Signing Off: A letter From The Editor-In-Chief

Two years as Editor-in-Chief. Three years on the Editorial Board. Five years as a student journalist. Now, this is my final issue with The Griffins’ Nest.

To me, we are at once a “little club”, an internationally-recognized student media organization, a beast of an intellectual and creative project, and a family. As I prepare to leave Hamber, I am inclined to dedicate so much of who I am and who I believe I can become to my highschool newspaper.

From writing my first article to editing my last, I’ve had backup. I’ve worked alongside generations of reporters, editors, designers, and photographers, all of whom display an inspiring level of talent, dedication, and imagination. These individuals, these students, are the heart of The Nest; without this level of initiative taken by young people, our newspaper would not be what it is. Every issue is a physical, 20-page reminder that we are the future. This is why I choose to especially acknowledge those who have joined me on this journey, and made both myself and The Nest what you see today.

While I’ve stepped into the role of mentor, I also consider myself a lifelong mentee. I applied to the Editorial Board back in December 2021, encouraged by then-Managing Editor Jessica Kim. Jess has been an invaluable role model every single day that I have known her — professionally, academically, and personally. I will be forever grateful that she not-so-subtly nudged toward The Nest.

Everything that The Nest is can be directly tied back to Spencer Izen, the Editor-in-Chief from 2020-2022. Spencer has provided me immeasurable guidance. He taught me everything I know about journalism, and consequently, much of what I hand down to future generations. I can only hope to ensure Spencer’s leadership, fearlessness, and sharpness are reflected in the publication that he has given so very much to.

While I didn’t have the privilege of working alongside Erika Chung and Hannah Azad on the Editorial Board, both Executive Editors are admired by reporters and readers alike.

Stephen Kosar was a model Editor-in-Chief for Volume 12, and I couldn’t have asked for a tougher act to follow. He navigated the year in a manner displaying such competency and consideration. Stephen was an excellent editor, teacher, and friend — I will be forever grateful that he took these titles on so enthusiastically.

Volume 12 Managing Editor Simone Hamilton and Design & Layout Editor Teresa Chen continue to be instrumental advisors and truly dear friends. Simone’s thoughtfulness and Teresa’s work ethic not only made our Editorial Board so much stronger, but continue to inspire me even two years after their graduation.

The youngest on the 2022-2023 Editorial Board, I went in with an undercurrent of intimidation and self consciousness. Executive editors Ellis Jackson and Alanna Rudolph gave me companionship when I needed it most. Coupled with their top tier humour, their genuine belief in our newspaper instilled within me a sense of true belonging at The Nest.

I ran my first Editorial Board as Editor-in-Chief in 2023-2024, and this marked a major transition from my smaller role to the face of the paper.

Mr. A. Wightman (Social Studies) has been an unwavering teacher sponsor over my time as an editor. His quiet support and understanding of The Nest’s history and editorial independence have been fundamental to our newspaper, and for this, I am endlessly grateful.

Volume 13 would not have been the same without Managing Editor Katja Radovic-Jonsson. She was my support system and partner through two years on the Board, and I will be forever enamored by her quickness and sense of responsibility.

Design & Layout Editor Izzy Jang is one of the strongest people I know to this day, and I am so incredibly grateful for her resilience through weekends of InDesign crashes. Executive Editors Gina Hallensleben, Anthony Lu, Max von Dehn, and Austin Witter made up such a fun team to lead; their patience and passion were the driving forces behind our year together.

When Stephen offered me the job of Editor-in-Chief for my grade 11 year, I had my doubts about my ability to run two back-to-back volumes. After experiencing Volume 14, I truly wouldn’t have it any other way.

Sara Maya Budhiraja (12), my platonic and professional soulmate, took on the role of Managing Editor, after joining the Board as an Executive Editor last year. Doing something I love brings me so much joy, but doing it with my best friend has been one of the most defining moments in my life. Sara Maya’s wit and gift for language are unmatched, and like many of our predecessors, she has put so much of herself into The Nest. This newspaper is our baby — don’t you forget it.

Andre Chen (12) approached his role of Executive Editor with respect and quiet confidence. He has brought his own special perspective to the team, and I’m glad that he is ⅓ of our graduating editors this year.

Design & Layout Editor Natalie Kosar (11) surprises me time and time again. Her skill and persistence make her truly one of a kind, and I wouldn’t have anybody else behind the visual side of The Nest. I know she will do amazing things in her grade 12 year and after high school. I also pass down the title of Yearbook Editor-in-Chief with nothing but excitement for what she will do with the book.

Current Executive Editors Suhani Dosanjh (11) and Olivia Gowans Hoar (11) will lead the Volume 15 Editorial Board as Co Editors-in-Chief for the 2025-2026 school year. They are both seasoned reporters, exceptional editors, and wonderful leaders. I have personally witnessed Suhani and Olivia’s raw talent and development over their time at The Nest, and have absolutely zero doubts that they will run our publication with professionalism and innovation.

Zak Tucker (10) will be the Managing Editor of Volume 15. He blossomed in his first year as an Editor, and the curiosity, intuitiveness, and knack for research have significantly contributed to every corner of our paper and our team — his future, with The Nest and beyond, is incredibly bright.

The Nest’s 2025-2026 Editorial Board will also include Executive Editors Nara Harvey (9), Evîn Jaaf (10), and Salena Sharma (12), as well as Junior Design Editor Trisha Tan (10).

To all future editors and reporters: this is something special. Keep reporting fearlessly, digging deep, and standing up for what you believe in. One person could not run this newspaper. Together, we are The Griffins’ Nest.

To our community: please keep placing your belief in The Nest and in student journalism. Thank you for the opportunity to serve in this role over the past couple years. @ehgriffinsnest forever.