Four years: four years of typing on a computer, four years of writing stories, and four years of being in room C117 during period four (newspaper). Current co-managing editor, the root of the CHAT newspaper, Marlee Jaworski, is reaching the end of her high school career.
During her freshman year, Jaworski was enrolled in Journalism I, yet Faran Fagen, the CHAT advisor, recognized her hard work and willingness to step up. This later led him to pull her, as well as her fellow classmate, Julianna Perez (current Editor-In-Chief), out of Journalism I and move them into the newspaper class.
“He really saw something in Juli and I, and I think that is what motivated me even more to get into the journalism field and showcase my writing and voice,” Jaworski comments.
To many, this move may not have been a big deal, yet as a freshman, it’s an honor to be in the CHAT. The Newspaper course is an upperclassmen program, and freshmen are typically not permitted in it.
Being a staff writer her freshman and sophomore years, she was able to learn more about the class as well as herself, finding passions, friends, and dreams. During her sophomore year, she won several awards at the yearly state convention for the Florida Scholastic Press Association, the same year that the CHAT won first place in the state.
Junior year, Jaworski was granted the role of Clubs Editor, where she managed the section and ensured it was running smoothly. She believed that it was extremely rewarding to hold such a big role in the class, dedicating a majority of her time outside of school to maintaining her part of the CHAT.
“As Clubs Editor, she was the best one that we have ever had, pumping out multiple stories every week. She was perfect for Managing Editor, because that’s what I want: somebody who is going to be on top of things and constantly producing stories,” Fagen adds.
In her senior year, she’s been in the co-managing editor position along with Erioluwa (Eri) Fatimilehin. Being in a top-four leadership spot, she believes this year has been incredibly special, as she helped to lead the class to the top five out of over 200 online high school publications in the state.
“It has been such a special experience, and it’s been so great. I love not only getting to teach the class things about journalism but also helping them become better journalists and being able to make a connection with them,” Jaworski mentions.
As co-managing editor, she has published almost 200 stories this school year alone. Not only did she publish and edit stories, but she also went through every single one of them to make sure they were high quality and included photo galleries with captions.
Outside of publishing, she assists with leading the class by having daily checkups with writers and editors; sending reminders; managing the budget (where writers sign up for stories); and submitting stories by writers in The CHAT to be recognized at the Florida Scholastic Press Association state convention.
“She went way above my expectations, managing the staff, communicating with them, and making sure everything was high quality. She’s a great communicator and team player; she was really self-governing because she basically needed no supervision at all because she did her job so well,” Fagen notes.
Outside of journalism, she has played volleyball for about 10 years. Starting the sport in second grade, she played for the YMCA and currently plays for a club team called Fort Lauderdale Volleyball as a setter. Traveling to places around the state and even the country, she leaves her heart on the court.
Jaworski also enjoys going to the beach, hanging out with friends, and practicing her religion as a Christian.
Being an active member in the journalism department outside of The CHAT, Jaworski is also in the Journalism Honor Society and Photography Club, as well as being the team manager for the Jaguars baseball team. For the baseball team, she takes photos and makes Instagram posts, which include graphics and blurbs that she made herself.
Jaworski is currently committed to Santa Fe Community College located in Gainesville, Florida, where she will major in journalism and transfer to the University of Florida later on.
“Julianna, Janeyliz, and Eri have truly been such a blessing to work with. These three ladies are so loving, supportive, and hardworking. I am so grateful that we have been able to lead the class together and show the younger journalists our skills and passion for this field. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for the CHAT’s core four,” Jaworski remarks.
Doris Wieczezak • May 26, 2026 at 6:22 PM
What an amazing woman she is and always so dedicated in all that she does. She will certainly achieve greatness in her future. All the best Marlee.❤️