Hey, Mustangs! My name is Maryanne O’Neill, and I am one of the new Co-Editors for The Hoofprint. I am beyond excited for the year ahead and the papers we will produce. When generating ideas for my first editor’s note, I turned to those closest to me, asking my friends and family what came to mind when thinking of my interests. Each answer had a few common denominators: music, running, and The Hoofprint. If you know me, you know I am borderline obsessed with the newspaper, and the extensive list of all things Hoofprint in my notes app can attest to that.
Despite my current unwavering enthusiasm for our school paper, freshman-year me was seriously oblivious to the amazing opportunity it brought Myers Park students. I grew up with a love for writing, but I had no plans to join the newspaper when a friend reached out and advised me to apply. Now, in my junior year, I still believe it is the best choice I have made at Myers Park.
As you may have heard, applications to join the 2024-2025 newspaper staff were due March 8th, and the interview process for our new applicants has begun! I look forward to meeting our new staff and getting to know each writer.
In the wake of meeting the new applicants, sometimes I wonder that if it weren’t for my friend’s direction, I might have missed out on the experience of writing for The Hoofprint. So, here are a few things I wish freshman-year me knew.
One of the most favorable aspects of The Hoofprint is the creative liberty you have as a writer. Articles can be about nearly anything, from Taylor Swift’s newest album to a report on an exciting club or a feature on a sports team. Writing about your latest interest is much more enjoyable than your English paper, and the newspaper allows for just that.
As a student-led class, it is a collaborative environment where everyone has an input. At the beginning of each edition, we push all the tables together and bring an array of snacks to create a family-style meeting as everyone proposes their ideas for articles. In these meetings, each idea is valued and considered for the paper. No matter your interest, you will find a way to express your ideas through The Hoofprint.
While on The Hoofprint staff, you can apply for leadership positions, such as Senior-Co-Editor, Production Manager, Social Media Manager, Podcast Manager, and many more. In my sophomore year, I was appointed Social Media Manager, which allowed me to create fun videos and share the exciting activities we have as a class, such as our Distribution Day parties and world-renowned Ping Pong tournaments. These different roles allow for personalizing your place within the staff to create a more unique experience.
In my time on The Hoofprint, I have met some of the most creative, intelligent, and kind-hearted people that I know. With the small class size and collaboration, it is easy to form special relationships with the rest of the staff. Even as those older than me have graduated, we have stayed connected, and many alums have returned to visit.
To those who love writing or are interested in journalism, The Hoofprint is for you. Whatever you are interested in or wish to pursue, you will find a place in the cozy atmosphere of S7. As a freshman, I had no idea how special this class would be to me nor how much I would continue to fall in love with expressing myself through writing. If you’re interested in becoming a part of this class, I hope you consider applying in the future! I can’t wait for you to love The Hoofprint as much as I do.