It has become a tradition at the Falcon Press for me to recognize our departing seniors every May. And every year, it becomes more difficult. This year, however, is harder than any before.

If I’m being honest, I’ve put off this article for some time now. Normally, I have a first draft fully written by mid-April, ready to refine and polish over time. 

At the time of this writing, it’s early May, and I had to force myself to even open a document.

Part of me knows that writing these words will solidify the most significant departures we’ve had since bringing back the official school newspaper of Fitch High School. 

To say that the Falcon Press would not exist without Millie DeBell and Avery Horan would be the most egregious of understatements. It’s not hyperbole. It’s a fact. The same could be said for the Fitch Debate Team, which I coach. Since their sophomore year, these two students have helped create the nucleus and culture for both extracurriculars. While watching them prepare to pursue their passions is wonderful, losing two students of this caliber is a tough pill to swallow.

When I first met them both in their freshman year, Millie in my Freshman Academic Seminar class, and Avery in Journalism, both already had a strong interest in the news. Millie had her eyes set on being a reporter, and Avery had aspirations of working in sports broadcasting. As time went on, they became as regular a fixture in my classroom as the books I teach, pulling together people to get involved in the newspaper and debate, respectively. They brought fresh ideas, dedication, and an energy that was infectious as they brought other students along for the ride, resulting in both organizations going from “start-up” to “institution.” 

Their story ideas set the tone for what we could come to embrace with our reporting: breaking news on major events, comprehensive sports stories, and thoughtful looks at the Groton community. 

The goal was simple: inform the public and be professional. 

By their junior years, both were published in The Day, collaborating on a story about our gymnasium and baseball field being renamed for renowned coaches Mike Ellis and Ed Harvey. When I found out the article had been published in that morning’s edition, I rushed to the nearest gas station to buy about a dozen copies. When I returned, I heard they had stopped by my room to share the exciting news. The enthusiasm they exhibited as they flipped through the pages of their story on the front page of the sports section was palpable. That’s what made our meetings fun.

As time progressed, both students took on formal titles. At the Falcon Press, Millie assumed the role of editor-in-chief after her time at the Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference in Washington, D.C. and The New York Times Summer Academy last summer. Avery became social media editor and co-captain of the debate team. All of this while managing other responsibilities with student council, National Honor Society, dance, sports, and their course load.

A few years back, I put both Millie and Avery in touch with a former student of mine named Molly Jacob. Molly was a journalism student at my last school who had aspirations of becoming a sports broadcast journalist. After a freelance stint at NBC Sports that earned her a Daytime Emmy for coverage of the 2024 Summer Olympics, she went on to become a reporter for the YES Network. 

Molly was gracious enough to take the time to speak to both Millie and Avery individually and give them advice about the profession they wanted to enter. This chain of alumni mentoring students is something I hope they take with them after they depart Groton. They have so much wisdom already that by the time their next four years of education are over, their knowledge of their craft will be worth more than anything I can teach in my classroom, and many would benefit from their insights. 

Next year, Millie will be attending Syracuse University, double-majoring in journalism and political science, while Avery will be attending UConn and majoring in journalism. 

To both: Please know that my gratitude as your teacher, adviser, and coach is boundless. You’ve opened the door for dozens of students at Fitch to explore these opportunities, and you’ve given me the best reasons possible to stay late on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

I’m excited to read your names in bylines and chyrons one day. Please don’t forget us.

Good luck, and fly high as you leave the Nest.