In keeping with tradition at Evanstonian banquets, we want to each speak a little about our journey on the Evanston over the past four years. Four years of late-night layouts, the advanced journalism class, and meetings with our fellow editors have taught us a lot and given us many memories.
We started out as staff writers with no experience on a paper. We didn’t know each other, and we were unsure of ourselves and our abilities. What we found was a warm, welcoming community that accepted us as we were. Somehow, members of the Evanstonian are able to strike a balance between fun and seriousness, between joking around at layout and being brave in our journalistic choices. As we took on more and more responsibilities at the publication, the work didn’t become easier, but our ability to take on new challenges did, and the community supporting us only solidified. Over our four years of overcoming challenges, learning new skills, and connecting with others on the Evanstonian and in the community, we leave now with a broadened perspective on ETHS and the Evanston community, and a deeply essential community of fellow journalists and creators.
The going hasn’t always been easy. As a collective, and as a publication, we’ve been through so much to produce a paper and more every month. Navigating changes within our structures, the unknowns of InDesign, and even simply struggling to find the right words for our articles have proven difficult time and again. This year, we ran into controversy (especially with one particular theatre review), fought to fit every word on the page, and adapted to all the missed deadlines or lost photos. Putting out a newspaper is hard. Putting out a paper, videos, photos, and digital work is harder. But these challenges taught us effort and teamwork—they brought us closer together as a community, and showed us everything we are capable of. The long nights and early mornings between S103 and H206 were worth it.
Through many challenges, our publication achieved many milestones as a whole. We were able to weather the changes that led to structural successes within the staff, allowing us to grow. This year, we broke records for social media engagement, then broke them again. We established connections with ETHS teachers and administration that will last for many years. And, perhaps most importantly, we chose an editorial board that will continue and improve upon the work we’ve done this year and in years past.
As your execs, we want to thank every single person who contributed to the Evanstonian this year. To every staff writer, every photographer, every artist, every editor, and everyone who agreed to be quoted, the Evanstonian would not be what it is today without your contributions. It’s been a wonderful four years. Thank you.
