June 9, 2026
I remember reading the senior tributes at the end of my freshman year, thinking I had a long way to go, but now, it is my turn.
In eighth grade, when it came time for me to select my electives for the following year, I immediately chose journalism, hoping to become the next Rory Gilmore from “Gilmore Girls.” While I do not plan to pursue a career in journalism, I am eternally grateful for this program.
Serving as a staff writer, an editor and a two-year editor-in-chief for The Lighthouse taught me many lessons. With the guidance of adviser Ms. Pastor, I learned how to manage large groups and refined my writing skills.
This led to incredible accomplishments, including awards from the Garden State Scholastic Press Association and the Bob Stevens Memorial Scholarship, co-sponsored by the GSSPA and the New Jersey Press Foundation.
With constant travel, it was challenging to keep up with my responsibilities, but my family stood by my side and cheered me on.
I would be remiss not to thank my co-editor-in-chief, Zahara Chowdhury. I am proud to have worked alongside such a talented individual, whom I am fortunate to call one of my best friends. I would never want to be “editors-in-crime” with anyone else.
I would also like to thank Future Business Leaders of America Club co-advisor and Wonder Girls Club advisor Mrs. Silvelo. Being part of FBLA and later serving as president helped me discover my passion for marketing. Her support led to my success at the State Leadership Conference in Atlantic City, where I placed in the top 10 in my category for three consecutive years.
As a freshman, I feared public speaking, but Wonder Girls changed that for me. By the following year, I gained confidence and got more involved, meeting amazing people, including a New Jersey Superior Court justice.
Additionally, thank you to my sophomore year Advanced Placement Human Geography teacher and FBLA co-advisor Mr. Spence. While I often struggled with the college-level coursework, Mr. Spence’s belief in my abilities never wavered. He continued guiding me in the following years of high school.
Finally, I would like to thank my parents and my sister. Throughout high school, I had a busy schedule balancing academics, clubs and a career as an international fencer for Portugal. With constant travel, it was challenging to keep up with my responsibilities, but my family stood by my side and cheered me on.
Concluding this article is bittersweet, as it means I will no longer be part of the publication that was pivotal to my high school career.
However, I am so grateful for all the opportunities LHS, my teachers and my family have given me and cannot wait to begin my next chapter as I pursue a marketing degree at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.
