As the school year comes to a close, The Edition staff bids a bittersweet farewell to their Faculty Advisor, Ms. Helga Vutz. For the past eight years, Ms. Vutz has been a crucial part of The Edition by offering her guidance, expertise, and encouragement to help the newspaper flourish.
Ms. Vutz’s journey with The Edition began as a result of her appreciation for the concept of a student-run program that would give student journalists the opportunity to collaborate and work on their terms. Since then, she has upheld the principles of collaboration and student autonomy by working closely with the student leaders and encouraging them to pursue their ideas.
Joseph Richards ’23, Co-Editor-in-Chief for The Edition, expressed his appreciation for Ms. Vutz’s supportive nature and flexibility, saying, “When publishing the 2023 winter print, the Editors-in-Chief wanted to try a new layout style; Ms. Vutz was overjoyed to hear the suggestion—even though it was much different from years past—and was willing to help in any way possible.”
Angie Wang ’24, another Editor-in-Chief, expressed a similar appreciation for Ms. Vutz’s care and support toward the students. “Working with her this year as an EIC has been a great learning experience for me— she’s been really supportive of any new initiatives we wanted to implement like having a back-to-school print or even starting podcasts, so I’m grateful for the trust she’s had in us,” says Wang.
During the difficult times of the pandemic, Ms. Vutz played a crucial role in preserving The Edition’s positive mentality. “I cherish how The Edition became an outlet for community connection during the pandemic, and how the staff in those years were poised to keep producing under fluctuating circumstances,” Ms. Vutz shares. Her unwavering support and encouragement helped the staff to stay motivated and focused, even when faced with unprecedented challenges.
Another way that Ms. Vutz contributed to the growth of The Edition was through her emphasis on building on the legacy of the publication. Even as student leaders changed, she has ensured that oncoming leaders and writers understood the school norms and community expectations. She has also encouraged leaders to teach themselves and other members of the club through training sessions and article revision suggestions, with each year building on the legacy of the previous.
After eight years of dedicated service, Ms. Vutz believes that she has provided The Edition with everything she possibly could to foster its growth. This decision reflects her deep understanding of the importance of fresh perspectives and the evolving needs of the staff. While her departure will undoubtedly be felt, her legacy will live on through the publication and the countless students she has influenced. Her unwavering commitment, guidance, and belief in the student’s potential have left an unforgettable mark on The Edition, and the publication owes its current success and vibrant spirit to her tireless efforts.