By Ella Franzman – Editor-in-Chief

As I get ready to say goodbye to Jonathan Law, I think the hardest thing to leave behind is The Advocate. From the very first class freshman year in Journalism 1, this elective became more than just a class. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of holding multiple positions and working with many different editors – from a Staff Reporter to Sports Editor and now my second year as an Editor-in-Chief. Each role taught me something different, challenged me and helped me grow, not just as a journalist but as a leader and a person. 

Being part of The Advocate has given me the opportunity to tell so many different stories and bring so many new ideas to the table. Being able to celebrate the people who make our school so special and to be a voice for our student body has just been an amazing experience. 

I want to give a huge thank you to Mr. Kulenych, better known as Mr. K. None of this would have been possible without all of your support. Mr. K. has been more than just The Advocate’s Advisor and teacher, but he has been an awesome mentor. His passion for Journalism and the endless support he has had for every Advocate editor is inspiring. I can’t even begin to think how my high school and future would have looked if I didn’t take that one Journalism class freshman year.

I also want to thank Mr. G. for allowing me to sit at his desk two periods a day. I feel like at this point I’m in Room 211 (or now Room 228) more than you are.  

To the future Staff Reporters of The Advocate, write what matters to you, meet your deadlines (as best you can) and always triple check your spelling. 

I am beyond excited to continue my career in Journalism at Syracuse University in the fall where I will be studying at the S.I School of Newhouse majoring in Broadcast and Digital Journalism. 

Leaving The Advocate is bittersweet but I’m so proud of everything we’ve accomplished and excited to see how the paper continues to grow in the future.