My interest in journalism started in 8th grade. I had some background in writing stories and creating a layout for a publication from being in the newspaper club back at my old middle school, so when my family moved into the Revere District and I realized the middle school did not have a paper, I thought I would start one. I remember the first time Mr. Silvidi came down to the middle school to talk to our newly formed group, the Revere Middle School Press (RMS Press). At the time, it was so interesting to listen to all of the knowledge and experience Silvidi shared, and I remember thinking, “Wow, this is really kind of serious!” 

In the last four years with Lantern, I have learned how to gather information and organize it into detailed, factual pieces. This may seem like a simplification of the class, but it is the heart of it. I find myself in my everyday life asking questions I would have never thought to ask had I not learned to dive deeper. Over the last few years, I have learned that there is always something more to what people tell you, and one more question could open the door to something you never knew about. 

One amazing thing about Lantern is that it is one of the few classes you can grow in, in terms of position. It also allows you to try so many different forms of media including podcasts, photography, digital art and even comic book strips! One of my favorite parts of the class was getting to read everyone’s articles and help edit them into more professional pieces. As new members join, it is awesome to see them write and publish their first article and get inspired by what they can do with these skills. 

While I do not plan to continue journalism professionally, my current job includes many of the skills I learned in class. As a hairstylist, half of my job revolves around talking to clients and making a personal connection. In my few months of working behind the chair, I have heard some amazing stories and made connections that I would never have made if I had not asked just one more question.

Thank you to Mr. Silvidi, all of my editors in past years and Kelly Peel who helped me start the club at the middle school five years ago. I wish all of the underclassmen the best of luck, I am excited to see what they do with the class in the future! 

Signing off,

Kaylynn Waldron