I started in The Roundup my freshman year. At the time, I wanted to be a romantic comedy screenwriter, and my brother Andy suggested I join the paper to improve my writing skills. 

The first few months were trial by fire – or at least as much trial by fire as writing for a high school newspaper can be. My first article, “Harry Potter vs. Star Wars,” required me to interview Mr. Scott Middlemist ’87. I was terrified, but after mumbling my way through well-researched, thought-provoking questions like “Is Jar Jar Binks cool?” I realized that The Roundup was more than an avenue to improve my writing; it was an opportunity to connect with and learn from the many interesting people on campus. 

For instance, every discussion with Mr. Mike Welty ’84 about his educational philosophy, or Mr. Jim Bopp explaining Brophy’s most curious policies, or Mr. Tony Oldani sharing his thoughts on fatherhood and marriage, in turn shaped my own views. As I reflect on my Brophy experience, I thank The Roundup for many of these cherished conversations. 

The same sentiment applies to the relationships I’ve built in Eller 331. I couldn’t imagine The Roundup without Henry Walters ’25, the best partner-in-crime I could ask for. I’m so glad to have worked with Jackson Stack ’25, Santiago Sanchez ’25, and Peter McLaughlin ’25, Brody Jennings ’26, and Gabe Tiano ’26, especially for the moments we weren’t necessarily working. Launching long-winded hypotheticals about religion and politics is still thrilling, and I’ll truly miss those debates next year. 

These memories wouldn’t be possible without Mr. Jake Kelly ’09. For four years, he’s allowed me to be goofy in the newsroom, encouraged me to ask difficult questions, and required me to broaden my perspectives. I hope every student finds their Mr. Kelly – a teacher who’s not only a mentor, but a friend.In four years, The Roundup deeply increased my senses of community and curiosity, and I wish that every Bronco, regardless of whether or not they want to write romcoms, considers picking up the journalistic pen to see where the story takes them.