After releasing our first issue of The Nexus this year, our publisher of more than a decade closed, forcing us to switch publishers. Two publishers later, we find ourselves on the final issue of the year with one thing having been consistent: the support of our community. The Nexus would like to take this opportunity to recognize some of the groups and individuals who were key to our success this year. 

To the non-journalism students who have contributed to our newspaper: you are the core of this program. From setting aside several hours, allowing us to interview you and sharing deeply personal stories for our final focus articles, to submitting ‘Praise or Folly’ or responding to our college map survey, and everything in between, The Nexus would not print without you.

To our new administrative staff, Principal Ernest Remillard and Assistant Principal Craig Bowden, thank you for your willingness to be interviewed for several articles this year. We appreciate how you began your tenure establishing open lines of communication and recognizing the importance of student journalism. And to our returning administrators, Shannon Parker and Teri Heard, thank you for your continued support and transparency. 

To our custodial staff, for not only working extra hard during our 20 press nights this year, but also for allowing us to feature you in an article—thank you for ensuring a clean environment and sharing your stories with us.

To our Nexus families, thank you for being supportive of our unconventional schedules, agreeing to bring in press dinners at the eleventh hour, and being some of our most generous donors, enthusiastic readers, and devoted supporters. You encourage us to continue doing what we love.

To Kelly Barth of Gardena Valley Web Offset, thank you for taking us on as a client partway through the year when our ability to produce a printed paper was in jeopardy. We also appreciate how you always answer our calls—regardless of the hour—on Wednesday evenings during press week if we have a question or need confirmation that you received our pages.

To Poway Unified School District personnel, thank you all for readily responding on behalf of the district for our articles that require your expertise. Without your input, our local coverage would be incomplete.

To our advertisers and sponsors, thank you for believing in what we do and trusting us to promote your businesses. Your contributions are integral to our program.

To the teachers who support our program: whether you’re passing out The Nexus by hand during Homeroom, engaging in conversations with us about important topics that inspire article topics, opening yourselves up for interviews, or being vocal in your support of our right to free press, we appreciate you more than you know.

To our assistant advisor Melanie DelaCruz, who has provided us a unique perspective having been Editor in Chief of The Nexus in 2015, we always appreciate your willingness to look over our articles as we attempt to tackle more difficult topics.

To our advisor Jeff Wenger. Not only have you been a constant in this program for 21 years, but you are a constant in our lives, always encouraging us to travel the extra mile with our writing, and constantly challenging our perspectives. We are better people and journalists because of you.

Most importantly, to our readers, who bring our paper to life every time a conversation is sparked by one of our articles: Thank you for fueling our drive to write.