Thank you to all of our editors, reporters, and, most importantly, our readers for making this year of The Arcade possible. We loved sharing the stories that shaped our campus, and we can’t wait to see what comes next. Remember, you can always be a part of our team—join Journalism next school year and help keep student voices heard.
Andrea Gonzalez, Editor-in-Chief:
Being a part of The Arcade has been one of my favorite experiences at North Hollywood High School. Starting as a sports reporter during my sophomore year, I learned so much—not only about journalism, but also about myself and the community I had just transferred into. From a quiet reporter to sports editor and now Editor-in-Chief, I could not be more grateful for everything this publication has given me.
Through The Arcade, I have met countless people, gained new perspectives, and grown in confidence in ways I never imagined. I am especially thankful to Mr. Gough for believing in me every step of the way and trusting me with an editor position for the past two years.
While this publication brought some of the most stressful moments of my high school career, it also brought some of the most rewarding. I will always cherish The Arcade for the opportunities, lessons, and memories it has given me. Thank you to all of the reporters who allowed me to teach and guide them, and to my fellow editors who worked alongside me throughout this journey.
As I prepare to graduate, I leave The Arcade with immense gratitude and pride. This publication has shaped me into a stronger leader, writer, and person, and I know its future is in good hands. Thank you for everything.
Alyssa Angel, Deputy Editor:
I am so grateful to say that I have been a part of The Arcade. This has been a crazy year but one consistent joy I have had is Journalism. I started off in freshman year as a reporter and joined back my senior year to be an editor. This was one of the best decisions I ever made. I was able to nurture my passion for writing and now as an editor I was able to help mentor our reporters. It was a pleasure working directly with our reporters and building friendships with them along the way.
Not only did journalism help me expand my writing skills but it taught me how to get out of my comfort zone, to organize, and most of all share my love for journalism with others. While putting out editions was demanding at times it was always such a joy to see them published. I had an amazing time working with the other editors alongside me. And of course our phenomenal teacher, Mr. Gough. I believe our year has been monumental for The Arcade and I wish only the best for the next editors in line!
Amy Alaniz, Photo Editor:
It has been such a pleasure serving as The Arcade’s Photo Editor this year. I joined the team a few weeks into the first semester, unsure of what to expect. From day one, however, I was welcomed with open arms and became part of a community that quickly felt like family.
Throughout the year, I learned so much about journalism and what it takes to be part of a publication team: dedication, commitment, and the importance of supporting one another. These lessons have stayed with me both inside and outside of journalism.
Being part of this team gave me countless opportunities. I made meaningful connections, attended special events, won my first competition, and formed friendships that I know will last long after high school.
I’ll always remember the late nights spent editing photos, meeting deadlines, and putting together each publication. Those moments were challenging at times, but they are some of the memories I will cherish most.
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have been part of The Arcade. As I move on, I look forward to watching the publication continue to grow and succeed. I know it is in great hands, and I am so proud of everyone stepping up to lead next year. My time here has been an unforgettable journey, and one that I will always treasure.
Esmeralda Herrera, Deputy Editor:
Being in journalism for the last two years is something I will forever be grateful for. Not only has it pushed me out of my comfort zone but created a sense of community and confidence in myself, one that I wouldn’t have otherwise. I’ve gotten the chance to meet people I might never have if it wasn’t for this class. From being a reporter to being an editor the steps along the way have been something unforgettable. I’ve had the privilege of writing news for the last two years and throughout that time I have become not only more educated about the news happening around me but also allowed to educate the ones who cared to know. Picking journalism as my elective is a choice I will never reject as it’s only continued to grow my love for writing and gave me the chance to meet my best friend Lily the amazing sports editor.
As a final note before I graduate and leave to explore the world, I want to thank everyone, from Mr Gough our amazing mentor, to the arcade editor board, to even the reporters. Thank you to the reports for being so welcoming, inviting, and for making this such an enjoyable experience. Thank you to my fellow editors for consistently making me laugh and making this year so unforgettable, from publishing multiple ground breaking articles to reaching a big milestone.
Lastly but definitely not least, thank you to Mr Gough. Thank you for making journalism something so special for not only me but everyone else who has ever been in this class. Having you for not only journalism but also lit has been such a blessing in disguise. You’ve made such an impact in my life and I will forever be grateful for you. To the following editors and reporters never take gough for granted you’re lucky you gave such an amazing teacher and mentor.
Analilia Coria, Sports Editor:
Being a part of Journalism was such an amazing decision. I love writing and Journalism lit that spark more and more by the editions. As a student athlete (especially a female athlete) I loved writing about sports. From watching the intense games to interviewing the players. Covering sports, especially female sports was very important to me.
These last two years, female sports have been dominating at North Hollywood high school. Covering sports brought me so many opportunities and new chances to learn more about different sports from a first hand perspective. My favorite sports to cover were basketball and tennis. Thank you for all the athletes who I interviewed and made their voice heard. Thank you to Mr. Gough for believing in my writing abilities. Thank you to the NHHS sports fans who read my articles. Sports Editor, Analilia signing out!
Allisson Mendez, Staff Training/Social Media Editor:
The apprentice that I gained by joining this class as a junior, was both unexpected and something that I am grateful for. Choosing journalism as my elective was a capricious choice that I won’t ever regret. It first started as something that I was curious about, exploring diverse career options. To find a purpose after high school, something that I was seeking for throughout high school but instantly found it. I am deeply appreciative of everything that this class has taught me throughout these two years that I have been a part of.
Being granted and trusted of this position will always be a highlight of my senior year and I am delighted to have this as a memory that I will look back on, being the beginning and discovery of something greater. A large percentage being how welcoming and cordial the rest of the editor board were throughout our shared journey. I will forever be beholden to this class helping me grow as a person who is now able to accept constructive criticism along other vital qualities that I acquired. I am truly appreciative of being a part of this exceptional editorial board and to Mr. Gough for teaching us everything that we know now while being an amazing teacher.
Elizabeth Brekhman, Staff Editor:
Deciding to rejoin journalism in my final year of High School became one of those moments where I knew I made the right decision. Back in freshman year when I randomly chose this class to fill in my elective space, I wouldn’t have thought this would be the one of the highlights of my year.
