BY INCOMING EDITORS-IN-CHIEF
Print Editor-In-Chief London Dernis (middle) discovered her love and passion for English and Journalism early on. Dernis is primarily in charge of designing the Lariat issues and deciding what articles and topics will be addressed within them.
Dernis’ leadership and ability to bring stories to life on the page have shaped not just our newspaper, but the writers behind it. From laying out each issue to guiding our editorial direction, she’s led with both creativity and passion, it’s no surprise that Dernis earned six Florida Scholastic Press Association awards along the way.
Beyond The Lariat, Dernis’ impacts every community she is a part of, whether it’s serving as President of National English Honor Society, Vice President of National Honor Society, or her talents as a dancer and pianist. She is also recognized as Silver Knight Nominee in English for her Perfect Pair Project.
Balancing leadership roles and academic excellence is no easy task but Dernis has done it with grace and has become a true role model.
“The initiatives she started, the deadlines she drove, and the energy she brought to class — all of it will live on long after she graduates,” Lariat Advisor Megan Otero said. “ The future is lucky to have her.”
As she turns the page and begins her next chapter, Dernis will carry on her passion at The University of Florida where she will be double majoring in English and Psychology. We will miss your leadership and kindness you have shown within the Lariat. We thank you and we can’t wait to see where you will make an impact next!
BY ANABELLA KING
Managing Editor-in-Chief Melanie Tamayo (right) has been involved in The Lariat since her sophomore year of high school. Her position consisted of managing the class’s finances and communicating with administrators. Throughout her years, she’s been committed to creating a positive environment and ensuring everything gets done on time.
Tamayo started her writing journey her freshman year when she joined the journalism class. Her passion grew as she joined The Lariat sophomore year and strived for perfection in her try toward editor in chief (EIC). Her talented addition to the class stood out to advisor Megan Otero.
“It has been a true pleasure having Melanie in The Lariat. She is a natural-born leader, fearless, determined, and always willing to take charge,” Otero said. “I have no doubt that Melanie will go on to make a real difference in the world-because she already has, right here in our classroom.”
Apart from her noteworthy journalism achievements, Tamayo works hard managing her rigorous academic courses and extracurriculars such as leading a communal health workshop for unrepresented communities in Nigeria for the past three years. She also received a global fundraising award for her commitment and care toward this need.
Tamayo plans to major in nursing at the University of Central Florida. Her passion will be greatly missed, but we can’t wait to see all that she accomplishes in the future. We wish you the best of luck and cherish the memories we’ve made!
BY TAYLOR ALDERMAN
Online Editor-in-Chief Abby Goldberg (left) has been involved in the Lariat since her sophomore year of high school. Goldberg is primarily in charge of managing the Lariat website, publishing featured articles to the website, and managing the Lariat’s social media.
Aside from her incredible work for the Lariat, Goldberg is involved in CCHS theater as she is the proud president of Troupe 0784 and a South Florida Cappies Critic, as well as the vice president of the National English Honor Society.
Goldberg is highly appreciated by the staff and works hard to manage both academics and extracurriculars while carrying herself with a positive attitude consistently.
“She has embraced her role with remarkable drive and determination,” Lariat advisor Megan Otero said. “Abby is so kind-hearted, and she’s dedicated and passionate about everything she does, always putting her best foot forward. Though her time is shared with CCHS’s Thespian Troupe, her talents shine so brightly. She’s learned to juggle both roles and all their responsibilities with grace, making her even stronger, more resilient, and endlessly inspiring.”
We will miss her hardworking drive and kindness that Goldberg constantly radiates. The Lariat staff wishes her the best of luck as she furthers her education and attends Syracuse University, double majoring in law, society and policy, and journalism. Wishing Abby the best, the Lariat staff is so proud of you and can’t wait to see what the future holds for you!
BY TAYLOR JIMINEZ AND SOFYA STAFFORD
