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You have reached the end of my portfolio. Thank you for reading (or scrolling through) this very large puzzle.

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With a packed school schedule, I could only create this portfolio over winter break, working on my website about six hours a day for two weeks, or roughly 85 hours total. It also used about 70 percent of my computer storage. Worth it, of course.

 

Thank you to JEA NorCal, especially Paul Kandell and Tracy Anne Sena, whom I met at the Gustafson vs. SFUSD court case in December. Both took the time to talk with me, express their confidence in me and encouraged me to create this portfolio.

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Thank you to The Bark staff, a 160 person team of some of the most intellectually curious students at Redwood High School, and to my adviser, Erin Schneider, for nominating me as Redwood High School’s 2026 Journalist of the Year applicant.

 

I have spoken with many journalism educators from schools across Northern California, and whenever I mention Erin’s name, they speak of her with the highest regard. One even described her as "the gold standard" for student journalism advisers. I couldn't agree more.

 

Erin has led this program for 13 years and continues to encourage honest journalism, even when it is difficult. Without Erin or The Bark, I would not only be a different journalist, but a less confident communicator and less curious person.

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Finally, I want to leave you with a call to action. Please consider donating to the Student Press Law Center, a nonprofit organization that provides legal support for student journalists and adviser security. The SPLC has supported student newsrooms across the country, including ours, and has been protecting student press freedom since 1974.

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As I move into the professional world, I can say with confidence that student journalism --- protected by organizations like the Student Press Law Center ---remains one of the strongest tools for critical thinking, no matter where your pursuits lead.