Signing Off: A letter From The Editors-In-Chief
After four years with The Griffins’ Nest, we were overjoyed, motivated, and, frankly, a little terrified, when we were handed down the role of (Co) Editor-in-Chief (EIC). Leading the paper this year has proven to be one of the greatest challenges that we’ve faced, but has yielded the greatest rewards.
We both started off at The Nest in eighth grade, a little wide-eyed, extremely passionate, and unequivocally proud to show off our navy blue Nest crewnecks.
Near the end of our grade 10 year, we collaborated on our first (of many) articles together: an investigation into course cuts at the Byng Arts program. This was only the beginning of our notorious journalistic partnership.
We continued to work together as executive editors for Volume 14, spending our weekends editing articles, drafting last-minute editorials, and polishing our journalistic intuition.
Each issue of Volume 15 was a whirlwind of sleepless nights and narrowly met deadlines, but we reveled in every second of it. Somewhere in between drafting requests for comment, assigning reporters articles, and re-reading editorials together, our brains smushed into one. Together, we grew into better reporters, better editors, and ultimately, better people.
The Nest has been an unparalleled learning experience for us both, teaching us how to report with integrity, emphasize ethical decision making, and fight for what we believe in.
We could not report as we do today without all the reporters who came before us.
Our first and foremost thank you is owed to Addie Guan, the 2023–2025 Editor-in-Chief of The Nest. Having now served in this role as a duo, it’s hard to imagine doing it solo, but Addie took on every issue with dedication, passion, and her Subway Surfers soundtrack playing in the background. Addie showed us that beyond correcting syntax and fact-checking, the role of an editor encompasses the key responsibility to mentor and uplift the future generation of reporters. We couldn’t be more grateful for everything she taught us, and for leaving us to co-parent her favourite child. We hope we’ve made her proud.
Throughout Volume 14, Sara Maya Budhiraja, who served as Managing Editor, provided a steady backbone for our editorial team and always kept everyone’s spirits high. We continue to be inspired by the amount of commitment and time she gave to The Nest, and how she was able to change the dynamic of our team from an editorial board to a family.
One of the most unique aspects of The Nest is not only the community it creates at Hamber, but the long-lasting alumni network that is fostered by editors even after their graduation. Past Editor-in-Chiefs Spencer Izen (2020-2022) and Stephen Kosar (2022-2023) provided us invaluable guidance throughout this year, and were always willing to hop on a FaceTime call with us to advise on the latest newspaper dilemma. Thank you for your kindness, knowledge, and continued passion for the paper.
Furthermore, we would like to thank the editors from Volume 13 and 14 that stuck alongside us throughout the journey from beginning reporters to experienced editors: Andre Chen, Katja Radovic-Jonsson, Gina Hallensleben, Anthony Lu, Max von Dehn, Austin Witter, and Izzy Jang.
Mr. A. Wightman (Social Studies) has been a constant source of support for our club as teacher sponsor, and has shown great respect for the challenge that is student journalism. While neither of us have ever taken a class with him, our experience through The Nest has shown us the level to which he cares for each and every student, and the betterment of education as a whole.
An additional thank you goes to Mr. J. Lauzon (Administration), Mr. N. Despotakis (Administration), and Ms. N. Gates (Administration), who took the time to understand the core values and principles of The Nest, and have shown respect for us not just as students, but as journalists.
As the leaders of Volume 15, we have had the privilege of guiding a team of incredibly talented and hard-working editors. It’s been an absolute pleasure seeing you grow into competent and fearless journalists.
Design and Layout Editor, Natalie Kosar (12), has been the creative genius behind the paper for the past two years, piecing together each issue with innovation, logic, and an admirable work ethic. Her passion for journalism is evident in every page she produces, and her attention to detail is unmatched. We could not be more grateful for her steady support and InDesign savviness.
The 2026–2027 Editorial Board will be led by current Managing Editor Zak Tucker (11). Zak has a gift for language and a knack for editing, always ready to get to the bottom of the latest scoop. With his 2000 word investigative reports and hyper fixation on the AP Style Guide, he has fully integrated himself into the world of journalism. We are thrilled to watch him take the reins of the paper as Editor-in-Chief, and know he will lead with integrity and professionalism. We can’t wait to see what he will accomplish, and will be cheering him on every step of the way.
Evîn Jaaf (11) will take on the role of Managing Editor next year. She has been an exemplary editor throughout her first year on the board, and always brings her infectious positivity to every issue. Along with a passion for photojournalism, Evîn has a special appreciation for the aspects of The Nest that make it so special for students. She is a role model for other journalists, and we know she will take on this role with excitement and invention.
Over this year, it’s been an absolute pleasure to see Nara Harvey (10) grow as both a reporter and editor. She has consistently stepped up to fill in any needed gap, and has an innate sense of curiosity that fuels her reporting. Nara will be continuing next year as an Executive Editor, and we have no doubt that she will serve as a vital mentor for incoming editors and continue to pour herself into every project she takes on.
Although Salena Sharma (12) was not able to continue the full year as an editor, we are continually grateful for her contribution, dependency, and years of dedication to The Nest.
Junior Design and Layout Editor Trisha Tan (11) has taken on a daunting role with an open mind and a dedication to learning. Her quiet productivity has greatly contributed to the success of each and every issue this year. As the lead Design and Layout Editor next year, we are confident that she has the skills and eye for design to keep the paper flawless.
The Nest’s 2026-2027 Editorial Board will also include Executive Editors Sophie Lee (9), Leah Levine (10), Eleanor Stiem (9), and Junior Design & Layout Editor Ariel Lai (10).
Our words would be pointless without those who read them. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read, engage with, and support our paper.
Additionally, the generous guidance that we’ve received from professional journalists has continued to enhance our work, and the trust the community has placed in this paper is what has laid the foundation for our informative, impartial, and independent student journalism.
The power of The Nest lies in the unique ability that student journalists have: to investigate, question, and challenge the world around them. It is a right that must be protected and built upon by each new Editorial Board. Our advice to you: keep reporting, keep learning, and keep striving to grow as a publication. The Nest is only as strong as those who continue to believe in its importance. We implore you to never stop believing.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve in this role over the last year. It has been an absolute honour and privilege to be your Editors-in-Chief.