June 8, 2026 by Olivia Clemmensen (‘26)
As my last ever message for The Lightning Rod, Saratoga Springs High School’s student-run newspaper, I could do a final “Global News Update” or finish how I started my freshman year with a “Guide to Summer in Upstate N.Y.” piece. However, I want to close with something a bit more sentimental than that. Shocker, right? Olivia being sentimental is a crazy thought.
For context, I have been a staff writer for The Rod for four years, an officer for three, Editor-in-Chief of the club for two and have written for almost every edition since I started with this paper. I have seen and worked with so many different students throughout my years with the club and have learned so much about myself not only as a writer but also as a student, person, and leader. Every one of our writers has inspired me in my own work and has contributed so much to our paper. It is pretty safe to say I have cared a lot about this club; but most of all, I have cared so much for the purpose of this club. The purpose and mission of providing a place for students to find and share their voices with Saratoga Springs High School through writing and journalism.
I have loved watching our writers grow every year in finding their interests, confidence, and groove as the years go by. The Rod has seen so many talented people come through the club, all with a unique style and contribution to our bi-weekly editions. We have had satire writers, sports reporters, photographers, astrologists, comic makers, book and movie reviewers, art analyses, music critics, news reporters, lifestyle writers, fashion fanatics and so much more; each giving the paper a bit of themselves with every article they write.
I hope that the club will continue to be as prolific as it is now, as well as continuing to grow as the years pass. I hope that more SSHS students will be inspired to write for The Lightning Rod and want to share their voice on our platform. I hope that our writers continue to work hard and work together to maintain and improve the club, and I hope that the love for experimenting and sharing your interests never dies in our staff, but also in our school. It may sound corny, but the team of people who have worked on The Lighting Rod this year is so special and talented; and I hope that the club will continue to be as important to its new writers as it was to me and my experience at Saratoga Springs High School.