A Legacy of Leadership: Passing the Baton
MJ Rodriguez
As my time as Editor-in-Chief draws to a close, a wave of bittersweet emotions washes over me. It’s been an incredible journey, filled with challenges, triumphs, and the unwavering support of an exceptional team.
Now, the time has come to pass the baton, a symbol of leadership and responsibility, to the next generation of journalistic talent. This isn't simply about handing over a title; it's about entrusting the future of our publication to three incredibly capable underclassmen.
The weight of the position wasn't handed to me lightly; it required dedication, perseverance, and countless hours spent refining our vision and shaping the narrative of our publication.
Though I’ve lost one of my Editor-in-Chiefs, Kevin Villalba, I learned to balance creative vision with practical execution, navigate disagreements with diplomacy, and foster a collaborative environment where everyone felt empowered to contribute their unique skills and perspectives.
The weight of this role is significant; it's about nurturing talent, upholding journalistic ethics, and producing a publication that not only informs but inspires. Choosing the right successors wasn't a random decision. I've watched Elena Rodriguez, King Lucero, and Natalie Jennings grow as writers, editors, and leaders throughout the year.
Elena’s meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational skills are invaluable assets; King's innovative ideas and creative flair will bring fresh perspectives; and Natalie's insightful writing and passionate commitment to journalism make them a cornerstone of this team. Their individual strengths complement each other perfectly, forming a powerful force for the future of the Purple Press.
A promise of continued success, passing the baton is not an ending, but a new beginning. I have absolute confidence in their abilities and am excited to witness the fresh direction they will bring to our class. Their energy, vision, and dedication will ensure the continued success and evolution of our work.
My role now shifts to mentoring and supporting them, ensuring a seamless transition and offering guidance whenever needed. I leave knowing that the future of our publication is in very capable hands. To Elena, King, and Natalie: the baton is yours. Lead with courage, creativity, and integrity. I eagerly await seeing all you accomplish.
I want to formally thank the past Editors-In-Chief; they have shaped the Purple Press to be as it is now. Thank you, Noah Luscombe, Hailey Larson, Makai Nordgren, David Woods, and Kevin Villalba.
Noah and Hailey joined their junior and senior years and worked together to make Volume 9 Issues 1-8 Volume 10 Issues 1-8 Numbers 67-82 Sept-May 2021-2023.
Makai Nordgren, David Woods also joined their junior senior years while Kevin Villalba joined his sophomore-junior year. They all came together to make Volume 11 Issues 1-8 Numbers 83-90 Sept-May 2023-2024.
Within this year Natalie, Lukas and I had all worked together to make Volume 12 Issues 1-10 Numbers 91-100 Sept-May 2024-2025. I am grateful for their hard work and partnership throughout this year 2024-2025 of the Purple Press.
The legacy of leadership in this position is rich and inspiring. From the pioneering work of David Woods to the innovative visions of Makai Nordgren, each Editor-in-Chief has left an indelible mark. I am humbled to have been a part of this chain, and now, with great confidence, I pass the baton.
The Future: My Hopes and Goals
By Co-Editor-in-Chief Natalie Jennings
In the Purple Press, we’re pushed to do better, work harder, and grow stronger not just as writers but as people, too. I was made a co-editor-in-chief this year, and in the upcoming years, I would like to give people the chances that I was given. I want to inspire people to grow in their writing and love the things they write. I want to show people that anyone can write. It's not about the skill of their writing but the effort they put into it.
I think that’s what the Purple Press is all about is improving your writing skills, but also it's about telling stories, whether it’s yours or someone else's. That has proven to me to be rewarding with my editorship in the next few years, I would like to inspire others, and continue to tell stories.
I am a sophomore this year, and I am Co-editor in Chief; the tasks of Co-editor in Chief have taught me so much, and it has also had its challenges. I have learned about teamwork, communication, and time management.
In the next few years, I want to grow not just as a person but as a writer too, more than I already have. As my adult years are approaching, I know there will be challenges in and outside of school. However, I hope to continue to grow with the Purple Press and show others that writing can be influential and so empowering.
Receiving of the Baton
King Lucero
When I joined this class, I wanted to write about my passions. However, before I could, we had to learn skills like interview questions, talking to others, and writing skills. As the year went on, my favorite pieces were our sample writing, which was about what the others did during their summer, but I took a different approach. I chose the topic of what I wanted to do in 10 years. I want to go to some big colleges, and I want to enter the music industry and be in some big bands.
What I want people to know about this class is that it is competitive.
We’re competitive about being the highest level of writing and being the best. We were social in some aspects. We sometimes talk as friends, but most of the time we talk as colleagues, and in the end, we aspire to write something enjoyable.
For the newcomers to the class, I ask that you be patient with everyone. In the beginning, you will feel out of place, like “What am I doing here?” or “ Do I belong?” You will fit in this class with like minded individuals, like myself and the other editors. Aspire to be the highest level of work and writing you can produce. If you write a personal piece, be it about you and only you. Don't be a follower, more like a leader.
Embracing The Future: A New Leader Steps Forward
Elena Rodriguez
The moment I received the baton, I felt like I stepped into a long standing tradition, where the responsibility and the excitement of storytelling converged. The baton has been passed down for generations from former seniors, and it’s finally my turn to receive and continue to carry forward the torch of truth and integrity in an ever-evolving media landscape with the skills and imagination to uphold for the upcoming years.
The journalists who have held this baton before me carried more than just responsibility. They have faced countless criticisms, political pressures, tirelessly pursued stories in the face of adversity, held powerful institutions accountable to obtain their position as editors or co-editors in journalism.
Their courage and persistence inspires me, and their dedication serves as a guiding light. I will strive to honor their commitment by upholding the highest standards of journalistic honesty and integrity. Receiving the baton represents the crucial act of inheriting a story, an investigation, or a vital piece of information.
Passing the baton is a constant, evolving process. It's a transfer of skills, knowledge, and ethical standards from one generation of journalists to the next. For instance, this handoff is crucial for maintaining the integrity and reliability of the profession in an ever changing media landscape.
This year, I have worked hard to receive this baton, as it consists of strong writing, critical thinking, and adaptability. I have written more than one article and helped with at least one interview, with the ability to strive for excellence and professionalism with the help of criticism and teamwork.
Maintaining ethical standards is increasingly challenging. The pressure of holding responsibility, also wanting to be fast and first could lead to mistakes; but journalists should navigate these issues while staying committed to accuracy, fairness, and accountability. Balancing these demands requires a strong sense of motivation and resilience.
The first article I wrote at the start of this year was about my summer. I explained in detail what I did for my summer, for example what I did and who I hung out with. I explained how I visited my Grandma Sylvia often during the summer and went to the pool with my sister and friends.
For my second article, I described the murals all around Clovis, New Mexico. As a team, one person took photos of the murals, as there were over 15 murals to choose from, and then I explained the murals in detail to show the beauty and appreciation of Clovis history.
The last article I wrote, which is my favorite, was writing a letter to my future self. I wrote that I want to reflect on my journeys, so I can overcome any obstacles or challenges that may come my way. I explained that I am still brainstorming career choices and taking care of my mental health to maintain a stable path in the future.
During the year, we interviewed the CHS principal. At the end of this year, we are interviewing select seniors to show appreciation for their hard work in completing their school years with dedication and challenges.
We also intended to interview the Governor, as we received a letter from her directly. The letter to us from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham congratulates The Purple Press on its 100th issue. She praises the dedication and talent of our journalism team, acknowledging our vital role in chronicling the Clovis High School community's history, achievements, and challenges for over a century.
The Governor highlights the publication's commitment to journalistic excellence and its positive impact on student development, emphasizing its contribution to civic engagement and shaping a brighter future for New Mexico.
While unable to attend the interview, due to legislative responsibilities, she expresses admiration for our team's work and shares details of her administration's proposals, focused on education initiatives reflecting shared values of innovation and opportunity. The letter concludes with congratulations and anticipation for The Purple Press's continued success as a model for scholastic journalism.
Senior Interview: Hansini Lingala
What new challenges financially and educationally did you experience during your High School years?
Overall, I struggled to keep my grades up while balancing sports and club activities along with outside of school commitments, especially with everything being so new.
How well do you believe high school prepared you for your next chapter?
I believe that high school has tried its best to prepare me for my next chapter educationally, but it has better prepared me to try new things and pursue what I want.
What was the most rewarding part of high school?
The most rewarding part of high school was the close friendships made.
What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?
Focus on a school-life balance and make sure to do what you enjoy.
What is your favorite memory throughout your high school years?
My favorite memory would be either junior year prom or the overnight tennis tournament with my doubles partner in Las Cruces.
When you were younger, what did you want to become? And if it has changed, how did that come about?
I wanted to become a doctor, and I still do, but in the middle, I was considering becoming a welder because I was a natural in my welding class and was invited into the SENSE program.
If you’re going to college, where do you plan to go, and why did you choose that one?
I had to decide between Johns Hopkins and UT Austin, and in the end, I chose UT Austin. I chose UT Austin because it had a more lively social scene and was closer to home, but not too close.
If you have a major in mind, what would that be and why?
My major is Biology because I am on a pre-med track.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I see myself with a steady job as a doctor, living with my loving husband, and either pregnant or with one kid.
What advice would you give to your senior class?
Focus on what’s important.
What does being a “Senior Standout” mean to you personally?
It means that I have done well enough to be able to stand out in a class of over 400 people. It makes me proud to know that I can hold my own even in a crowd.
What impact do you hope to leave on your school or community?
I want to be someone whose high school is proud to say that they graduated from there. The impact I wish to leave is one of kindness, one where those who remember me think of me kindly and treat others the same.
Senior Interview: Robert Lee
What new challenges financially and educationally did you experience during your high school years?
Balancing a job, a social life, and academics was the biggest challenge I faced, as it seemed each item prioritized brought the others down a small amount with it. Also, the new experiences of dual credit and AP classes were a challenge at first to keep up with.
How well do you believe high school prepared you for your next chapter?
Relatively well, especially considering I took a fair handful of dual credit courses throughout the duration of my high school career. On the other hand, some parts could have better prepared me, with classes closer to my major and some additional media literacy, but overall, I’m prepared for college.
What was the most rewarding part of high school?
I’d say the most rewarding part of high school was involvement within the school's organizations, as with most of those, you were either making a direct impact on the community, or competing against others in a structured way that kept high school fresh, and me on my toes.
What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?
Don’t only go for “safe” classes. If you think you might like a class, attempt it! Worst case, you request a schedule change to a safer class or drop an AP, instead of feeling unfulfilled by not exploring the different things life has to offer. The same thing goes for student organizations as well, especially considering you can leave the club if you don’t like it. I say this as I didn’t realize that fine arts can be surprisingly fun after staying away from them like the plague most of high school.
What is your favorite memory throughout high school?
There are actually a few good contenders for this. Some of them would be prom when I was a sophomore, gaining an officer role in NHS, or even competing in Orlando for Business Professionals of America! In this case, I think I’d have to pick the Orlando trip, even though we got 7th, just because it’s the freshest in my head.
When you were younger, what did you want to become? And if it has changed, how did that come about?
When I was younger, I wanted to be an astronaut, then a chef, then a game developer, then all of those, and a couple of other random career choices. Nowadays, I’m focused on game development, but I am open to always picking up alternatives in the future. The main event that changed what I wanted to become was getting glasses, as I was insistent that I could no longer be an astronaut (which is untrue, but too late), and after that, I realized I couldn’t actually try every career in the world unless I was immortal. I am also aware I will probably ruin my eyes further by coding at a desk for hours at a time, but you only live once.
If you’re going to college, where do you plan to go, and why did you choose that one?
I plan on attending the University of New Mexico, and I chose that college due partly because of a scholarship offer, partly inexpensive tuition, and also due to their computer science program being good, along with having the concentration I’d like.
If you have a major in mind, what would that be and why?
Computer Science, with a concentration in game design/development, because the art form allows people to be transported to new worlds and experience things otherwise impossible to experience. I also really enjoy the opportunities to connect with and leave an impact on others through interactive media.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In ten years, I will have finished college, and either be working for a large game studio/tech company, or have started my own game studio with my friend. I also optimally have a house at this time, though probably not fully paid off, and would probably still be taking some sort of education to continue honing my skills within my career field.
What advice would you give to your senior class?
Not much, actually, as for the most part, seniors should be able to scope out their successes and failures throughout their tenure at the high school. If I had to give advice though, it would be to take comfort in the uncomfortable, as that is where true growth happens.
What does being a “Senior Standout” mean to you personally?
I don’t necessarily think it’s about having the best grades, and I’d like to say it’s not about being ultra popular. If I had to pin words for it, it’s being recognized for the variety of activities throughout your high school career, the growth you’ve achieved throughout, and the impact you’ve left on others along the way.
What impact do you hope to leave on your school and community?
I hope to leave a positive impact on the community and the school, inspiring others to trail blaze paths that they never thought possible. I do know that whether I like it or not, every person I interact with is impacted, irrespective of how small or large the impact may be. I hope that I can lead by example in some areas and also lift others up along the way.
Senior Interview: Makenna Musick
New challenges I have faced, both financial and educational, are learning that different things work for different people. I had to find out how I learned best. Although AP classes can boost GPA, I learned that I could just as easily maintain a 4.0 or higher without piling on harder classes or double math. I'm still very grateful for the few AP classes I did take because they gave me a different perspective and helped me learn what worked for me. Financially, I believe it's important to just work hard and be mindful of how money can come and go.
In all honesty, I don’t know how prepared I truly am for my next chapter, and I won't know till I start working at it. All I can truly hope for is that all the hard work and extra time I have put into school and clubs has helped me learn to be a hard worker and strong leader. I pray that through my own personal hard work and struggles at school, I have set myself up to be just as successful outside of school as I have been within the school.
For me, the most rewarding part of high school has been the people. Yes, I might have had some frustrating moments with some teachers and admin, but there have been other moments where I have laughed and learned a great deal from the staff at the high school. I’m also very lucky to be graduating with the class of 2025. Most of my peers are very amazing people, and I’m very thankful to have seen how much everyone has grown. I am very happy with the relationships I have built over my high school years.
For the incoming freshmen, just remember it's not that hard to be a good person. A helping hand and kind words really do go a long way. And just remember to be yourself, it is not worth trying to play sides or trying to impress others. What matters is that you're making the right decisions for yourself.
It really is hard to pick a favorite memory throughout my high school years. Most of my best memories happen when I was just driving around with friends listening to music. Ironically, talking about graduating and the future.
I never really had a dream of what I wanted to be when I was older. Even when I asked my mom, I wasn’t the kind of kid who dreamed of being a doctor or the president. I've always been a person who does what I can, then and now. I guess that's why trying to figure out what to do next has been so hard for me, because even as a kid, I never really knew.
I am not planning on going to college. I have decided it is not the path that will work for me. I'm a person who does a lot better working and trying to gain experience through my own hands and actions, not in books.
Not having a major in mind is one of the reasons I don't want to go to college. I don't feel like wasting the money to find out. I would rather work to see what I like.
After high school, I'm going to work to try and get my surveyor's license. I would like to become licensed both here in New Mexico and Texas. If I do end up needing extra school for this, I will look into it when the time comes.
In ten years, I hope to be working and setting into a career. Additionally, I hope to be married to the person I love and start a home and family. It is a dream of mine to buy my own land and build the house of my dreams.
I'll save my advice for my speech at graduation or for when they ask for it, now I just hope everyone is happy and proud to finally be graduating.
I'm just grateful to be thought of. I'm happy that both the school and my peers see me as someone who has stood out and made a difference. I'm happy knowing my hard work and dedication to the school has paid off in some ways.
I just hope that the work and passion I have put into the school continues into next year. I hope someone in those next classes has at least half of my dedication to make the high school not just another place we are forced to go to, but a place of spirit and opportunity.
Senior Interview: Malaya Henry
What new challenges financially and educationally did you experience during your Highschool years?
During High school, I struggled financially and educationally. With being in many extracurricular activities, came many expenses.
How well do you believe high school prepared you for your next chapter?
I believe high school prepared me for my next chapter very well because I learned not just my four core classes, but also real-world challenges that I have to face.
What was the most rewarding part of high school?
The most rewarding part of high school is the many awards I’ve collected as being a senior doing many activities such as dance,marching band, jazz band, choir,NHS, ect.
What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?
Always work on your time management. High school gets really busy with extracurricular activities and events so always make sure that you find time to do everything without getting overworked.
What is your favorite memory throughout your high school years?
My favorite memories throughout my high school years are every time I perform for dance, band, and choir.
When you were younger, what did you want to become? And if it has changed, how did that come about?
When I was younger, I’ve always wanted to be a doctor or anything in the medical field. This career changed as I was taking a college course of Anatomy and Physiology I. While I was in this class, I was struggling and putting more effort into music so I decided to switch to music and Psychology.
If you’re going to college, where do you plan to go, and why did you choose that one?
I plan to go to Eastern New Mexico University in Portales. I chose this school because it is close to home and I really want to experience their choir program.
If you have a major in mind, what would that be and why?
My major that I have in mind is Music Therapy. I chose this major because I am solely into music and I love being able to express emotion through music.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
In ten years, I envision myself either being a choir director for Clovis municipal schools or being a Music Therapist. I want to use music to help people manage their feelings.
What advice would you give to your senior class?
Always enjoy the little things in life. We shouldn’t take anything for granted, we should know that everything happens for a reason.
What does being a “Senior Standout” mean to you personally?
Being a “Senior Standout” personally means that I’ve worked very hard and diligently throughout my high school years so it is an honor to pay it off like this.
What impact do you hope to leave on your school or community?
The impact that I hope to leave on my school or community is to not be afraid to try new things and to get more involved in the high school because yes it can get busy, but it is a lot of fun being in many school activities.
Yearbooks are now available for distribution and purchase. The cost is $78 and is payable by cash or check. Please provide exact change. After the limited copies have been sold, there will be a one month wait time for the newly ordered yearbooks to arrive.
Purple Press is a publication vehicle for student expression.
The school board encourages students to express their views in school-sponsored publications and to observe rules for responsible journalism. This means expression that falls into any of the following categories shall not be permitted: any expression which is false or obscene, libelous, slanderous, or defamatory under state law, which presents a clear and present danger of the commission of unlawful acts, violation of school rules or materials and substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school or which violates the privacy rights of others.
Student editors of school-sponsored publications are responsible for determining the news, opinion, and advertising content of the publication. The publication's advisor is responsible for supervising the production of the publication and for teaching and encouraging free responsible expression and professional standards of journalism.
The views expressed in the Purple Press are not necessarily those of Clovis High School or the Clovis Municipal School Board of Education.
Advisor: Augustine Martinez
Editor-in-chief - Lukas Stephens
Design Editor: Lukas Stephens
Editor: Natalie Jennings
Staff writers: King Lucero, Elena Rodriguez, Mary Jane Rodriguez.