The Cure fan. This year’s staff looks very promising, and I cannot wait to bring you all this year’s photos to The Journal.
Julianna Miranda, Podcast Producer
Hi! My name is Julianna Miranda, and this will be the last time I’m introducing myself on The Journal (sadly). After a year of being a Features writer, and another of being the Opinion Editor, it’s this year that I can call myself the head of The Circuit, our podcast. I am so excited to be able to solely focus on building and making The Circuit my own for the year. Outside of The Journal, I’m involved with the girl’s soccer team, orchestra, NHS and Cardinal Cadre. Since it’s my senior year, I’ve set some new goals for myself to venture out and get involved as well as continuing to push myself hard. I hope to apply in a few months to Purdue as a motorsports engineering major. That’s my biggest side interest outside of school: automobiles. It’s so engaging to be able to see how they run and to get my hands dirty while learning the inner workings of them. In fact, if you were to see my wall, then my Hot Wheels collection would be on full display. My favorite thing to do is probably going on silly adventures and going out to try new places with my boyfriend. We complement each other very well and all of our interests are the same, so any plans we make with each other are bound to make the other happy. That’s enough about me, though! I hope I can reinvent The Circuit in a way that will have everyone tuned in!
Elisabeth Pointer, Opinion Editor
Hello! I’m Elisabeth Pointer, also known as E.P., and I’m this year's Opinion Editor! I’m a senior this year, and I’ve been in The Journal since my sophomore year. I wrote for the Culture section for two years before I decided to become an editor. Outside of The Journal, I'm a competitive gymnast, and I’ve been doing gymnastics for about 11 years now. I have only one sibling: my little brother Gabe, who is a freshman this year. I also have a cat named Sassy and a dog named Blair. I had glasses for a majority of my life, but recently got contacts, which make me look a lot different than I have previously. I’m so ready to be an editor this year; it feels like my entire career on The Journal has led up to my position this year, and I couldn’t be more ready and excited.
Tristen Draughon, Staff Artist
Hi, I’m Tristen Draughon, and I’m an artist in The Journal. I’m super excited to join The Journal and get to know everyone. I’ve been drawing and painting my entire life, so I’m really happy to finally be able to put those skills to use. Currently, I’m taking AP Studio Art, Ceramics and Sculpture, and next semester I’m taking Advanced Painting. I’m hoping to pursue art after high school into college. Aside from art, I like to write and watch movies. My absolute favorite movie is “Top Gun,” and Goose is my favorite movie character of all time. My favorite TV show is “The Flash.” Two of my favorite video games are the 2018 Spider-Man game and “Jedi: Survivor.” Like I said, I’m super excited to be joining The Journal, and I can’t wait to see what this school year brings.