Eliza Krackeler, Editor-in-Chief
Eliza is a senior and Editor-in-Chief of The Lightning Rod. She is excited for the SSHS community to “read all about it” in the paper’s editions. Before joining the school newspaper, she could be found writing short stories on her typewriter. She has been on the The Rod since 2020, and has always enjoyed writing book reviews and covering local issues (although she writes these on a laptop). In her free time, you can catch her searching words on Etymonline, practicing fencing, and listening to Jack Harlow.
Darren is a junior and managing editor for the Lightning Rod. He joined in January of 2023 and writes mostly opinion pieces. When he isn’t writing, he can be seen analyzing his favorite songs, spanning a wide variety of genres from trap to jazz fusion. He hates sleeves, unless they are extremely long. The most important thing to Darren is making sure that there are oranges and pineapple juice in stock in his kitchen.
Olivia Tuck, Head Photographer
Olivia is a senior and Head Photographer for The Lightning Rod. She joined The Rod in the fall of 2022 through the persuasion of Eliza, the Editor-in-Chief. Liv has been consistently behind the camera since quarantine (2020), where she found solace in documenting everyday life and nature. During free time, she enjoys jazz-folk music, mindless doodling, and spending time with her cat, Pete. Liv received her first camera at age 12, a Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 in Ice Blue.
Aditi is a senior and Treasurer of The Lightning Rod. She has been a member of the newspaper since 2020, and writes a variety of content. She especially enjoys writing book reviews. Aditi has written for other organizations as well, like HBIC HQ and Neuroelevate. Aditi also loves to draw and paint, specifically flowers.
Olivia Clemmensen, Graphics Editor
Olivia is a sophomore and Graphics Editor on The Lightning Rod. She has been writing for The Rod since she set foot in the High School and has written many articles including those about upstate NY and student government. She is extremely excited to continue writing. In her free time, Olivia dances ballet at Saratoga City Ballet, reads, runs, has fun with friends and family, and enjoys making art while listening to great music.
Our Staff Writers
Francisca Schmalz, Staff Writer
Francisca is a senior and has been writing for The Lightning Rod since her junior year. She writes opinion pieces and covers school related activities. She enjoys stalking The New York Times to keep up with current events and is a pop-culture aficionado.