Allyson Bonhaus, Editor in Chief
Hello! My name is Allyson (Ally) Bonhaus and this is my fourth and final year on the staff of The Leaf. This year I am the Editor in Chief, which means I oversee everything that goes on basically and gives me an excuse to learn about managing a paper and a website, drawing people to read your material, and much more. I am fueled by my desire to publish the best paper, but also by the inspiring individuals on staff who make up a better staff than I could dream up. Last year we won the National PaceMaker Prize and have been a SNO Distinguished Site for many years running. I have been taught how to be a part of a functioning team, as well as become versed in using Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. My experiences as a part of this stellar staff have taught me many things about myself and the world. Before entering the hollowed door of room 115 I did not concern myself much with current events and now a day is not complete without checking the news. Through this class, I have developed my sense of the world and my passion for being an involved citizen. My convictions in politics and social issues was found and grew in room 115. These passions were further cultivated at Women Writing for a Change. This organization sparked my personal growth as a feminist and helped me grow into the adult that I am today. Graduating the Young Feminist Leadership Academy (YFLA) last year was a huge growing moment for me into my identity as a feminist and leader. Taking part in YFLA with some of my role models was a great experience on my path of intersectional feminism. Furthermore, as you may guess from the title of Women Writing for a change, my interests in writing extend past journalism. I have been pursuing creative writing since I was a child. As for my other interests, I would be remiss without mentioning mock trial. I have been a part of the team since my freshman year, serving as both witness and attorney. At the start of this school year I competed in the Empire Mock Trial competition in Atlanta, Georgia which was an emotionally trying time but also some of the most fun I have had with my fellow mockers. Mock trial has been a third parent (or maybe fourth after journalism) helping me in public speaking and understanding complex cases and case law. Trying to fill the most enormous shoes, I am President of Book Club, which the last Executive Editor founded (aka the person with huge feet). Through this experience I have learned (and am learning) how to entice people to read with food. (It was also the founder of this club who taught me that Chipotle is excellent to pair with sending the paper to the publisher.) Through my high school years, this club has broadened my taste in books and my overall knowledge as we dealt with some heavy reading. I have learned, not unlike a teacher, how to prompt discussions along and stretch horizons with books out of the norm. I would include some of my favorite books but then this profile may never end. Additionally, I am a part of the Ambassadors Club (we volunteer at school events) and National Honor Society. Finally, I have learned, as you might expect in the publishing business, that “success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” Winston Churchill’s words ring even in room 115. Thank you and congratulations to all who reached the end of this profile.
