“Lantern Production” was the first high school class I had ever taken, and it will also be the last. My freshman year, the class took place first period and had only 12 students. I sat near the back of the class and only talked to other people when needed. Now, the class takes place during seventh period and has 27 students. I sit in the front row and have conversations with people within Lantern every day. 

I joined Lantern to become a better writer, and I have improved on my writing skills over the last four years, but that will never be my biggest takeaway from this class. I still remember one of the first things our adviser Mr. Silvidi said to us, “If you were taking this class to write, it is so much more than that.” He was right. Although we have created a pretty amazing newspaper, Lantern is truly about the people. 

My very first interview was with our, at the time, assistant principal Doug Faris. I was horrified. I already had trouble talking to people, but I got through it. Interviewing people became easier and easier, and through talking to random people I was able to come out of my shell and be more comfortable talking to people. 

Through Lantern I have seen myself grow, but I have also seen our newspaper grow. We have over double the number of writers in Lantern since my freshman year. I am so happy that I have gotten to work with every single person who has stepped foot in Lantern. 

I am now attending the Ohio State University in the fall and am majoring in Journalism. I will continue my education through the Lantern, just not the Revere High School Lantern. I know everything I have learned in Lantern will help me through college. I will use the writing and people skills, but also the stories Mr Silvidi has told me throughout my four years. 

I am so thankful for all of my peers and friends I have met in Lantern. It will always be an important part of my high school experience.