I had little interest in journalism when I signed up for Lantern my freshman year. Although I had previously petitioned for a journalism class at Revere Middle School, I didn’t really want to write. I loved reading the newspaper and watching the morning news and wanted to bring that to our school. But writing as an extracurricular? That sounded boring. 

To my surprise, after a quick chat with the Lantern adviser at the high school, I hesitantly agreed to take the class for just one year. Just one year, I told myself. It would be good experience, and I’d get to know some of the upperclassmen and administrators in the building. 

Soon enough, school started, and I, a small thirteen-year-old, quietly sat down in a big room full of seniors. Jokes flew across the room, and my colleagues began chatting with my new teacher, just as you would with a friend. 

Class began and I quickly realized this wasn’t just another English class. This was life. This was learning to make change. 

As we closed the door to have serious conversations, doors in my mind flew open. Ideas and opportunities took over. I began to write articles not as if it was my duty to do my homework but rather because it was my duty to inform the people of what was going on in their community. 

Thomas Jefferson’s famous quote finally made sense. “If I had to choose between government without newspapers, and newspapers without government, I wouldn’t hesitate to choose the latter.” Of course you would, Thomas. Newspapers bring life and stability through their messy truth. 

Lantern gave me an outlet to turn my rants into resources. I looked into and listened to my peer’s complaints about our community and celebrated alongside them when someone accomplished something new. I discovered and spoke with dozens of people I am sure I never would have without the extra push from my articles. And to my delight, I began to see the impact of my work directly. It’s amazing how far a simple conversation can take you. 

As my passion for journalism grew, simultaneously, my colleagues grew into my companions and later into my friends. For the past four years, I’ve watched my friends grow into amazing people and take their journalism skills to the next level of their education. Now, it’s my turn. 

Although my time with the Revere Lantern has come to an end, I hope to continue writing throughout college at a new lantern, the Ohio State Lantern. 

Good luck to future Lantern staff. You are able to accomplish whatever you dream. Talk with someone and get the ball rolling. Nothing is out of reach. You’re a journalist now, and this is your duty. And most importantly, thank you to everyone who has supported me over the last four years. Truly, without you, I would not be who I am today. 

Signing off,

Maggy Messner, Class of 2023