Over the course of her high school career, senior Leilani Moyano has grown into a dedicated and thoughtful member of the staff. She leaves behind strong writing, meaningful connections, and a genuine appreciation for the community around her, where she has contributed with her enthusiastic personality.
For Leilani, some of the most memorable moments from KO News came from the time spent together working as a team. Beyond the work, it was the relationships she built that truly have shaped her experience. “I’ve made some close friends on the staff that I probably wouldn’t have otherwise made,” Leilani notes, “just because of classes and schedule-wise, I just probably wouldn’t have met them. I’ve also found it really fun to bond with kids from other grades as well.”
As a writer, Leilani has enjoyed sharing articles about the school community. For two years in a row, she wrote about the Stroud Science Symposium, where she was able to interview teachers, gather student perspectives, and analyze the event in depth. She has also appreciated the opportunity to write about culture while covering the LatinX festival to spotlight her background, as well as many others at KO.
What Leilani will miss the most about KO News is the energy and leadership that helped shape the club. She mentions and credits English teacher and Faculty Advisor Cathy Schieffelin as a strong and passionate leader whose enthusiasm helped bring a motivational environment. That sense of camaraderie and excitement is something that she will carry with her.
Looking ahead, Leilani is currently deciding between the College of Holy Cross and George Washington University, where she plans to study psychology and public health on the pre-health track.
Reflecting on her time, she shares gratitude for the opportunity to participate in KO News since her sophomore year and describes it as a meaningful experience, one that she hopes to carry forward in the future.
