When I was in eighth grade, I took the Yearbook and Newspaper class with Mrs.Bonde at River Bluff. During my freshman year, I read every Norse Star Issue. In my sophomore year, I joined the Norse Star staff. In my junior year, I became the Arts & Entertainment editor. Now, in my senior year, I will be the editor-in-chief of The Norse Star.
During my time in the yearbook and Newspaper class in middle school, I fell in love with journalism. While I originally took the class to work on the yearbook, the newspaper aspect quickly became my favorite part. For one story I wrote about the Olympics, and I had to interview Becca Hamilton, a local winter Olympian from McFarland. This story solidified my love for journalism.
Towards the end of the year, I remember Mrs. Bonde showing us the Norse Star website, and at that moment, I knew that I was going to join the Norse Star when I got to high school.
When I joined the Norse Star during my sophomore year, I had no idea what I was doing, but with the help of the amazing staff, I was able to learn quickly. The editor-in-chief, Mylah Hall, was extremely helpful in adjusting to an entirely new environment. She made sure all of the new staff members had the help they needed at all times.
During my Junior year as Arts & Entertainment editor, I was able to take a more administrative role in the Norse Star. I took on bigger responsibilities during the editing process and page night, which furthered my love for this newspaper.
Throughout my time on the Norse Star, I have witnessed SHS students dedicating their time to provide the Stoughton community with the reliable journalism it deserves. I have been given opportunities I would have never dreamed of, and while it may be hard at times, it is always worth it.
I’m so honored to serve as the Norse Star’s editor-in-chief for the 2025/2026 school year. I wouldn’t be here without the help of Advisor Anna Schwerke and current editor-in-chief, Simon Mehring. Mrs. Schwerke has helped me grow as a writer and as a person. Simon has taught me most of what it takes to be in the Norse Star, and he has been the best example of editor-in-chief.
I feel honored to have been able to work with Kaitlyn Broderick, Mary Estelle Bubon, Ava Burkhalter, Grace Greenwald, Miles Heritsch, Bode Jensen, Madison Kenrick, Naomi Matthiesen, Madeline Monthie, Isabella Patrinos, Raegan Peterson, Travis Ryan, Lily O’Hearn, Cheyenne Borroughs, and Lisa Wang.
I’m excited to work alongside Andrea Becerra La Madrid, Kira Nielsen, Libby Phillips, and Lyra Romashchenko as editors next year to continue the Norse Star as the respected newspaper that it is. To all incoming staff members, I can not wait to meet you and help you on your journey in the Norse Star!