Dear ACHONA, 

To be honest, it’s hard for me to realize the day has come where ACHONA isn’t a part of my everyday life anymore. ACHONA has been my everything, my “baby” born through the website revamp, and my safe haven these past three years. I wanted to thank this community because I’ve loved every second of it. 

I’d like to say that ACHONA allowed me to discover my passion for writing and journalism, that I found myself through this class, but my destiny to be on this staff was a long time coming. My family always likes to remind me of my childhood days of hosting the “Ava Today Show” where I interviewed every house guest and family friend imaginable, where my love for reporting took off. During my days at Trinity School for Children, I drafted the “Trinity Times” to discuss school events, my friendships, and whatever was pressing to a nine-year-old. 

My fate was sealed the second day of my freshman orientation at the tech intro hosted by Deborah Collins, where she mentioned the award-winning newspaper students could join – I wanted to be a staff writer immediately after. At the time I was a wide-eyed freshman who dreamed big about how she would make her mark at AHN, but when I look back, I see someone molding her future with each goal she wrote down in her journal. 

Walking into ACHONA my sophomore year, my long-lasting excitement turned into worry, when I realized I decided to give up my study hall for the class and wondered how this extra activity could fit into my everyday schedule. Yet, those pangs of worry were combatted the second I started reporting. I had so much fun my sophomore year discovering my love for reporting on arts and entertainment topics. I sat in my room digging through Joe Jonas’ divorce details, student movie picks, and the horrors of the Quiet on Set docuseries. This love for writing and expression even inspired me to launch my own blog that I love dearly, Pink is Power, which carried onto my summer and junior year. 

My transition to managing editor was jam-packed, just like most of my junior year. It consisted of redesigning our website from New York Times into Vogue, creating the 2025 senior video, and focusing on news reporting. I’ll always remember my stories on Rom-com boyfriends, 2025 recaps, and navigating junior year. These skills would go on to be strengthened by an amazing two weeks at Notre Dame’s “Making Headlines” summer class, which was honestly the backbone for all my intros of the fall. 

My transition to editor-in-chief was in some ways smoother while simultaneously a role to handle. Being the only content editor for 12 other girls, I had to navigate the kickoff bootcamp, using my whole class time to review articles, and then set the standard for journalism ethics. I loved creating the newsletter, but more than anything, I loved writing my two editorials. With so much change and polarization occurring in our political climate, I very much enjoyed sharing different perspectives and urging a call to action for the Academy community. Being ACHONA editor pushed me further than I could have ever expected, inspiring me to publish my AP Seminar IWA in the Tampa Bay Times about remembering the local civil rights heroes – thank you Dr. Allison Alberts for all your help with that! Most importantly, I learned that words have the most power, and the reporting we bring to the world must be protected for so many broader aspects in society. 

There were a few key people who pushed me along this journey. Nicole Bianchi (A‘25) discussed her experience with ACHONA, allowing me to figure out how to fit the elective into my schedule. Kris Kosaka dramatically strengthened my writing skills my freshman year, transitioning into my journalistic mentor my sophomore year and taught me the unfortunate realities of sensationalism. Olivia Payne (A‘24) taught me the importance of multimedia, from photo collages to podcasts, and brought the fun into our tight-knit staff in class. 

Melissa Cox saw my transition to an editor, pushing me to dig deeper, find important editorial issues, and use my voice like never before. My dear friend Brooke Fechtel (A’25) taught me so much about collaboration, authenticity, and passion about journalism. She saw me at my highest of highs during our discussions of our shared interests and activities. She also saw me at my lowest of lows during the trenches of junior year stressed about the SAT. No matter what, she stayed encouraging me and continues to be a great guide past the Academy halls. 

Lastly, I thank my parents for being my relentless support all throughout my journalistic journey. They were the first people to read my published articles, like and comment, give feedback much to my dismay, and push me to write any story even if they went against status quos. My mom stayed up late editing blog posts, deepened my critical thinking skills, and traveled with me on a 24-hour journey to attend my reporting camp. My dad challenged my thought process, suggested story ideas, and sprinkled motivation into my drafting days. They always inspire me and have molded me into the person, reporter, editor, designer, writer and activist I’m proud I’ve become.

I’m certain that no matter where I go, what I do, or who I become, ACHONA will stay with me. During the moments I don’t want to stand up for what’s right, I hope to be reminded of the times I asked those difficult questions in order to publish pressing issues. During the moments I’m scared to approach others I’m not familiar with, I’ll be reminded of my stories covering different perspectives, never backing down for quotes, and interviewing countless teachers. When I feel lost and uncertain, I can turn back to several ACHONA classes, reminding myself of what I love most: writing, using the art of journalism to empower others. 

During my college years, graduate school, and my professional journey, I hope to use the skills I learned in political journals, law reviews, and newspapers to write about what students crave. As an adult trying to find my place in society, I hope to lean back on blogs and articles to find comfort and belonging in an often confusing world. 

To Gigi, Mattie, and Camille, I want to remind you all that I am so proud of you. From reading your first stories, to seeing your spliced videos and content editing days, I’ve seen so much growth from all three of you. Please remember that I am always just a phone call or email away next year if you need any help. Remember to write authentically, truthfully, and passionately, letting the world know your intrinsic selves. Train the class of 2028 to continue the legacy and renew our website with plenty of facts and fun!

To the rest of ACHONA and all future writers at AHN, remember to use your voice, embody your values, and protect your legacy for a lifetime of lessons, growth, and connection alongside your AHN sisters. Our community is one who fights for a better tomorrow, an informed student body, and an actively engaged community, and ACHONA is the perfect outlet to achieve just that. 

One last chunk of advice: ACHONA staff writers, remember the ABCs of journalism: Accuracy, Brevity, and Clarity. To AHN students, remember your freedom (especially found throughout your writing) is something no one ever can take away. To all my English and History teachers who drafted the writer I am today, I’ve loved every second of learning from you about the world around us and all its nuanced perspectives. To my friends and family, please don’t think you’re done getting sent my articles because many more are to come from Boston College’s press. And to future Ava, I hope you’ve taken what you’ve learned here and flourished in the real world.

Sincerely, 

Editor-in-Chief

Ava Radovic