Dear Horizon Staff,
There is no better way to reflect on my four-year journey with this club other than to go back to the beginning: my first Horizon meeting. The maximum occupancy limit in room 319 (I know meetings are regularly held in room 320, but we needed more space) was beyond capacity, and students with potential interest stood along the walls of the classroom as the meeting commenced. Former Editor-in-Chief Julia Swerdin (Class of ‘22) introduced herself and the current staff, and before I knew it, article ideas were already being thrown across the room. Now all I was thinking to myself was, “Well, it’s now or never,” and I quickly raised my hand for the first article I ever wrote for Horizon: “LHS Concert Choir Inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame.”
Why did this article catch my attention? To this day, I don’t really have an answer to that question. All I know is I wouldn’t allow myself to step out of that room without having taken an article, hence why my number-one piece of advice to any aspiring Horizon writer is to “dive right into it.” At face value, this idea seems scary and too hurried, but truthfully, there really is no other way to go about it. There are writers who attend the weekly meetings and wait for the “right article,” and then there are those who take on the assignment that needs to be covered but is not really fun to write. (I’ll let you in on a little secret: the latter usually go on to become editors-in-chief–true story.)
See, my heart was set on Horizon from the very first day of school. This was mainly because Mrs. Sanders sold it to me from the beginning during my period one journalism class. I don’t think I’d be writing this letter to staff without having taken the journalism course; it is “Horizon 101,” if you will. I acquired the basic foundations in writing any type of article, learned the art of interviewing, and got a kickstart on building my article portfolio. It was so easy to give my all to this club; writing was and continues to be a passion I wish to refine and explore. Ergo, another tip: if you are passionate about writing for Horizon, and you really see yourself flourishing in this club, try to take College Journalism at some point during your time at LHS–you won’t regret it.
New editors: This club will easily creep its way into your everyday workload. Horizon will be one of your many clubs that demands a lot of time and attention; it is the award-winning school newspaper and website we’re talking about. So, stay on-task, organized, and calm. You’ll get the hang of it. I have hope for our new staff and wish you nothing but the best. The Class of 2025 is handing over the reins to you; don’t blow it.
I feel compelled to mention the other survivors of the Journalism Class of ‘21-’22: Cassandra Levinson, Gianna Longo, and Justin Williams; Horizon has been a ride with these Owls. When I moved to Lynbrook and walked into LHS for the very first time, these were the first faces that I saw each morning freshman year. Joining this club and leaving it together is surely something that pulls at my heartstrings.
I think in one way or another, it is safe to say we all attribute our successes in this club to the one and only Mrs. Sanders. Horizon could not possibly survive without her guidance.
To culminate this bittersweet address, this club has taught me the importance of teamwork, storytelling, and deadlines. If you’re a current writer trying to climb up the ranks, don’t just write to get your name in the paper–write with purpose and interest. It will make earning those positions and awards worth it. And if you’re new to the club, welcome to Horizon!
Sincerely,
Miranda
