Once the calendar hits the end of April, the time comes for the CHAT Newspaper and the Prowler yearbook class to host their annual luncheon for everyone to enjoy. Not only are students able to spend time with each other, but also they come together to honor the overloading amounts of dedication these students have done throughout the year to produce such unique pieces of journalism.
Students from all three classes made their way to the Southwest Regional Library as they could not wait to see what this year’s luncheon entails. When they entered the auditorium, the tables were set up, awards were displayed on the stage, a slideshow of all the best work from the year on the projector, and a photographer from Fox-Mar was there capturing this memorable event.
As soon as the time came, one of the newspaper advisors ,Mr. Fagen, greeted everyone and started off with a brief speech. His heartwarming words echoed through the auditorium as he gave recognition to many people that made this year possible. The administration team at Charter and all the hard working students are just to name a few. Right after his speech, Mr. Fagen called up Valerie Questell, the 2023-2024 Editor-In-Chief for the content side of the CHAT. As it has been tradition, she was first given her medallion for being a part of the CHAT this school year and then she was able to give the rest of the medallions to all the other members of the newspaper as well. Similar to Mr. Fagen, the other advisors for both the yearbook and the digital class came up to give their speeches and pass on the medallions to their Editor-In-Chief’s Sophia Lopez and Samantha Serrano.
For a quick break in between all the awards, Doughboys Pizzeria was generous enough to help cater for this event. From the tasty pizza to creamy pasta everything that was provided quickly became a fan favorite for all the students and advisors. Additionally, with the help of many parent volunteers, they were able to make this event run smoothly. “My favorite part of the luncheon is the conversations you get to have with people well you’re eating. I like when we are all eating together, we’re just interacting, it is very wholesome.” Senior Sophia Lopez exclaims.
Mr. Fagen then came to announce his Editor-In-Chief Questell while reminiscing on all the effort she has put into the class throughout the year. All her friends and staff members instantly started to clap for her as she went to receive her award. To follow up her award, the co-managing editors Kara Warren and Daniel Morrison received their award for always being on top of all the deadlines for the class. Other awards such as Best Story, Most Improved, Best Section, and others were also called. “I feel so grateful to have won the Rookie of the Year award,” reveals sophomore Janeyliz Baez. Coming up with a big smile, Mr. Foreman then announced his Editor-In-Chief award to Sophia Lopez along with other awards such as Best Photographer award, Jack of all Trades, Social Media, Graphics, and so many more. Mr. Harrison was then proud to announce his classes’ awards such as Most Valuable Layout Artist, Most Valuable Sports Editor, Best Photography, etc. Fortunately, Serrano was able to walk out the 2023-2024 luncheon with four awards. Having a heart full of gratitude, Samantha expresses “the awards reflected my work and time, so I appreciate getting acknowledged.”
Towards the end of the awards, Mr. Fagen made an announcement saying that there were a few new awards added this year. Nothing but confusion came across everyone’s face as 10 seniors rose from their seats. All of these members were then informed that they would be recognized for “Four Years of Service.” As this old tradition is now being relived, all of these students received a trophy for everything they have done. With many of these seniors starting with the CHAT or the yearbook during online school, “now that I am senior I have worked up the ranks and now I get to leave the class which is very rewarding,” Morrison firmly believes.
Looking at the trophy in her hand, Warren will always say “embrace your writing because you should be able to take pride in what you do and anything you’re specifically interested in you can always tie into what you create.”
Between the acknowledgement at FSPA and the awards given by the advisors, it is safe to say that both yearbook and the CHAT have reached all their goals for this year. Additional pictures and long lasting hugs were than taken to officially end this year’s luncheon. Senior Coralie Richardson feels “it was sad to attend my last luncheon because at the same time next year I will be in college watching over my underclassmen girls working hard.” This luncheon is not only to mark the end of the year but it is also to signify the start of new beginnings. Valerie can even agree “I know next year is going to be a great year and the luncheon is kind of a transition to that time period.” 
