Dear Rampage,
As I look back on my four years in Rampage, it is hard to put into words just how much being a part of this community has meant to me. What began as an opportunity to explore my love for writing quickly became one of the most meaningful parts of my high school experience. Rampage gave me a place to grow, challenge myself, and find my voice. It taught me how to listen carefully, write thoughtfully, and lead with purpose.
I have served as a Staff Writer since my freshman year, and from exploring political unrest and natural disasters to new movie releases and school-wide updates, I have learned that every story matters, regardless of how small. As a sophomore, I stepped into the roles of Social Media Manager and Assistant Editor, where I learned the importance of engaging readers beyond the printed page. During my junior year, I continued as Social Media Manager while taking on the role of Online Editor, helping expand our digital presence and adapt to the changing ways in which students consume news. This year, serving as Co-Editor-in-Chief and Online Editor for the second year, I had the honor of leading Rampage, alongside our amazing staff, editors, and advisors, without whom our success would not be possible.
First and foremost, I want to thank our incredible advisors, Mrs. Manzo and Mrs. Casey. I cannot thank the two of you enough for allowing me to serve in these roles throughout the last four years. I am forever grateful for your guidance, encouragement, and unwavering confidence in me both as a writer and a leader. You have both played an integral role in shaping me as a student, and I will carry your lessons with me to college next year. Rampage is so incredibly lucky to have you two as its leaders.
Of course, a big thank you to my Co-Editor-in-Chief, Emma Ufakacar, for being such an amazing partner throughout these four years! From attending our first Rampage meeting together in September of Freshman year, to finally serving as Editors-in-Chief as seniors, time really has flown by! Whether it was running meetings, editing articles, formatting layout, or managing deadlines, I could always count on you to give it your all. Your diligence, hard work, and dedication to journalism have served as an inspiration to us all, and I can’t wait to see all that you do in the future!
I would also like to thank our Section Editors – Aubrey Kwon, our Life Editor, Caroline McDermott, our Entertainment Editor, Zooey Zhou, our Sports Editor, and Emma Ufakacar, our News Editor. Thank you to each of you for bringing your voice, creativity, and ideas to each section and for helping make Rampage what it is today. Whether it be brainstorming article ideas, editing staff writers’ works, or volunteering to take on an extra assignment, Rampage’s success would not be possible without you.
A special thank you to our Life Editor, Aubrey Kwon, who also served as our Layout Editor this year. Your eagerness to take on responsibility and tireless efforts to help Rampage succeed serve as motivation to us all. Rampage is lucky to have you next year, and I can’t wait to see what amazing things you do. Emma and I are incredibly appreciative of your partnership and owe much of our success this year to your hard work.
Lastly, thank you to our Assistant Editors – Gavin Fromberg, Avery Gomberg, and Jennah Ghojal. You have all played an irreplaceable role in making Rampage run smoothly, and Emma and I were so lucky to have had your support this year. I am so excited to see the roles you take on next year and how you continue to shape this club.
Thank you, Rampage, for four unforgettable years. It has been an honor to be part of this publication, and I am so proud of how this club has continued to grow, thrive, and navigate an ever-changing world. As I prepare to graduate, I am sad to be leaving such a passionate, dedicated, and inspiring group of people, but I am confident that I am leaving Rampage in the most capable hands.
Sincerely,
Your Co-Editor-in-Chief and Online Editor,
Lana Jepsen
