Senior Tributes: Charger Press
Cover photo collage by Violet Rhoades. All photographs submitted.
As the 2025-2026 school year comes to a close, we want to honor and thank all of our incredible senior Charger Press writers. Graduating this year are a record-breaking 26 seniors contributing to the over 250 published articles and a total yearly site view count of 128,000! From these seniors, we have many incredibly written series like Banned Book of the Month, Erased Queer Stories, Admin Corner, Teacher Features, Athlete of the Month and more.
“Our senior writers and content creaters this year have grown the school newspaper into something I am so proud of,” says Mrs. Kowalske, Charger Press advisor. “Our staff writers have become sophisticated writers and thinkers, honing their interview skills and their ability to post articles that matter. Our content creators have become confident interviewers and have posted more video content on Charger Insider than all of the other years combined. Together, this staff has celebrated our community success stories, initiated thoughtful critiques, and posted brilliant creative stories. I’m so lucky to have been a small part of their high school experience—they will be missed, but their legacy will leave a lasting impact.”
It's been a great four years of writing and dedication to journalism. Thank you to the class of ‘26!
Violet Rhoades
Editor in Chief
Why did you join Charger Press, and what year did you join?
My sister Bronwyn dragged me into Kowalske’s room my freshman year, and I haven’t really left since.
How many articles have you written, and which of those is your favorite?
I’ve written 23 articles, and my favorites are A Testament to the Power of Cinema: On the Silver Globe and The Art of Subtle Acting. I basically just use the paper as an excuse to overanalyze Sofia Coppola films and talk about Andrzej Żuławski.
What was your favorite article on Charger Press that you did not write yourself, and why?
I’ve loved just about everything that Lari has ever written, but her film and music reviews will always hold a special place in my heart. She is also my Lana-loving queen. I loved Evan’s Erased Queer Stories series. I know how hard they worked on all of them, and I think they are such important stories to tell.
What did you like best about writing for the school paper?
Honestly, everything! I remember finishing my first article and feeling like I had actually accomplished something (even though reading pieces I wrote freshman year makes me cringe…). By sophomore year, I started spending more time in Kowalske’s room, and that’s when I really fell in love with the club. I made friends with the AP Lang kids who were always there, whether I was working on an article or just sitting around talking. I’ve loved it so much that I’ve probably recruited half of our staff just by talking about it all the time. It’s one of the few things where I not only get to write, but also get to read genuinely amazing work from other students, which is something really special.
Plans for next year? College? Intended major or career goals?
Next year, I’ll be going to the University of Iowa, where I’m planning to double major in Marketing and English and Creative Writing: Publishing (shoutout Mr. Nysse!) in the Honors Program. I’m interested in going into book publishing, ideally working in editorial or marketing, where I can combine writing with how stories are actually presented and sold.
Any last words or advice for future Charger Press writers?
Don’t overthink it and don’t try to sound smarter than you are. The best pieces come from things you actually care about.
Evan Rosenau
Editor in Chief
Why did you join Charger Press, and what year did you join?
I joined Charger Press in my freshman year simply because I wanted to try everything that I could. I started writing mental health articles at that time, and wrote them weekly for my first semester of high school.
How many articles have you written, and which of those is your favorite?
So far, I have posted 50 articles, though I expect to post three to four more before the end of the year. My favorite article I've written is The Father of the Modern Computer - Alan Turing (1912-1954) - Erased Queer Stories Throughout History. It was the first really in-depth article that had an immense personal impact on me, and the effort I put into it made it a joy to share.
What was your favorite article on Charger Press that you did not write yourself, and why?
My favorite article on Charger Press that I did not write myself is probably Who Killed the Movie Star? by my wonderful co-editor-in-chief, Violet Rhoades. It was such a thoughtful article that really got my brain turning and thinking differently. Not to mention, as a little peek behind the curtain, she wrote that in one night, and when I edited it, I was floored at how incredible it was. (Violet, don't hate me for speaking facts <3)
What did you like best about writing for the school paper?
What I liked most was being able to have a relatively restrictionless and open creative outlet that could meet me where I was in the ebbs and flows of a school year. If I had less schoolwork to do, I could write more articles. If it was a heavy few weeks, I could take a month hiatus. It really varied, and to be able to have the freedom to create when I wanted to has helped me stay inspired throughout my high school career.
Plans for next year? College? Intended major or career goals?
I am headed to Paris to study at the Université de Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne where I am pursuing a degree in human and social sciences. After my next year, I plan to either stay in Paris or transfer to studying teaching at the Université de Lyon 2. From there, the dream is to become an English teacher in France, ideally in Lyon.
Any last words or advice for future Charger Press writers?
Write what you want, and have fun with it. Too often at the beginning of my Charger Press career, I thought every piece I published had to be insanely deep and thought-provoking, and I passed up a lot of fun ideas because of that belief. If that's your thing, go for it, and I encourage everyone to try it at least once, but please, let yourself have some fun as well; your future self will look back fondly.
Maddie Arthur
Charger Insider Manager; Staff Writer
Why did you join Charger Press, and what year did you join?
I joined Charger Press in my junior year because my friends Gabby and Riley, who were seniors at the time, convinced me to.
How many articles have you written, and which of those is your favorite?
I write articles and post videos for Charger Insider, so I'm not sure exactly how much I've done. I would guess around 12 articles by the end of my senior year and five videos that I was directly in, but I also edit and post all the videos.
What was your favorite article on Charger Press that you did not write yourself, and why?
My favorite video was interviewing the girls' volleyball team at State because it was so fun to go to the games and watch them win!
What did you like best about writing for the school paper?
My favorite article that I didn't write was the articles about the girls' locker rooms because they brought positive change to our school.
Plans for next year? College? Intended major or career goals?
Next year I'm going to Old Dominion University, and I'm majoring in biochemistry. My goal is to become an orthodontist.
Any last words or advice for future Charger Press writers?
My only advice is to enjoy it. Oh, and if you write monthly articles, start early in the month. I can't stress that enough.
Lari Li
Instagram Manager, Staff Writer
Why did you join Charger Press, and what year did you join?
I joined Charger Press in 2024 because I've always liked writing and enjoy spreading awareness on topics I care about!
How many articles have you written, and which of those is your favorite?
I have written 31 articles. My favorite solo article is my review of Katabasis by R.F. Kuang, and my favorite article series are Charger Spotlight and Monthly Music, which I wrote with my lovely friend Kendall.
What was your favorite article on Charger Press that you did not write yourself, and why?
My favorite article on Charger Press is Who Killed the Movie Star? by Violet Rhoades. Violet explores old Hollywood glamor and the current oversaturation of social media in a succinct, poetic, and informative manner.
What did you like best about writing for the school paper?
I love being able to share my voice and ideas on such a large platform. The best part is knowing that I've potentially helped someone else in need, whether that's through advice or solace.
Plans for next year? College? Intended major or career goals?
I will be majoring in Human Biology, Health, & Society on the pre-med track at Cornell University.
Any last words or advice for future Charger Press writers?
If you care about it, write about it! Charger Press is a very supportive community, and you're really going to enjoy your time here. Make the most of it, it goes by fast :)
Emersen Cwiklinski
Staff Writer
Why did you join Charger Press, and what year did you join?
I joined Charger Press during my junior year when I took AP Lang. I had heard of Charger Press, but just hadn't joined yet! Mrs Kowalske suggested joining the club to my Lang class, and I got started writing pretty quickly after. I am so glad I joined, as I have grown as a writer and learned to research better.
How many articles have you written, and which of those is your favorite?
I have written 18 articles for Charger Press, 10 of which are features from my Banned Book of the Month series. My favorite article that I have written is from that series, and it discusses The Handmaid's Tale and why it's banned/challenged. This was the first article I wrote for my Banned Book of the Month series, and it has 8 thousand reads as of the fall!
What was your favorite article on Charger Press that you did not write yourself, and why?
I do not have one particular favorite article to read, but my favorite series is the Teacher of the Month feature by Evan Rosenau. It's super cool to hear about teacher interests outside of school!
What did you like best about writing for the school paper?
I most enjoyed learning how to improve my research and writing styles, and it kept those skills sharp since I didn't take a writing-heavy class this year. I have always loved writing, but often didn't have a reason to do so. Charger Press allowed me to creatively write and share my ideas, which I love.
Plans for next year? College? Intended major or career goals?
In the fall, I'll be attending the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota. I am double-majoring in Political Science and International Studies with a minor in Spanish to fulfill my language requirement for International Studies. I hope to attend law school somewhere in the EU after undergrad to work in international human rights law/diplomacy.
Any last words or advice for future Charger Press writers?
I highly recommend joining Charger Press in order to exercise your freedom of press. Our voices are the most powerful form of sharing ideas, learning about different cultures, and understanding how society functions. Starting with Charger Press unlocks ample opportunities to grow your writing.
Zoe Boschek
Staff Writer
Why did you join Charger Press, and what year did you join?
I joined Charger Press this year because in AP Lang, I saw that Mrs. Kowalske was encouraging our class to join, so I saw it as an opportunity to improve my writing skills by writing articles.
How many articles have you written, and which of those is your favorite?
So far, I have written 6 articles, but in the process of writing 4 more this year. My favorite article/series that I wrote is most definitely the Musician of the Month series. In recent years, some students were featured for that series, but it wasn’t really a monthly thing. I wanted to essentially bring that back this year when I joined, and since music students at Hamilton aren’t recognized enough as they should be, I also wanted to highlight band and choir kids who have made immense accomplishments each month. But for a specific article that I wrote, it would probably have to be March Musician of the Month: Chinmayi Swaminathan.
What was your favorite article on Charger Press that you did not write yourself, and why?
My favorite article that I read would probably be Truth’s article from last June: From the Bleachers to the Beach: What Hamilton’s Students Are Wearing This Summer. The outfits inspired me to find a perfect summer wardrobe, and Truth is such an incredible writer!
What did you like best about writing for the school paper?
What I like best about writing for the school paper is featuring others in articles and letting my thoughts and words pour into them!
Plans for next year? College? Intended major or career goals?
Next year, I plan on attending the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities to major in Interior Design, with a potential minor in music after freshman year.
Any last words or advice for future Charger Press writers?
A piece of advice would have to be to not be afraid of writing anything that you’re passionate about! Words can be very powerful.
Allie Kabara
Staff Writer
Why did you join Charger Press, and what year did you join?
I joined Charger Press this year after writing a piece about panic attacks in my CRAW class. I always enjoyed reading articles from my friend, Gia Quast, so I knew that I could also start to share!
How many articles have you written, and which of those is your favorite?
I have three posts on the website, and my favorite one to write was Mental Health Programs: My Experience; after my friend had asked about my experience, I realized that mental health institutes weren't widely known from the inside.
What was your favorite article on Charger Press that you did not write yourself, and why?
My favorite article is by Truth Frazier about Punch the Monkey, because of how cute he is!
What did you like best about writing for the school paper?
I loved writing for the school paper because I got to pick the topic of what I wanted to write, choosing my own advocacy and having a way to share what I'm passionate about.
Plans for next year? College? Intended major or career goals?
I am going to the UW-Eau Claire starting in the fall, with you guessed it, a writing degree and also social work.
Any last words or advice for future Charger Press writers?
Advice I'd give is: Put your whole self out there, might as well go all the way and have no regrets!
Xander Pearson
Staff Writer
Why did you join Charger Press, and what year did you join?
I joined the Charger Press in my senior year in 2025 because I saw injustice in how the school's administration was running things and wanted to speak out against it.
How many articles have you written, and which of those is your favorite?
I have written three articles. My first was my favorite: A Letter to Santa.
What was your favorite article on Charger Press that you did not write yourself, and why?
My favorite Charger Press article was Locked Away and Dehumanized: The Abject Failure of Punitive Justice. I thought that it was very well-written and insightful.
What did you like best about writing for the school paper?
I enjoyed the freedom to write at my leisure; it allowed me to focus on what I thought was important.
Plans for next year? College? Intended major or career goals?
I intend to go to college (most likely MSOE) for electrical engineering. I don't yet know what subfield I want to go into.
Any last words or advice for future Charger Press writers?
Take a careful look at the world around you to see how you can do the most good; it's a good principle to live by, not just in journalism, but in general.
Lauren Steighner
Staff Writer
Why did you join Charger Press, and what year did you join?
I joined Charger Press junior year because Mrs. Kowalske reached out to me about writing for Hamilton Drama Society publicity. I, of course, said yes, and I am so glad that I did.
How many articles have you written, and which of those is your favorite?
I have written 8 articles, and my favorites are a tie between The One Act: AP Acting and More Than Just A Game.
What was your favorite article on Charger Press that you did not write yourself, and why?
I love all of the College Commits articles! I love getting to read about where my classmates are going to follow their passions!
What did you like best about writing for the school paper?
I loved the creativity I was able to incorporate! Mrs. Kowalske is absolutely amazing, and I could write whatever I wanted, no matter how short or long. I loved getting to write tributes to The One Acts over the years, as well as in-depth analysis of plays and scripts.
Plans for next year? College? Intended major or career goals?
I am attending Boston University to get my BFA in Acting!
Any last words or advice for future Charger Press writers?
Charger press is SO FUN!! It's such a great opportunity to get involved in, and it's so low-commitment that, honestly, there's no reason that you shouldn't join. You truly can write about whatever you want.
Emma Suneja
Staff Writer
Why did you join Charger Press, and what year did you join?
I joined Charger Press in my junior year because I was taking AP Lang, and Kowalske was doing her best to recruit people into joining. I ended up checking out the articles on the Charger Press website and realized there weren't very many articles talking about women's sports. So, I talked to Kowalske and asked her if there was anyone who solely worked on recognizing women's sports, and the answer was no. That gave me motivation to start working on highlighting women's sports at Hamilton, which then grew to the arts, and finally, this year, I've done some pieces on controversial issues here.
How many articles have you written, and which of those is your favorite?
I have written 18 articles these past two years, but I plan on publishing at least 3 more articles before the end of the school year. My favorite article is Unpacking the Discomfort Around Club America because it was one that took a lot of work, but has been well-received by people on both sides of the issue.
What was your favorite article on Charger Press that you did not write yourself, and why?
My favorite series of articles is written by a fellow senior, Emmy Schmidt. I love the Unsung Heroes series because it brings awareness to so many people who often don't get enough recognition. So many staff members at Hamilton do such important jobs that the student body generally isn't aware of. My personal favorite in this series is the feature on Mrs. Krolczyk because she is just the sweetest person, and I can't think of anyone who deserves an article feature more!
What did you like best about writing for the school paper?
I personally liked how I was able to use Charger Press as an outlet to talk about the issues that are going on at our school. When it came to Club America or AP Stats being a one-semester class, I was able to not only vent about my opinions, but do it in a way that was actually productive. My articles have informed a lot of people on things that wouldn't have gotten much attention otherwise, and that is what I love.
Plans for next year? College? Intended major or career goals?
Next year, I will be attending Marquette University to major in criminology. My goal is to either become a criminal defense attorney or work for the ACLU.
Any last words or advice for future Charger Press writers?
My advice to future writers is to just get involved. I know it can be scary to publish an article and have people judge you for your work, but I promise it is worth it. Some of my articles have gotten bad reviews from parents and students, and some of them have gotten me many compliments, but throughout it all, I have developed my skills as a writer and been able to bring light to many issues I care about, and that is more important than people's opinions.
Leyton Flood
Staff Writer
Why did you join Charger Press, and what year did you join?
I learned about Charger Press through taking AP Lang, taught by the paper's advisor Mrs. Kowalske. I joined Charger Press my junior year after seeing all of my peers who decided to write, so I guess I joined through peer pressure.
How many articles have you written, and which of those is your favorite (include hyperlink to your favorite article)?
I have written four articles for Charger Press. My favorite to write was my article, Hamilton High School Peer Leaders, explaining Peer Leaders, a mental health support group here at Hamilton. Many students know of Peer Leaders, but many weren't sure what our purpose was here at Hamilton, so I had fun researching and informing about this club, which has meant a lot to me over my high school years.
What was your favorite article on Charger Press that you did not write yourself and why?
Emmy Schmidt's series of "Unsung Heroes" has to be my favorite. I really enjoyed her article about Mrs. Krolczyk: Unsung Heroes: Mrs. Krolczyk. As a focus student I frequently interacted with Mrs. Krolczyk, and I love that she got some appreciation for all the work she does!
What did you like best about writing for the school paper?
I liked the autonomy to write almost anything you wanted. The paper allowed us to write freely and express opinions, or present research in a structure that made the most sense to the writer. It serves as a judgement free zone to open up and write about things that matter to you.
Plans for next year? College? Intended major or career goals?
Next year I will be headed to UW-Madison and plan on majoring in history and economics on the pre-law track. I'm not set on what type of law I want to practice in the future, but I am most interested in family law.
Any last words or advice for future Charger Press writers?
Join early and write as much as possible! I honestly had a ton of fun writing and wish I would have joined sooner than my junior year. Writing is a skill you'll need the rest of your life, and I think Charger Press is a great way not only to practice writing, but to help grow your creativity.
Nathan Tran
Staff Writer
Why did you join Charger Press, and what year did you join?
I joined Charger Press as a senior because it was easy to join. Plus, I could write about anything I wanted.
How many articles have you written, and which of those is your favorite?
Approximately 7, though I forgot exactly how many. My favorite is my winter drifting guide.
What was your favorite article on Charger Press that you did not write yourself, and why?
My favorite article is Is Die Hard a Christmas Movie? by Mollie Westfahl. I always wondered about the connection between Die Hard and Christmas, and now I know why Die Hard is considered a Christmas movie.
What did you like best about writing for the school paper?
I loved writing about things I wanted to write about. I also liked when people would walk up and talk to me because they saw my articles.
Plans for next year? College? Intended major or career goals?
I'm going to UW-Madison to study biomedical engineering or something. My future plans don't include dying in a motorcycle accident or a shootout.
Any last words or advice for future Charger Press writers?
If you want to stand out, find a niche in the Charger Press community that hasn't been filled yet. If you want to write about it, then you've stumbled on a goldmine. Also, try not to write about the same thing too many times.
Emmy Schmidt
Staff Writer
Why did you join Charger Press, and what year did you join?
I joined Charger Press during my junior year because I was taking AP Language at the same time and wanted to practice applying my skills. Lots of my friends were writing as well, so they encouraged me to try it out.
How many articles have you written, and which of those is your favorite?
I have written between 7 and 10 articles for the Charger Press; I don't have an exact count. My favorite articles I have written are definitely the Unsung Heroes series, which I picked up this year. I love celebrating staff in our school, and those articles have been a great way to do so. My favorite standalone article is one I co-wrote with Claire Schumacher, titled The Ultimate College Application Guide. We went super in-depth on everything to know about the college admissions process, and it was fun to have the opportunity to write an article with Claire!
What was your favorite article on Charger Press that you did not write yourself, and why?
My favorite Charger Press articles that I didn't write are definitely Emersen Cwiklinski's Banned Books series! I love the premise behind them and how consistent she is in publishing them.
What did you like best about writing for the school paper?
I love how writing for the Charger Press has given me more insight into what is going on amongst our school community and also helped me to become more worldly. Part of being a staff writer for the paper is reading other people's articles, lots of which concern major world events and news. Having the privilege of reading other people's writing has made me more knowledgeable about world events and also people's stances on them, thus developing my own thoughts and opinions at the same time.
Plans for next year? College? Intended major or career goals?
I'm attending the University of Marquette with an International Business major and a French minor. I'm looking forward to seeing all the city has to offer and hopefully continuing to write for the Marquette Wire.
Any last words or advice for future Charger Press writers? Any last words or advice for future Charger Press writers?
Your voice matters! If it matters to you, write about it. People care about what you have to say and your opinions, so you should share them!
Kaviyan Jayalaksshme Srinivasan
Staff Writer
Why did you join Charger Press, and what year did you join?
I joined Charger Press to write about the promising future of immersive virtual reality, as well as other topics I found interesting or important. I joined in my junior year, in late 2025.
How many articles have you written, and which of those is your favorite?
I have written three articles thus far. My favorite article is the one I wrote about Immersive Full-Dive VR.
What was your favorite article on Charger Press that you did not write yourself, and why?
My favorite article that I did not write was a hilarious yet strangely informative article written by Nathan Tran and Tirish Suresh.
What did you like best about writing for the school paper?
What I liked best about writing for Charger Press is, aside from some rephrasing edits, the way we choose to convey our thoughts and messages is very raw and almost unfiltered: barely any restrictions on how we communicate. This helps hugely with hooking the right audience and makes writing read and feel more relatable and human.
Plans for next year? College? Intended major or career goals?
My plan for the 2026-27 year is to attend College at UW-Madison for Electrical Engineering. In the future, I hope to become a BCI (Brain-Computer Interface) Researcher.
Any last words or advice for future Charger Press writers?
My advice would be to write and produce an article that you could read over and over again, and still genuinely enjoy what you have created. If you are not happy with your own article, then there was no point in writing it.
Claire Schumacher
Staff Writer
Why did you join Charger Press, and what year did you join?
I joined Charger Press because I was in AP Lang my junior year with Mrs. Kowalske. All year, she advertised the club as a fun way to keep up your writing skills. I had always enjoyed writing, so I figured I would give it a shot!
How many articles have you written, and which of those is your favorite?
I have written three Charger Press articles (working currently on a fourth), and my favorite would probably be the one I co-wrote with Emmy Schmidt about the college application process. Check it out if you're a junior or senior and applying to colleges!
What was your favorite article on Charger Press that you did not write yourself, and why?
I really love the Unsung Hero series, where Charger Press features multiple staff members, whose contributions to the school may sometimes go underappreciated, and gives them the spotlight to share their backgrounds, stories, and reasons for working at Hamilton! This is just one of the many amazing articles published in this series:
What did you like best about writing for the school paper?
I really love the community Charger Press brought me. It is awesome to work with some of the most creative people at Hamilton and collaborate to create unique, informative, and even transformative articles.
Plans for next year? College? Intended major or career goals?
Next year, I am planning to go to UW-Madison to pursue a major in business management!
Any last words or advice for future Charger Press writers?
Just join! There is so much to write about in this world, and you have the freedom to share your voice through this club (it also looks great on college apps)!
Prisha Trivedi
Charger Insider Interviewer, Staff Writer
Why did you join Charger Press, and what year did you join?
I joined Charger Press in my junior year! It was actually because Mrs. Kowalske made me write a Charger Press article for my service project. In my senior year, I started making Charger Insider videos, which I found that I loved doing more than writing.
How many articles have you written, and which of those is your favorite?
I have only written one article, which was about Sockout Suicide and Suicide Awareness. However, I have filmed many Charger Insider videos, and my favorite one that I have filmed so far was helping Matteo film the behind-the-scenes for the outsiders play. It was so cool to see everything that goes on behind the scenes of the play, and we got an early sneak peek of the first act!
What was your favorite article on Charger Press that you did not write yourself, and why?
One of my favorite articles that I haven't written was by Claire and Emmy, and it was a guide on college applications. As a Senior, I wish that I had a resource like this when I was applying for colleges.
What did you like best about writing for the school paper?
While I haven't written many articles, I loved filming video interviews because it allowed us to give a spotlight to as many sports and activities as possible, so they could all have their time to shine. I also like that we got to hear from a variety of people and the thoughts of the actual players whom we had not heard from.
Plans for next year? College? Intended major or career goals?
Next year, I will be attending UW-Madison as a Political Science major on a Pre-Law track. I am also super interested in studying abroad during college, and I hope I get the opportunity to!
Any last words or advice for future Charger Press writers?
Join Charger Press!!!!! Even if you don't like writing, there are so many opportunities to share your voice, whether it's through writing for Charger Press or speaking through Charger Insider!
Kendall Zambon
Instagram Manager, Staff Writer
Why did you join Charger Press, and what year did you join?
I joined Charger Press in my junior year because I wanted to improve my writing skills and write about things I was passionate about.
How many articles have you written, and which of those is your favorite?
I have written 13 articles. My favorite article that I have posted is Don’t Rush Rigor: Keeping AP Courses Two Semesters Long. I felt (and still feel) very passionate about the issue of keeping two-semester APs the way they are. It was a really fun article to write because I got to interview many of my peers and get their different perspectives on the issue.
What was your favorite article on Charger Press that you did not write yourself, and why?
My favorite article on Charger Press is Album Review: Lana Del Rey’s Norman F***ing Rockwell! by Lari Li. Lari and I share a love for music. We even used to write a series on Charger Press about our favorite music! I love reading her deep dives into songs; she comes at them from a variety of viewpoints and finds unique ways to look at each song. Her other ones are amazing, but this review is by far my favorite!
What did you like best about writing for the school paper?
The best part of Charger Press is its community. I love to talk to everyone about their articles and their roles within Charger Press. I met many new people just from joining!
Plans for next year? College? Intended major or career goals?
I am going to the University of Wisconsin for Political Science and Legal Studies on a Pre-Law track!
Any last words or advice for future Charger Press writers?
I loved being in Charger Press! It is a great outlet to talk about things that you like, issues you feel strongly about, or just anything that you want to spread the word about. Writing is a lifelong skill, and I would recommend this great club to everyone.
Angelika Bourke
Staff Writer
Why did you join Charger Press, and what year did you join?
I joined Charger Press last year as a junior because I wanted to continue to get better as a writer and wanted to give voices to some of the sports and clubs at Hamilton that aren't as well-known!
How many articles have you written, and which of those is your favorite?
I have written five articles so far and would definitely have to say my favorite article is the Senior Spotlights I did for Cross Country last year!
What was your favorite article on Charger Press that you did not write yourself, and why?
Not my favorite article per se, but I love Emersen Cwiklinski's Banned Books of the Month! They are perfect to get the gist of books and are very interesting to read!
What did you like best about writing for the school paper?
I liked having the freedom to write whatever I wanted and advocating for Hamilton's clubs/sports that aren't very well known. The Charger Press team is also so kind and supportive, and I feel like it is what really made me want to continue to write articles!
Plans for next year? College? Intended major or career goals?
I plan to attend UW-Madison and major in Economics with a certificate in International Business.
Any last words or advice for future Charger Press writers?
Write what you want! Charger Press is a great opportunity to voice your opinion and write what you are passionate about.
Kshitij Batra
Staff Writer
Why did you join Charger Press, and what year did you join?
I joined Charger Press during my junior year just so I could have another extracurricular for my college applications. The reason I kept writing was that I ended up enjoying reporting on topics that interested me.
How many articles have you written, and which of those is your favorite?
I have written three articles. My favorite would be Best Buddies: A Model of True Inclusion.
What was your favorite article on Charger Press that you did not write yourself, and why?
My favorite article I did not write was Premier League Predictions: MD 28. I liked this article because soccer is my favorite sport, and I was really into the Premier League at the time.
What did you like best about writing for the school paper?
I liked that I was able to express my passion for sports and community service through my writing.
Plans for next year? College? Intended major or career goals?
I am going to MSOE to pursue Computer Engineering.
Any last words or advice for future Charger Press writers?
Don't feel pressured to write the perfect article. Write about your interests.
Aanya Ranasaria
Staff Writer
Why did you join Charger Press, and what year did you join?
I joined my sophomore year after some junior and senior friends introduced me to Kowalske and Charger Press. Writing has always been something I've gravitated toward, especially when it's about things I actually care about, and, once I wrote a few pieces, I was hooked. Also, taking AP Lang in my junior year helped a lot with my actual writing skills, and it made me closer to a lot of the other writers, too.
How many articles have you written, and which of those is your favorite?
I've written 15 articles and two poems for Creative Corner. My favorite is probably the Formula 1 series. Anyone who knows me knows I am an F1 fanatic, so getting to write about it for an actual audience has been really fun. The newest one covers the Miami Grand Prix. I also really love writing DECA updates. I think it's important for students to know what's going on in their school's organizations, and I just recently wrote about ICDC, our international competition, which occurred at the end of April.
What was your favorite article on Charger Press that you did not write yourself, and why?
I really enjoy Jack McCord's "Life Imitates Art" series, specifically the Bad Bunny piece following this year's Super Bowl. The series does a great job of going deeper into the backstory behind different artists and designers rather than just scratching the surface. It's a really good read every time, and I always learn a few fun facts!
What did you like best about writing for the school paper?
The freedom to actually say something, not just out loud, but written down and posted somewhere permanent. In my junior year, I published two poems, which happened to be the only Creative Corner posts that year, and that felt different from anything I'd done before. I tend to process things internally, so having a real outlet to put something out into the world was unexpectedly meaningful. Even my F1 pieces scratched that itch: finding the right words to describe something you love, for people who might be encountering it for the first time, is its own kind of feeling. And working with Kowalske has genuinely been one of the best parts of high school. She's been such a big supporter, and I've grown tremendously under her guidance.
Plans for next year? College? Intended major or career goals?
I'm attending Purdue University to study Integrated Business and Engineering! My goal is to work at the intersection of business management and industrial engineering.
Any last words or advice for future Charger Press writers?
Write about things that you actually care about. I struggled sometimes finding topics, but whenever I was genuinely interested in what I was writing, the work was better, and it was way more fun!
Tirishanth Suresh
Staff Writer
Why did you join Charger Press, and what year did you join?
I joined Charger Press in my junior year because a friend of mine and a current senior at that time, Achintya Bhan, wanted me to co-write a series of NFL prediction articles with him.
How many articles have you written, and which of those is your favorite?
I’ve co-written 17 articles, and I've personally written 8 others. My favorite co-write was my article with Nathan about beginner motorcyclists, and my favorite solo piece was my freeform poem titled A Word That Doesn't Exist.
What was your favorite article on Charger Press that you did not write yourself, and why?
My current favorite Charger Press piece is Alexander Coe's Dome Photography.
What did you like best about writing for the school paper?
My favorite part of writing for the Charger Press was definitely the writing process itself. I truly believe that if you aren't having fun and genuinely enjoying the process, the product won't be truly whole.
Plans for next year? College? Intended major or career goals?
I will be attending the University of Milwaukee as a Biology major!
Any last words or advice for future Charger Press writers?
"The worthiest works of art are often the ones which look like play" - James Ogilvy.
Evasia Quast
Staff Writer
Why did you join Charger Press, and what year did you join?
I joined Charger Press in my junior year, and I joined because Mrs. Kowalske persuaded me. I took her AP Language class my junior year, and she recommended that I start writing for the newspaper. I thought it was a cool idea, so I tried it out!
How many articles have you written, and which of those is your favorite?
I have written 4 articles, on a variety of topics, but mostly sports-focused. My favorite article was The Importance of Self Defense. I had so much fun writing this article, and I was super passionate about it! In my fitness class, we had a self-defense instructor come in and train us. Afterward, I asked if he would be willing to help me with an article about the importance of teaching self-defense for teenagers. He was thrilled and offered me and some friends a free class at his studio, and gave us research papers and information that I used to help build my article.
What was your favorite article on Charger Press that you did not write yourself, and why?
My favorite article I did not write myself is A Legacy Worth Protecting by Gia Quast. This is my favorite article on Charger Press because it was something my sister was very passionate about, and I saw it as something very unique that needed attention. It was one of her first articles as well, and I was super proud to see her writing and hear her opinion on the platform.
What did you like best about writing for the school paper?
Honestly, you can write essentially anything you want. Mrs. Kowalske is very flexible about that, and it is a great way to share an opinion, talk about a topic, and bring light to something you feel passionate about.
Plans for next year? College? Intended major or career goals?
I am planning on attending college next year at UW-Eau Claire, on a Pre-Med Track studying Psychology. I hope to become a pediatric neurologist!
Any last words or advice for future Charger Press writers?
Really, don't take this writing for granted. This is something that I feel plays a big role in developing strong roots in your opinions and getting comfortable sharing your thoughts unfiltered. Be okay with being yourself!
Giorgia Quast
Staff Writer
Why did you join Charger Press, and what year did you join?
I joined Charger Press because I have a passion for writing. I joined in my junior year.
How many articles have you written, and which of those is your favorite?
I've written 10 articles so far, and my favorite was A Legacy Worth Protecting.
What was your favorite article on Charger Press that you did not write yourself, and why?
My favorite article was my sister's work The Importance of Self Defense: A Necessary Addition to High School Physical Education by Evi Quast. I was lucky enough to be behind the scenes and take the course with her, and it was fun! It was also very eye-opening as to why there should be the addition of a self-defense unit to a high school curriculum.
What did you like best about writing for the school paper?
I really enjoyed the freedom! Mrs. Kowalske is always very encouraging with any ideas I may have and is always willing to give advice. I got to write whatever I was interested in, and it really brought back my love for writing.
Plans for next year? College? Intended major or career goals?
I will be attending UW-Eau Claire in the fall to major in English!
Any last words or advice for future Charger Press writers?
Have fun! This is one of my favorite clubs I've been a part of, and I wouldn't trade my experience here for the world.
Liam Petropoulos
Charger Insider Interviewer
Why did you join Charger Press, and what year did you join?
I joined in 2025 because I like interviewing, and it was super duper fun.
How many Charger Insider interviews have you conducted, and which of those is your favorite?
I did about 10 interviews over the course of one year as a senior interviewer for Charger Press.
What was either your favorite article on Charger Press or your favorite Charger Insider content (that you did not write or conduct yourself) and why?
My favorite interview was with Matteo at a soccer game.
What did you like best about participating in the school paper?
Interviewing the athletes was a very fun experience because there were a bunch of fun little moments between the various athletes and us interviewers.
Plans for next year? College? Intended major or career goals?
I plan to attend UW-Milwaukee, and I am currently undecided.
Any last words or advice for future Charger Press content creators?
Have fun and don't make Mrs. Kowalske write an email home to your parents. She is extremely articulate and persuasive when writing emails.
Jacob Courchaine
Charger Insider Interviewer
Why did you join Charger Press, and what year did you join?
I liked the idea of interviewing fellow chargers, really for the social experience and getting to interact with my peers. More importantly, letting the rest of the school in on what's going on, I think, is both important for the students and the groups we interview. I joined Charger Press last year in 2025.
How many Charger Insider interviews have you conducted, and which of those is your favorite?
I have done a handful of interviews. I liked my swim interview the most.
What was either your favorite article on Charger Press or your favorite Charger Insider content (that you did not write or conduct yourself) and why?
Suchir is one of my good friends, and I feel like tennis doesn't get enough exposure, so I can appreciate an article dedicated to tennis by Maddie Arthur that also features one of its star athletes.
What did you like best about participating in Charger Insider?
As I said before, I think the best part is just social interaction with both my fellow interviewers and the students we interviewed.
Plans for next year? College? Intended major or career goals?
I plan on going to UW-Milwaukee for Civil Engineering.
Any last words or advice for future Charger Press content creators?
Have fun with it, especially the interviews; make them entertaining so people want to watch them.
Matteo Soto
Charger Insider Interviewer
Why did you join Charger Press, and what year did you join?
I joined this year (so senior year) because I was interested in the interviewing and I wanted to bring attention to many of the smaller Hamilton activities that I think are really cool but rarely get any attention. I felt that besides football, nobody really constantly goes to other school events so I wanted to help get some eyes on them.
How many Charger Insider interviews have you conducted, and which of those is your favorite?
I've done around 10 interviews. I would say my favorite one was the one we did before the last musical. It was really cool seeing how the drama team prepares and all the work that goes into it that goes relatively unnoticed. We also got the opportunity to go backstage and got to see the first act the day before the opening night.
What was either your favorite article on Charger Press or your favorite Charger Insider content (that you did not write or conduct yourself) and why?
I would say that the articles Nate and Tirish posted are my favorites.
What did you like best about participating in Charger Insider?
It was fun to help build the community here.
Plans for next year? College? Intended major or career goals?
I'm going to UWM for marketing. I also plan on joining the UWM press club as it looks like the one we have here but it also allows us to get way more opportunities like real press passes and bigger events to cover.
Any last words or advice for future Charger Press content creators?
Have fun with it. going to a small little event with a few friends and seeing stuff that not many people are tapped into is really fun. Going to these things with my friends has allowed me to make so many new friends and make so many memories.
