Dear Northside community,

Throughout my two years at The Hoofbeat, I’ve come to understand the weight of stewarding a school newspaper as a kind of recordbook that captures the narratives and voices that shape our community over time. What we write about becomes part of how our school remembers itself. 

This year, serving as Editor-in-Chief of The Hoofbeat has been one of the most meaningful parts of my high school experience. Journalism, to me, is both a form of storytelling and a form of civic engagement. 

It prompts both readers and writers to reflect. Sometimes, it sparks meaningful change. It pushes us to consider different perspectives, to wrestle with complexities, and to engage in discussion.  While media today has transformed drastically, journalism remains an important channel for exchanging ideas.  

I am constantly reminded that publishing The Hoofbeat is a collective endeavor. Every issue is the result of many moving parts from interviewing and writing, to photography and recording.

I am deeply grateful to the editors who helped make this year successful.

Charlotte McAninch, Managing Editor, thank you for your constant support and dependability throughout every step of the publication process. I have truly enjoyed writing and editing alongside you and bouncing ideas off one another throughout the year.

Cora Sherman, Features Editor, your creativity and thoughtful storytelling continue to amaze me. Thank you for bringing depth and humanity to our paper.

Noa Stewart and Sarinah Aman, News Editors, thank you both for your enthusiasm and dedication to thoughtful reporting. You both ensured our coverage remained informative and reliable. 

Mr. Randy Snow (English Department), thank you for your valuable mentorship and guidance. You have consistently challenged me as both a writer and a thinker, and your role as advisor has been pivotal to my growth throughout my time on The Hoofbeat.

I will be attending Northwestern University in the fall, where I plan to continue my journalism career writing for The Daily Northwestern. I feel incredibly fortunate to leave this newsroom feeling more confident as a journalist, collaborator, listener, and person.

I am deeply grateful for the lessons, experiences, and writing opportunities this publication has given me.

Thank you for reading.

Farewell,

Sophie Zinder