Senior Goodbyes

NABEEL AHMAD

Being an index editor was honestly one of the most unexpected but memorable parts of high school. I never thought I would spend part of my school days walking into local stores asking businesses to buy ads for a newspaper, but somehow it became normal. Nothing builds confidence faster than trying to explain advertisement prices while hoping the owner says yes before you forget what you practiced in your head.

Through all of it, I got to work with amazing students who made this newspaper full of memories and last-minute problems actually fun. Everyone brought something different to the team, and I’m thankful for all the memories and friendships that came from it. I also want to thank Mr. Scott for always being there for everyone, being patient with us, and somehow surviving all of our questions like “what should we do if a store isn’t paying us the 30 bucks they owe us”. He has made this experience enjoyable and gave us the freedom to grow and learn from mistakes. I’ll definitely miss being part of it all, even those awkward business visits.

LOGAN AUXIER

Hey Guys, it's crazy how life leads you into clubs you would have never thought could be fun and enjoyable. I joined Index my senior year after writing only one article my junior year. When I got the news that I was chosen to become the new entertainment editor, I was super shocked, and immensely nervous. I was always a mediocre writer, and I never thought I would actually be able to produce a ton of articles each month, and make sure I remembered all the English rules I had learned from past teachers.

Although I was definitely the most inexperienced writer of the 2025-2026 Editorial lineup, I was welcomed with open arms, and made tons of new friends that I would have never ever thought I would meet during my time in the West Index. I want to say a huge thanks to Mr. Scott for believing in me, and aiding me throughout the issues. He’s been a great help and improved my writing skills ten fold. I also want to thank my writers this year for helping me out during some production weeks and writing amazing articles for the entertainment section. This year the entertainment section has had flourishing media, whether it was music, movies, or games. I was blessed this year to have so much great media to write and critique. To everyone who is even a sliver interested in Index, I urge you to write at least one article, and have fun with it, add quirky comments, or whatever personal flair you style it. Index is amazing, and will help you so much in the future. I’ll definitely be using what I learned with my short time in the Index to help me as I navigate throughout the rest of my life. I’ll definitely miss being a part of this amazing motley crew. 

Aria Boehler

It’s funny how gradually your life can change. I joined Index knowing that I could write, but my abilities, and trust in them, did not extend far beyond that. Somewhere in the course of the past three years, I have come to relish conversations with strangers, to interrogate the minute and mundane for the stories hidden within them, to find a certain thrill in the feeling of an article turning itself out under the pressure of a deadline. I have found a community of creative, passionate, and resilient peers and connected with leaders and unsung heroes from across the region. I have grown in more ways than I thought there were dimensions for growth, and am leaving with the sense that I can take on the world.

For all that I have gotten from Index personally, the past three years have only been possible through vast team effort. Thank you to all of you who have let me interview you over the past 24 issues, who have shared your feelings on everything from ICE policy to parenting in my monthly surveys, who have trusted me to edit your work and help others discover your voice as an author or participant in this absurd and beautiful world of ours. Thank you to all of you who read the Index rather than leave the lonely paper on a desk at the back of your homeroom class, who cultivate curiosity about the goings-on of your peers and wider community and seek to become better informed of the perspectives of those around you—we’re doing this for you. Thank you to Natasha’s mom and Novally’s boss, and the other Index parents and work managers who stave off hunger on long production evenings and leave our office filled with delicious aromas. Thank you to Mr. Scott, who has offered invaluable guidance and whose firm belief in the excellence of this paper pushed me to bring my all to every issue. And, of course, thank you to my fellow editors for dedicating yourselves to your work, for letting me so often take three pages for Spread, and for bringing joy to each issue. Good luck to us all!

ZOSIA BOWLUS-JASINSKI

Hey everyone! I’d like to thank all of the preceding editors for coming up with the idea to lure in writers with delicious chocolate chip cookies and the promise that Index would be a perfect touch to my college application. I definitely guzzled down that Kool-Aid and by the end of my freshman year, I was sitting across from Mr. Scott’s erudite beard at my very first (and last) interview to become an editor. The following year as news editor, with the help of Fahad, was filled with many wonderful memories, which included post-production thrift hauls and taking photos imitating the West nightwalkers who prowl through our hallways in the winter. In the background of my inaugural year as an editor, I applied for a fully funded study abroad program in Germany. I tried to keep my acceptance to the program on the sly, but soon word spread from Ms. Huettl to Mrs. Van Eeckhout to eventually Mr. Scott. I don’t think my heart has ever dropped as deeply as when Mr. Scott launched the tip of a plastic lightsaber towards me while simultaneously asking me if I was going to be in Germany next year. I pusillanimously admitted the fate of my future plans. Although I would say my year abroad was spent well, I can say forthwith say that Index was one of the things I missed the most. Thankfully, Mr. Scott magnanimously let me back into the staff and even gave me the coveted opinion section, despite never writing an opinion article prior to my appointment. I’ve felt tons of felicity putting together my hot takes, thumbs ups and thumbs downs, and section as a whole the past eight issues, and I will undoubtedly miss the late nights collaborating with some truly wonderful people. I’d briefly like to thank my best friends Isaac and Tenna for many Jersey Mike’s runs and laughs over the last year, all my fellow editors for helping me relearn how to navigate InDesign and how to properly size an ad, Mr. Scott for his ceaseless support and enthusiasm through many long nights, and finally any reader over the last few years who has helped my voice be heard.

KAYDEN BRANDT

A lot of things happen for a reason, whether it was planned out or genuinely just happened, and I think joining Index was something that genuinely just happened. I still remember the very first time I wrote for the Index, it was sophomore year and I had written a community article about the Humane Society’s Walk for the Animals event in 2023. I remember being so nervous to even speak to people, almost backing out on interviews, but there were so many kind people who were willing to be interviewed about the good cause. That small moment was one of the best breakthroughs I’ve ever had because it’s helped me talk to other people a lot easier. Index has opened up new opportunities for me, and I hope our future editors will have these same opportunities, even with the budget cuts happening. I thank everyone who accepted me with open arms, who willingly wrote in the features section, who helped me get my voice out there in articles for the past three years, and of course, just being there as a friend. I enjoyed my time being with these people, and I hope that our future writers and editors savor the time they have together, as time flies by when you’re in a good place. Please be kind to yourself in the years to come, and take time to do the things you love within Index as there are so many wonderful peers and leaders, and to my fellow peers, I wish you all the best of luck in your future careers.

JAZBIA FAROOQ

When I first walked into Mr. Scott’s room during W hour freshman year to check out Index, I had no idea what to expect. A senior had convinced me to give it a try, and from the moment I started writing, I quickly realized how much I enjoyed it. Since then, I have been involved with Index throughout all four years of high school. What I loved most at first was the opportunity to interview people and bring their stories to life through writing. By the end of junior year, I knew I wanted to become a news editor because of how meaningful the experience had become to me. Serving as an editor taught me just how much time, effort, and dedication go into producing a single issue, and it gave me an even greater appreciation for the work behind the scenes. More than anything, I am incredibly grateful for the people I have met and the friendships I have built through Index. This experience has taught me valuable lessons about time management, teamwork, collaboration, and balancing hard work with having fun. Looking back, I cannot imagine my high school experience without it, and I am thankful for every opportunity it has given me.

MARK JUNG  

We are Index. These were the words that were most notable when I first got that blood oath from Mr. Scott. It was nerve-wracking, yet also exciting for some reason as I happily accepted the blood oath. Index has taught me great things. From collaboration to being a family, it has taught me numerous things that I cannot finish with my bare hands. However, the most important thing that Index taught me would be being responsible. While it may seem simple, it is arguably the most important lesson that you can learn. Being an editor means you are culpable for your entire section along with checking with your writers. Moreover, it also means you are holding the entire ship down as well. This lesson was learned the hard way in on the week of issue 2 production. 

Importantly, I would have not been able to learn this lesson if it was not for Mr. Scott as well as my fellow editorial members. They held me accountable and opened their arms wide every time I asked for help. From learning InDesign to celebrating the end of production, this past school year will be one of the most memorable experiences I will ever have, not because of being an editor, but because of being a part of the family united as one with the name of Index. 

ADRIANNA MESZAROS

Hi! I am not a writing editor so please bear with me here. Although I ended up being unable to participate in Index to the extent that I had originally intended at the beginning of the semester, I am extremely grateful for the time I had working with this group. After having to withdraw from school for medical reasons, I assumed that my role in Index would not be one I was able to come back to. However, when I returned to school second semester, I was pleasantly shocked by the welcome I received. The Index staff maintains some of the kindest, smartest, and most understanding people I have met throughout my high school career, even with the constantly rotating positions. I have loved watching everybody’s web packages, silly or serious, before I posted them on the website, and I am infinitely grateful to my web co-editor Genna for picking up the extra responsibilities when I was unable to fulfill them from home. My only regret is having not joined Index earlier. If I have any advice for anyone considering participating in Index in the future, but who maybe doesn’t enjoy writing, I would say join the Web Squad! Video creation and website management is actually quite fun, and I didn’t write a single article this year. Finally, I would like to specifically thank Mr. Scott for his support and patience throughout the year when I was struggling and no longer meeting the standards that I had previously held myself to. I have learned more than just how to write a good essay from my time in his classes and in Index this year. I promise he isn’t actually that scary. :)

KY NORMAN

Despite only being part of the Index for a semester, I’m glad I applied and accepted the role of the Graphics editor. The thing that made me join was being able to show my art and graphic skills to the school, taking the next step . The community in the Index was super welcoming and fun, with other editors helping me catch up and sharing all their good food, especially the food. I have made so many bonds with the other editors and club advisor, Mr. Scott, being super fun to hang out with and support each other's work. One regret I have is not joining sooner; all it took was one semester, and I’ve had so many opportunities and experiences that I hope to take into the real world. My last piece of advice is to join the Oshkosh West Index, not just for the credit, but to be a part of a welcoming family. And to that I say goodbye and thank you, Oshkosh West Index, and hello college.

TENNA RUETTEN 

I remember the first time I saw my article in print as a bright-eyed, naive little freshman. Reading it over, it was almost unrecognizable from when I sent it off to the editors. By the end of my freshman year, I was applying and interviewing to be an editor for the next year. That fall I (somehow) landed the position as features editor alongside a very scary senior. After that first production as an editor, I almost wanted to quit once I saw what actually went into producing the Index, but I'm so glad I didn't. Looking back, it is incredible how much the Index has shaped me, not only as a writer, but also as a communicator and a person. It’s hard to believe that I’m standing in the same position as those who I used to be too scared to talk to as a freshman. Over the past four years, the Index community has given me knowledge and experience that I will carry with me for life, relationships with so many extraordinary and intelligent people, and a place to call home. I would like to thank my parents for those late-night pick-ups before I got my license, my fellow editors, all the friends I’ve made over the years, specifically my best friends, Zosia and Isaac, for all our adventures and laughs this past year, and lastly, Mr. Scott for his incredible guidance and encouragement. Without him, Index would not be possible. Thank you Index for four amazing years, Co-Editor in Chief signing off. :)

DELANEY SMITH 

I can practically smell the mid-September night spent aimlessly wandering the Music on Main event, notebook and pen in hand, shaking at the thought of actually interviewing someone. Those first few interactions, though terrible for getting quality quotes, helped shape who I am today. Ever since the thrill of seeing my very first article printed in that size 10 Times New Roman font, Index has become an integral part of my High School experience. Though each interview was vastly different from the last, they all reminded me of the beauty of the human spirit. How one person's attempt at preserving familial heritage can turn into a gallery of artwork, or how someone's love for music becomes a traveling team of ukulele lovers giving music to those who need it most. However, the last story I would like to share before officially signing out isn’t about cat cafes or a new art gallery, but about the irreplicable support and confidence instilled into me by past editors, and of course our incredible advisor Mr. Scott. Never have I been more empowered than by the trust and expectations of our Index community. From my days as a writer, to rejuvenating the Community section, and now typing my last characters as the Co-Editor in Chief, I think I’ll always be in awe of the talent and dedication of those who continue to call the Index Office home.

NOVALLY THAO: At the start of my Index career, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I only signed up to take pictures because I felt “cool” and “involved”, but once an opportunity appeared to be the next editor, it felt like an unwanted, unexpected blessing. Taking the chance to be a part of Index was one of the greatest decisions I could have made. Although as a photography editor, I don’t get the hard work and heavy duty as most editors, I still have as much fun and excitement as many other peers. At first, I didn’t take Index seriously and more as a side hustle, but once I was introduced into the real world making of the newspaper and collaborating with others, I automatically felt the recognition that many of the editors deserved. My relationship with many Index peers was an instant connection, we all gathered along after school hours and worked nonstop to get the paper out to students, but we all connected with pure mistakes, laughter, and the occasional upbringing spread of food. Most importantly, Mr. Scott has been a wonderful figure to represent Index. In all honesty, I didn’t think much of Mr. Scott, he just seemed like an old man who is grumpy when he doesn’t have his coffee (which he is), but getting to know him carried many interesting conversations and a new life lesson to bring with me. Thank you to those who have read the Index, allowed me to take pictures of them for “on the spot” or “photo poll”, have previously written for the Index, to everyone who supports our local high school newspaper and to Mr. Scott and the Index staff. Without the staff and community, I wouldn’t have been able to enjoy these past two years as the photography editor for Index. I’m grateful I get to end my high school years being a part of a group that can produce wonders.

Published May 26, 2026

Oshkosh West Index Volume 122 Issue VIII