Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes of your school’s publications? We’ve decided to take a closer look into the daily lives of Acorn Newsmagazine reporters and the dedicated individuals working on Legacy, the school yearbook publication at Royal Oak High School.
For some, the journey into the world of journalism and Acorn started unexpectedly. Take Aidan Morris, for instance, who stumbled into the class after a “scheduling mix-up” and found himself embracing the opportunity. Others, like Olivia Fox, joined on the recommendation of a teacher, discovering her love for writing and the sense of community within the class.
As Acorn embarks on the writing, design and publication of its issue, collaboration is at the forefront. Natalie Keveney, who is co-writing a story, describes the process of brainstorming, talking to classmates, and finalizing drafts. Morris finds his moment to shine during the layout phase of the publication, adding that this is when the “real fun begins.”
Lucie Coburn shares her approach to interviews, admitting to stalking” interviewees during lunch to get the latest scoop. The joy of selling out magazines for the first time was a memorable moment for Coburn, who welcomes the rewarding feelings she experiences after a lot of hard work and dedication.
Fox and Coburn express the rewards of seeing their stories in print and the “satisfaction of selling out issues.” Beyond that, being a reporter has equipped them with valuable communication and teamwork skills, preparing them for future endeavors.
For Ana Ladzinski, a returning member of the Legacy staff, and Mary Coburn, a newcomer, the motivation to join the yearbook is rooted in the desire to “capture and cherish high school moments.” While Acorn reporters are immersed in the here and now offered through multiple issues of the magazine, yearbook staffers invest in a long-term product. With two years on staff already, Ladzinski hopes to put her experience to work in a leadership role next year.

The yearbook class, under the guidance of Matthew Swastek, as well as senior editors Anna Waterstredt and Scarlett Girgenti, tackle challenges, and experience both hectic workdays, as well as the satisfaction of a final, polished product.
Ryan Lassner and Chloe Jarrett, both seniors and first year staffers on Legacy, emphasize the importance of the learning experience in the yearbook class. Lassner appreciates the class for “honing communication skills and meeting deadlines,” while Jarrett enjoys the opportunity to interview “diverse students and teachers.” As they work on sidebars for the yearbook and interviewing underclassmen with fun questions, they eagerly anticipate the final product.
The school yearbook staff focuses on capturing timeless memories that will be cherished for years to come. Lazinski, Mary Coburn, Lassner, and Jarrett shared their motivations for joining the yearbook, emphasizing the importance of preserving high school moments. The yearbook serves as a time capsule, documenting a diverse array of students, clubs, and events. By contrast, one of the unique aspects of newsmagazine reporting is the immediacy of impact. As stories unfold from day to day at ROHS, Acorn reporters tap the pulse of student life and see the direct influence of their work. Acorn staffers take pride in their efforts, as well as selling out of magazines and the reward of seeing their names in print. The role also equips them with valuable communication, and collaboration skills, as well as experience with design software that prepares them for the future.
In the bustling world of school publications, both the Acorn Newsmagazine reporters and Legacy Yearbook staff members are leaving their mark, capturing the essence of Royal Oak High School and creating lasting memories for the entire student body. As they navigate the challenges of their respective roles, these students demonstrate the passion and dedication that make their publications thrive with a sense of community and collaboration. Whether it’s the camaraderie within the Acorn publications lab lead by adviser Ann Maudlin as well as senior editors Maggie Lynch and Sophie Matthews, or Swastek guiding Girgenti, Waterstredt and the yearbook team in the computer lab, being collaborative is essential to the success of our school’s publications.