When we knew that we wanted to be editors

Abby – 

I always looked at the plaques lining the walls of George’s room—the ones with all the editors proudly displayed in forest green font—and wondered if maybe, just maybe, I could be up there one day. 

But I always pushed the thought away because it seemed too far-fetched. 

It was my lack of belief in myself, especially as a freshman and as a sophomore, too. I didn’t believe in my abilities, I didn’t believe the praise from my family and friends and teachers, and I didn’t believe that my name—Abby Wright—could be on the wall. 

It was when spring of my sophomore year bloomed that I, too, bloomed. After two years on staff—two years of gazing at the plaques on the wall, wondering if I could do that, too—I decided I wanted it. 

I wanted to be editor. 

I have my newfound belief in myself to thank, but I have my sophomore year editors to thank, too. To Sus, Nish, and Reen: thank you for leading with such grace and passion. For showing me, whether you knew it or not, that I could do it, too. For praising my good reviews, for pushing me to always do my best, for standing tall and proud during meetings every day. 

It was during those meetings that I felt—in my bones and my soul and my heart—that I wanted to stand just as tall and proud as you guys. 

I wanted to stand beneath my name on the wall. 

And days after writing why I wanted to be editor on the application sheet, I would find out that, yes, I can do it. I can have my name on the wall, and I will stand proud underneath it. 

Ashlyn – 

My mom likes to say that I first told her I wanted to be an editor my freshman year. And while I don’t remember that at all, she’s not far from the truth; leading is something that was coded into my DNAit’s always been a part of me. 

It was just pure luck I ended up in The Central Trend freshman year. 

But it has developed into one of the best leadership classes I will ever take. Most people see The Central Trend as a journalism class, but, in all honesty, The Central Trend has taught me more about being a part of a group and taking responsibility than it has taught me about comma usage. 

The Central Trend gave me so much, and I just wanted to give back to that. I wanted to take this class I loved so much and leave my own touch on it. 

Courtney – 

I never thought I would be an editor— I didn’t let myself want it. My defensive pessimism kicked in, forcing down my intense need for the position. 

The inclination— more than inclination— was present in the back of my mind and in the deepest part of my heart from the minute I joined the class. I knew there were more qualified students, more talented writers who’d worked on staff for longer, but I couldn’t stop the desire slowly fighting to surface and make itself known. I also knew I had no chance of being handed the coveted position, also knew what it took to earn it. And so with my head a mess and heart in knots, I did it and told no one that I had even applied until the position was presented to me. 

Though I now adore the leadership aspect of the position that terrified me at first, the leadership wasn’t enraptured me, called to me. In fact, it almost stopped me from applying, from trying to snag this opportunity. 

It was the grammar. It was the grammar that drew me to the job, made me need it with a passion I didn’t know I possessed. 

My nerdy, word-obsessed self just wanted to correct grammar.

TCT’s The Countless Thanks 2022: Ella Peirce

To my friends-

Thank you, Elle Manning. You’ve been there for me since kindergarten, and I hope that never changes. You’re always the first person I tell things to, and the last person to forget embarrassing stuff about me. Writing this is reminding me of when Mr. Deboer had us make those Thanksgiving letters and we wrote them to each other, but this is more one-sided. I already said you’ve always been there for me, but I really do mean it. Through rough patches and the most joy-filled nights, you stay consistent and I genuinely don’t know how I’d survive without you. I cannot put into words how much I appreciate you. Thank you to the rest of the #girlbosses group chat. I know it’s ironic, but we really need to change the group chat name. Maggie Holt, thank you for always being yourself. Never change. Even when we haven’t talked in a while, I know I can rely on you for an enjoyable conversation. Chloe Cox, thank you for always getting it. I don’t quite know how to word this, but even in first hour, when my ramblings are incoherent to most, you seem to understand exactly what I mean. Victoria Chiaburu, thank you for ingraining the sound of your laugh into my mind. Your smile lights up the room, and I love it. Mady Scarlato, thank you for always getting straight to the point. I admire your unwavering honesty and adoration of Taylor Swift, which is a shared trait between us. Allison Meny, thank you for always giving me cheerios. I envy how kind you are to everyone around you, and you’re my favorite. Lastly, thank you to everyone I didn’t mention. Even if I didn’t say your name, I appreciate you all so much. 

To figure skating-

I can’t imagine a life where I’m not skating. It’s my favorite thing in the entire world, and no matter how hard I fall, this sport has taught me how to get up. Thank you, Alyssa Benitez. The memories I have of us running around the rink, FaceTiming, doing hideous crafts, and panicking before competitions, are truly endless. I love our tea times and spending more time talking by the boards than actually skating. You’ve seen me at my worst and watched me skate my best, and I’m eternally thankful that you’re the one I’ve gotten to grow with as a skater and as a person. Thank you, Keelie Cooper. I wouldn’t want to spend my spring breaks anywhere else but in Florida. I hope your vibrant personality is never diminished. I love your Lululemon obsession, how you fearlessly rock your curlers before you compete, and trying drinks from Bad A** Coffee with you. Thank you for simply being you, stay optimistic. Thank you to the girls who make the rink my second home. Ellie Foster, thank you for having a great sense of humor and for letting me share my Duolingo milestones with you for gems. Ellison Durkin, thank you for brightening everyone’s day just with your presence. I love your sense of style, you always seem to be one step ahead of what’s trending. Bryn Sapp, thanks for our end-of-lunch chats. Although I usually leave early, when I don’t Alyssa and I enjoy hearing about the latest happenings in your life. Caroline Foster, thank you for being relatable. I love how you’re seemingly always cold and always tired because I am too. Ellery Vogel, thank you for your kindness on and off the ice. To be honest, on the ice it’s a little much. I was in your way, not the other way around! All jokes aside, lefties for life. Thank you to all the other wonderful people in the Greater Grand Rapids Skating Club I see every day, you’re the ones who make this sport so special to me.

To volleyball-

It’s only been three years, and this sport has already given me so many great memories and friendships. Thank you to all the amazing people I’ve met and grown close with over this shared love for volleyball. Emmy Norton, thank you for being my Swiftie bestie. There’s nobody else I’d rather completely freak out over Taylor Swift with because you get the feeling all too well. As often as I may accidentally completely shank a pass while peppering, I know that you’ll still be my partner. Salt and pepper forever. Raegan Price, I sincerely admire your perseverance and the hard work you’ve put into the sport. I love seeing you in the hallway a few times a day and appreciate your bravery in going in the front during The Haunt. Thank you for being positive even in tough times. Thank you to all my teammates this past school season. We can all agree we grew so much as volleyball players and I loved getting to know you all better. 

To my family-

Thanks for always supporting me no matter what. Mom, thanks for the endless Starbucks trips, never pressuring me academically, and always being willing to watch ‘one more’ episode with me of whatever show I’m binging. Dad, thanks for always ‘hyping me up’ and letting me kick you off the television. Emily, thanks for giving me superior music taste and teaching me how to play video games. Kyle, thanks for sending me unexpected Game Pigeon and riding Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster with me a few too many times.

To the “please edit this” group chat-

Thank you, Addie, Ellerie, and Evelyn. Thank you guys for always editing my stories and giving me an extra confidence boost (or being very blunt) when needed. I love how we’ve bonded over the stress this class brings, and just know I am always here if you need an editor before 2:45 pm.

To all of TCT-

Thank you, to everyone in room 139 at the end of the day. No matter how awful or extraordinary my day has been, the delightful environment you all create in sixth hour is enough to calm whatever is spiraling in my mind. Mr. George, TCT Staff, WFP, thank you.

The Central Trend • Copyright 2025 • FLEX WordPress Theme by SNOLog in