Goodbye 2022
Cora Pizon - Editor in Chief
Having been part of The Index since freshman year, I’ve always loved reading the senior goodbyes, as bittersweet as it is, and looked forward to one day writing my own. Now that day has finally come, but I have no idea where to start!
Thinking back on my past self, not even just from freshman year but from my whole life, I am proud of the person I have become, and I’m sure past me would be too. Kindergarten me would be proud of all the friends I’ve made throughout my life but especially in high school. Fifth grade me would be proud of the fact that I competed in the Miss Oshkosh Competition and won the award that shares the name with one of my favorite movies of all time: Miss Congeniality. My Seventh grade self would be proud of me for achieving my goal of becoming bilingual (even though my Spanish skills are probably equivalent to that of a five year old). Freshman me would be proud of not only how many opportunities I took throughout my four years of high school (from taking art classes, to getting involved in mock trial, to playing on the tennis team, to creating a Spanish club), but for one of my biggest achievements of all: Becoming editor in chief of The Index.
I know this is cliché but joining Index has been one of the best decisions of my life. I will always fondly remember decorating the Index office for the holidays sophomore year, the Index end-of-year banquet junior year, but senior year holds more Index memories than there is space for in the Opinion section. There’s eating lunch in the Index office every day, taking countless naps on our crusty futon, Scott giving me crap about not taking AP Lit on the daily, having Saturday morning breakfast before heading into production, and riding my longboard through the empty halls of the school. (Side note- I am writing this while holding ice to my ankle after falling off said longboard in said empty hallways. What a great way to end my final production, huh?)
Well, this is getting pretty long so I better wrap it up quickly. For starters, thanks to those of you who actually read this whole thing despite my awful writing skills. Thanks to my fellow editors, both past and present, for making the Index one of the best experiences of my life. And of course to Mr Scott, who despite being intimidating to those who don’t know him, (and even some who do), made the whole Index feel like a family. I love you all <3
Lily Fournier - Sports
As the last few weeks wind down, I have been struggling with what to say, not because I have nothing to say, but because I have so much to say. Looking back, I don’t have many regrets. However, I truly wish I would have joined Index before senior year. Going back to sophomore year I wrote one article but then failed to come back. At the end of junior year I wrote yet another article and was actually really proud of it which caused me to apply to be an editor the following year. I had no idea of what I was actually getting into, but after eight long weekends I wouldn’t have rather done anything else. They may have been long and there may have been times when I wanted to be anywhere but that small cramped computer lab but there were all the moments that I’ll never forget. From the undeniable Musty Max look to his doppelganger of Abby Furcy and the amazing look alike photos. From Cora’s endless supply of cupcakes that fuel us throughout the week even if none of us need all the extra calories and of course Paige perched on everything from a fridge to a cabinet. All the moments that made production just a little bit more memorable. To everyone's own unique nickname based on one random moment during the process of production. The jokes, the laughter, and the memories that I'll never forget. I am also grateful to be part of such a fun senior class and to have had Mr. Scott as an advisor. As I have learned so much from everyone whether it be learning how to use new computer software or quite honestly just becoming a better writer and learning to develop my own style when it comes to my writing. Overall I am thankful for the opportunity to be involved with such a unique and talented group of people and the opportunities they gave to me. Including the people that I never knew beforehand that are now some of my closest friends. So thank you Index for everything.
Allison Kelley - Graphics
Funny how the most memorable years of your life are made. Sophomore year: I still recall the morning that I walked into Scott’s room, quivering, misty-eyed and filled with self-doubt, only to walk out holding a sheet-- damp and wrinkled from tears- consisting of the list of responsibilities of that of a Web Squad Editor. Flash forward past COVID and what I like to call my “Index Gap Year,” I find myself right back where I started: On a crusty but well-loved futon, surrounded by an empty fridge, a grimy microwave, a decrepit wall of crooked plaques and ribbons, sticky keyboards, broken chairs, a bunch of paper-producing hooligans, and an advisor which whom I owe every ounce of appreciation and respect to. In other words, home.
Scoring the position of graphics editor, or the “one-man art department for the paper,” I was privileged enough to put my creativity to use in illustration form, drawing my interpretations of the featured stories. Despite faulty technology setbacks and nights of overwhelming emotion, I wouldn’t trade my time in the lab for the world; All of the days I’ve spent in the lab at my writing tablet, listening to Lily’s questionable country music, holding Ruby’s numerous frog plushies, hearing a high-pitched Hannah “slay” from behind, catching a whiff of the stench of sweaty John, and watching Mr. Scott roll out his back with the foam cylinder I always managed to stumble over.
I don’t even want to imagine the alternate reality of Allison that never dabbled her feet in the Index. Every single editor I’ve worked with has changed my life in ways that I cannot express enough gratitude for. I’ve finally found a place I am comfortable to share my genuine self, and the people I know I can fall back on. And, of course, to be there to open door 42. I thank you all for including me, helping me, sharing a laugh with me, and listening to me when Life's unforgiving foot was squashing me like a helpless lil bug. I had no idea that something as simple as producing a newspaper held the potential to be this impactful. … Dang.
So farewell. Maybe I’ll leave a legacy, maybe not. I just hope at least someone was given an ounce of joy when they turned a page and caught a glimpse of an “Allison Kelley Original” cartoon.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Especially you, Mr Scott. You’re one kick-ass advisor.
John Vanden Heuvel - Sports
Time and time again during high school I would hear teachers, parents, and seniors all declare how fast their four years of high school flew by. Time and time again as a Freshman I would disgruntledly brush the habitual remark off, considering a single period of Freshman English felt like four years alone. However, the one thing I hated hearing the most turned out to be the truth that still seems surreal.
It seems just yesterday that I stumbled out of a football practice in August to attend an open house. Mr Stack walked Michael and I through the halls, walking our schedules and showing us the way around. He turned around as we we’re walking and told us “these next four years are going to fly by faster than you can think. Before you know it, you’ll be walking across the stage with a cap and gown.” As I sit here and write down my collective thoughts from the last four years, two words describe it all, thankful and proud. Thankful for the new people I had the opportunity to meet and get to know, thankful for many lessons I learned, thankful for all the times I failed, and proud of the things I was able to accomplish in four years.
As a senior, I truly couldn’t be more thankful for all of my peers and mentors that guided me through a tornado that was high school. Much of what I have learned is due to clubs like Index, where I grew immensely in my leadership and communication skills. Coming from a multitude of backgrounds and experiences, I am excited to see what my fellow editors and I can accomplish in the future. I’m not sure how to conclude this, so I’ll leave some wisdom from a renowned philosopher, proclaiming “you can pay for school, but you can’t pay for class.” (Jay-Z)
Roll tide, John VH
Sophie Burke - Student Life
Honestly, I’m not great at the whole goodbye thing. Even though it's May, I don’t feel like a senior. I feel like I’ll be coming back in September with all of the underclassmen. Maybe it’s because of COVID, maybe it’s because I still look like a twelve year old. Either way, writing this goodbye seems surreal.
My first goodbye goes out to the Index editors and staff. You guys have been a huge part of my high school career. I started writing as a freshman because of Mrs. Stellpflug. I wrote almost every issue and loved it. I didn’t think about becoming an editor because I knew I was already an athlete and I was involved in other clubs. But I woke up one Saturday with a notification from Ashlyn Casey, the editor in chief at the time. She was asking who I was and explained how they read one of my stories and wanted me to be interviewed for an editor position. Here I am, three years later, still writing and editing. I started out as a news editor, and if I’m being honest, I hated it. When the pandemic hit, we didn’t really know how to continue, so we took some time off, but when we came back for my junior year, I felt like I was starting fresh. This was when the Student Life section was born. I wanted to show off what students were doing outside of sports and I could run the section however I wanted. So that's exactly what I did. It’s weird to look back and realize that it's all over, but the experience is something I wouldn't trade for the world.
My other goodbye goes out to my music family and the underclassmen I’m leaving behind. As many people know, I’m a choir kid and have gone to many productions after a rehearsal and it has been a lot to balance, but the people in the music programs have made it all worth it. I’m excited to see you grow and become the people you want to be. Even if I’m not next to you physically, I’m only a phone call away. Music and the people involved are a part of me and I’ve loved every second of it.
It's hard to say goodbye, but I know the things I’m leaving and left in good hands. Thank you Index and the music program for letting me grow into myself no matter how annoying it was at times. These memories are the ones from high school I’ll be holding onto.
Claire Garton - Photography
As an eighth grader, I signed up to take photo classes because I wanted my Instagram feed to look better than everyone else’s. As shallow as it sounded, I dreamt of having “aesthetically pleasing” photos on my page that would impress anyone who saw them. Four years later, the photos I post to Instagram are still mediocre; however, I’ve learned lessons that are so much more important to me than an Instagram feed.
I’ve learned that I’m good at something; for a long time I questioned what I was talented at, and Index showed me. I wasn’t athletic, or interested in music, or had artistic ability. While everyone around me could brag about their achievements in sports or the number of instruments they could play, I was busy questioning what I was talented at, if I was talented at anything. Since becoming a photography editor, I’ve had my coeditors tell me that my action shots “go hard.” I’ve received PRAISE from MR. SCOTT (which is extremely rare), and awards from NEWSPA. A year ago, I didn’t believe any of my photographs were praise or award worthy. Since then, I’ve improved so much, and for the first time, I feel like my work as a photographer is important.
I’d like to thank Mr. Scott for intimidating me into wanting to put forth my best work possible. Thank you to my coeditors, for “hearing me out,” and hyping up my photographs. Thank you to anyone who let me photograph them this year (and my apologies to some of you who I accidentally “did bogus”). Thank you Index, for showing me what I am capable of, giving me the confidence I needed in my work, and making me feel like I belonged somewhere.
Maggie Phillips - Graphics
Ahh senior year… An extremely bittersweet moment. All 12 previous years all lead up to this, and now it all ends in four days. All the memories created in these halls and these rooms will slowly fade into one long blur that is high school. Some of my fondest memories were created here, and some that I long to forget. Lifelong friends were made here, and those I thought would be with me forever slowly drifted out of my life. Moving on from Oshkosh West and taking those next steps toward adulthood is equal parts terrifying and exhilarating, maybe a little more towards the terrifying end. Even with moving away from Oshkosh, I’ll still have all the memories I created here, and they will continue to shape me, even from a different state. These memories will always be what reminds me of West, not the endless amounts of schoolwork and class periods that seemed to drag on for an eternity and a half. Most of my best memories came from The Index. From 13 hour days slaving away in the computer lab at a computer burning my eyes trying to finish a graphic or a story to having a Christmas party and celebrating with all my fellow editors. Index has become much more than just a club. It became my family. It brought together people I never would have fathomed speaking to, or even becoming friends with. Spending eight weekends at West may seem like torture, and sometimes it is, but it also was the birthplace of some of the best memories for me. Being able to create stories and tell them in writing and actually have some sort of work to be proud of was one of the highlights of my high school experience. Graduating feels like ending a chapter of a book, or one book in a series. I know more is in store for me, but it feels extremely surreal and almost like it doesn’t quite exist. I’ve never known anything except school, granted I am moving on to more school, but after that I will be all alone in the world. After graduation I’m looking forward to hanging out with my friends until I move out to Colorado where I’ll meet new friends, and obviously I’ll come back and visit every once in a while. Colorado will create new memories, but they’ll never take over all the amazing memories I made here in Index and in choir, my other family. Thank you Index and Mr. Scott, Thank you choir and Mrs. Meyer, and most of all, Thank you Oshkosh West for all the memories, all the laughs, all the tears, and everything in between. I’ll miss “running through these halls like Drano”.
Hunter Willis - Web Squad
I have had the pleasure of being a part of the Oshkosh West Index for four years, one as a writer, and three as a devoted and passionate Web editor. I literally cannot confine all of the life lessons and valuable experiences I’ve garnered through Index to such a concise passage. To be honest, this club has been one of the most important things I have ever been a part of, and saying goodbye to it all doesn’t feel real. I’ve devoted countless weekends since I was 16 years old to this organization. Leaving it behind is incomprehensible, and I guarantee that I’ll find myself sitting in my dorm one night, reminiscing on the memories I made as an editor for your award-winning Index.
The Index made me something. I found my confidence within the confines of that unkempt office, taking risks that I never would have had I not joined the Index, which constructed me into a smarter student and person. Index and the brilliant people I’ve met through it have molded me into who I am, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Most of my closest friends shared this experience with me, and I’m so grateful for every bond I’ve refined through this club.
Through the ups and downs which inevitably usher a high schooler through their scholastic journey, Index have always been there to fall back on. Even in the darkest of times (that an adolescent can have), Index has persisted. It’s given me stability when I needed it most, and my co-editors helped rekindle the flame of confidence time and time again when it had all but burnt out. I was skeptical to how active a role this club would play in my daily life when I first joined, but I now realize that the unique relationships I share with every editor on this page have been the most important I’ve ever forged. The Index is and has always been a reliable refuge for me when I could not find it elsewhere.
I appreciate everything Mr. Scott has done for this paper and for me. He’s been a personal mentor of mine since I was a wee sophomore, and I’ve grown as a writer and communicator under his instruction. I’ve grown to be more social, more cynical, more approachable, and more personable because of this staff, and I hope they know that I cherish the time I’ve spent with each one of them. Especially ditching production to play tennis.
It’s been an honor to carry the Index torch for three years, and passing it off is harder than I imagined it would be. I’m forever grateful for my time here.
Deuces.
Max Carlin - Web Squad
To be blunt, I don’t think I’ll miss much of high school. The arbitrary drama within overly cliquey friend groups and the monotony of sitting in class for eight hours a day was never quite my scene. But Index? Well, I’ll miss Index.
The friends that I have made in that crammed and stuffy little office are unparalleled. They’re the kind of people you know you can rely on for anything. I cannot remember a single day where I did not enjoy what limited time I had sitting in that office with some of the coolest people I’ve met in my entire life. As I write this, a mug with my sweaty, mustache-clad face stares back at me from my desk. The people that immortalize an embarrassing image of you on a mug are precisely the kind of people you want to be around. This mug, and my memories of Index, will certainly follow me wherever I go in life.
There’s nothing like those late nights in Oshkosh West when all is dark and there’s only a faint flicker of light from within the confines of room E32. You might hear our passionate debates, see a football flying overhead, or smell some delicious food. I’ll miss it all.
There is no doubt in my mind that joining Index was the greatest decision I made in high school. Shoutout Will Vu for convincing me to apply. If I could give any advice to incoming freshmen, I would heavily encourage them to get involved. It doesn’t matter whether you’re interested in the activity or whether you think you’ll have fun. Try new things and remove all doubt.
All good things must come to an end. My time as an editor is no exception. Farewell, Index.
Paige Helfrich - Opinion
Stepping into the halls of OWHS as a freshman, I was a socially awkward freshman with very few friends and no desire to expose myself to any more people than I absolutely had to. To be honest, not much has changed. The one thing I knew for sure (once I figured out where E23 is) is that I wanted to be a part of The Index. English was, and is, my absolute favorite subject, and if any extra curricular could meet that desire to write, that would be it. My first article was an opinion column on the brand new cell phone policy, and I’ve only grown since.
My journey through Index began with Mr. Erdmann and Mr. Bosovic of the superior Perry Tipler Middle School. Without them, I would have never developed a passion for writing. I continued writing for The Index through each Honors English class, from Mrs. Moder to Mrs. Husain, and finally completing what Mr. Scott calls “The Holy Trentity” as a senior, and finally adopted the opinion section from the pathetic state that Joe Mayo left it in.
As a senior editor in my final weeks of Index, and my final day of production, I can confidently say that I have made some of my absolute lifelong friends in this office and lab. I will never forget memories like Lily’s bonfire, grocery shopping with the Fat Nuts, or sitting on top of the fridge and chatting with Ruby seventh hour. Of course, I could never forget the endless stories from AP Lit that I shared with many of my fellow senior editors and Mr. Scott.
Speaking of Mr. Scott, without his guidance and willingness to put up with 17 rambunctious teenagers three days a month, The Index would not be the award-winning newspaper that it is, and hopefully continues to be.
So thank you to all who have put up with my shenanigans, and a special thank you to Mr. Scott and the hours of life he has poured into The Index, it is truly a magical thing to be a part of.
Bailey Staerkel - Entertainment
My freshman year, I sat at the annual end of the year Index banquet, eating some really delicious gourmet mac and cheese, to be fair, but feeling completely alone and out of place. I barely knew anybody else there, and I was too anxious to try and meet anyone. I had spent the entire year writing reviews of Marvel movies, afraid to step out of my comfort zone and unsure if I even belonged there in the first place. I enjoyed writing, but I found it hard to overcome my anxieties and break into the larger group. Deciding that maybe Index wasn’t for me, I declined to apply to be an editor at the end of that year. But, I’m sure that plenty of my fellow editors have already bemoaned how much they regret not getting involved sooner, so I’ll spare you that tangent.
I bounced between different clubs and different friend groups for the longest time, never quite seeming to find where I belonged. I was the anime club president, a drama club officer, a ski club enthusiast, and even a sprinter on the track team briefly (if you can believe it) all before I realized that my true passions lay with the Index all along.
Thanks to my time in the Index, I have seen myself grow from that timid little kid to a bold and confident young adult, ready to take on college and the uncertainties of the future. I didn’t always think that I would make it to the future, if I’m to be honest. But thanks to my friends in my Index family, and especially thanks to Mr. Scott’s mentorship in particular, I was able to make it to the day when I could announce in front of all of them that I had been accepted into the college of my dreams. My Index family knew about my college acceptance before my own mother- That has to count for something.
I found a home and a community with the Index, even if I was still a little shy and afraid to talk to people sometimes. Index was a constant in my life when everything else was uncertain. It was a place and a group of people that I could always return to, always count on. The futon was a place where I could break down and cry when I needed a place to feel safe, and productions were a regular welcome respite for my often tumultuous home life. Even while we were forced to work on issues from home, our regular meetings were safe spaces for me when I needed them most. And since then, I have enjoyed volumes more delicious mac and cheese thanks to late nights working during production.
Thank you, Index. You have done more for me than you will ever know.
Will Vu - Advertising/Business
I am a man of few words… something The Index is not used to. This will be my first and last article ever written for The Index. Maybe it’s for the best.
Ignorance is bliss until reality settles in. For most of my high school years, I merely tried to fit in. I put myself in as many clubs, sports, and classes as I could. putting myself out there I have met a family I would have otherwise never have met. And while I still struggle to discover myself, at least I have found a group of friends to struggle with me. What I have learned is that there is more to life than just getting by, for making the most out of high school is my proudest accomplishment. Just remember nothing ever lasts so cherish every moment for what it’s worth.
“Will Vu peaked in High School” … his famous last words
By Oshkosh West Index Senior Editors
Oshkosh West Index Volume 118 Issue VIII
Published May 23rd, 2022