For two decades I have served as the adviser for the NPHS student-run newspaper, The Cougar Courier. Each year, the staff and I produce content for our little but very important readership. Each year, a new group of senior editors step up to take the reigns and lead the rest of the staff through the year.
This year we had only two senior editors. Normally, we would have 4-6 but the numbers don’t always work out that way. Despite the fact that we had only two, they were hardworking, dedicated, and reliable throughout the year and, in fact, helped to generate and curate a ton of content.
Andrew Mendes served as the Managing Editor this year. Each week, he helped lead the staff meetings, maintained meticulous records in our meeting notes, edited articles from other writers, and produced a lot of work on his own. He was supportive, dependable, and stalwart throughout the year. Thank you, Andrew, for all you did. I wish nothing but the best for you as you step out of high school and into your future.
This year’s Editor-in-Chief was Darrien Guiliano. Diarrien was the Rhode Island recipient of last year’s Al Neuharth Free Spirit Scholarship, an award granted to one student of journalism in each state. Darrien represented RI and NPHS at their annual conference in Washington last year. This one but one of the factors which earned her the leadership of the Courier this year. Darrien’s out of the box approach to how we would report all the news from Cougar Country and her lighthearted attitude towards leadership was more than effective when it came to inspiring her staff. Words cannot say what respect and appreciation I have for all the hard work you did this year and I genuinely look forward to the next steps in your life’s journey.
As we look to the future, and a new leadership staff, I can’t help but be both optimistic and determined. The need for a strong fourth estate has never been greater in the world. We will rise to the challenge, I am certain. Until then, to all members of our staff, and to all our readers, enjoy your summer and we will see you in the fall!
