Dear San Dimas High School,
As I sit here in my kitchen at 11:30 at night, surrounded by my three best friends doing AP Literature homework together, I am writing my last story for the Saint Scroll. I have been a writer for three years now.
Reflecting on my experience, I’ve seen this publication grow and have its small-town fame. From viral reels on our new Instagram page to spreading the word to every teacher, student, and staff member that the latest publication is out, the Saint Scroll team has shown nothing but hard work and dedication every year.
My first-time entering Mrs. Lehrmann’s room wasn’t during my sophomore year but during my eighth-grade high school field trip visit. From then on, I was already ecstatic to be in such a pretty classroom with a nice teacher. Little did I know that room R-1 would end up being the room that captures some of the most special memories of my high school timeline.
On the first day of sophomore year, I walked into Mrs. Lehrmanns’ classroom, which was a minute late. I was lost trying to find the class, and everyone was already sitting. I nervously sat in the first seat in my sight- I ended up sitting in that same seat for the next three years. I was unaware of what journalism was and who was taking that class; I walked into that class blind-sighted, ultimately only knowing I had enjoyed writing and that journalism would hopefully be able to help my writing skills grow.
Year after year, the Saint Scroll team grew bigger and bigger. Each year, new writers get to share their writing talents. It was so fun having a team that all had their differences but collaborated; though there were ups and downs, this team showed me what it was like to create new friendships and memories. The journalism class each year was filled with laughter, whether it was laughing with Mrs. Lehrmann, updating her on the smallest details of our high school lives, or teaming up and playing Scattergories- even though the game could get messy (shoutout to my junior year and the competitiveness that class held that year).
Although this one year was quite different from the rest, our wonderful advisor, Mrs. Lehrmann, finally had a baby girl! But she left us with another great teacher, Mr. Stidham. To be truthful, it was a hard couple of months trying to navigate the class and the site. The team this year collectively had our ups and downs, but ultimately, I am grateful for every hardworking editor and writer who put their hard work into this class.
As my senior year comes to an end, I realize that, ultimately, the Saint Scroll is more than just a website; it shares many perspectives and untold stories about school, community, entertainment, and sports. It’s a site for people to share their favorite memories about their high school sports season or an embarrassing story. It’s a site for people to show their artistic skills and hidden talents. I am grateful to be a part of the Saint Scroll team. It’s a platform I hold closest to my heart, something I truly take immense pride in.
My advice for anyone reading this is to take risks. Join the class that seems fun. Make new friends, even if it’s with the most unexpected people. Never be afraid to join something that you think will be fun. You never know what it will bring you.
I couldn’t be more grateful for what this class has brought and what the Saint Scroll has meant to me for the past three years. I am incredibly grateful for all the memories we’ve made, and stories shared. Thank you, San Dimas journalism.
For the last time
Xoxo, Leilani Ignacio
Your 2023-2024 Editor-in-Chief
