Dear Tania,
Writing this letter to you is perhaps the first step of my processing that, after this issue, the Tattler Editorial Board will no longer be graced by your presence. I and many others on the board have looked up to you over the years because of your consistency, power, and dedication. You are truly the calm in the storm that is our Friday meetings, and I am grateful for the immense amount of love and care you put into every article, every editorial, and every interaction you have with fellow board members.
When I started writing for Literary last year, I was a nervous freshman working on finding my voice as a writer. You immediately made me feel welcome to the section and encouraged me to continue making my writing the best it could be. I took inspiration from you and your ability to infuse your writing style into all your work so that even separate pieces from widely contrasting genres feel connected to each other. You’ve helped dozens of other writers find their voice these past few years as a member of the Tattler Editorial Board, and I am confident that your kindness, enthusiasm, and work ethic will make you a role model wherever you go.
I will continue to look to you next year as an inspiration for who I want to be. You have made an incredible impact on The Tattler during your years on the board and I know that in your future endeavors, you will continue to be a leader to those around you. Whatever your journey, I sincerely hope that success follows you every step of the way.
-Zadie ’26
Dear Colby,
As much as I would have liked to avoid saying goodbye to you, I’m lucky that I have this opportunity to share my gratitude and give you the appreciation you deserve. There are so many things I would like to say, and now that I’m writing to you it’s hard to organize my thoughts, but here’s what I have in my head right now:
Firstly, the two years you’ve spent with the editorial board as our Webmaster are incredibly impressive! I can’t wrap my head around the amount of work you’ve put into the website over the past couple of years, not only uploading the latest issues but also reviving articles from previous years. It reminds me of some of our earliest conversations and bonding moments when we would complain about the pain of repetitive copy-and-pasting.
I’m not sure how or when it happened, but looking at us now, it’s clear that we are much closer than we were two years ago. Some of the credit needs to be given to our editorial revision sessions at our favorite lab table, but the rest goes to you for being such a great, sympathetic listener.
Thank you for looking out for me beyond our board meetings. It always brightened my day when you waved to me with such energy in the hallways. It felt like you had my back, and I could rely on you for any conversation, serious or lighthearted.
Every time I visit ihstattler.com, I know I’ll be reminded of you and all the times we’ve shared together. Thank you for creating unforgettable memories for me to cherish. I feel super lucky to have crossed paths with you and become your friend!
Love,
Claire ’25
Dear Ella,
As someone who has a hard time opening up to new people in different environments, it’s people like you whose presence can subtly and gently make others around them feel more comfortable. Whether it’s in a discussion about an editorial, feedback on the literary pieces I’ve submitted this year, or even a simple wave in the hallways, you always seem to put things in an encouraging and valuable light.
I really admire the way you curate your works in the literary section of The Tattler so they demonstrate your expertise in writing, along with the thoughtful and passionate care you take to craft them. The prompts you come up with each month are always interesting and help inspire other writers, myself included, to explore and build on our own literary style.
Your kindness and passion for The Tattler will be greatly missed, and your writing will continue to resonate and inspire me, along with so many others. I have no doubt that you will continue to motivate others in the work you pursue, and I wish you luck in whatever lies ahead!
-Mia ’26
Dear Aliza,
I can’t even tell you how much I’m going to miss you next year. You are one of the only people I know who is so open-minded and generous with their time—you’re literally game for anything, and you do things fully and thoughtfully. When I texted you out of the blue to accompany a guitar duet, on short notice and without any written music, you didn’t hesitate. Your accompaniment gave the piece sensitivity and depth, and it’s this kind of flexibility and care that makes you a person people can rely on.
I’ve been lucky enough to spend time with you in many different places and contexts, from our weekly editorial meetings, to playing music in your living room, to raking leaves and hanging out with goats for the Morocco Trip, and your energy and consistency are wonderful and eye-catching. You are serious and silly and kind and genuine, and I am so jealous of all the people who get to be around you next year. I already know you’re too good for them.
I hope you keep writing and making music, and I hope you find people just as compassionate and creative as you are! I wish you so much joy and fulfillment in everything you pursue.
Love,
Valentina ’25
Dear Mukund,
There are some people in this world who are more than impressive, who are pinnacles and monuments, reflections of what so many of us aspire to be. You are one of those people. Throughout my time on The Tattler Editorial Board, you have been a rock, consistent and dependable even under fire. I am impressed by so many things about you. Your ability to manage many different commitments and responsibilities is admirable—representative to the Board of Education, Science Olympiad President, Tattler Editor in Chief, and much more. You’ve juggled administrative positions, academic excellence, and athletics with aplomb. Your organization, passion for The Tattler, and work ethic have always made others around you happier and more productive. You have expertly toed the line between being friendly and disciplined. Under your leadership, The Tattler has continued its long tradition of excellence, with each member working as a cog in a much larger machine. I could not have imagined a better mechanic to oil and refine that machinery than you.
I would like to write out a few anecdotes in order to illustrate what was so great about your time as Editor in Chief. Changing the editorial calendar, creating the News Bites section, and responding quickly to community concerns: these innovations and traits made you exciting to work with. However, the truly amazing thing about your leadership is the effect you have on others. I remember a day in December when our Board was getting a little testy. Ideological disagreements over the path forward for an editorial were devolving into unproductive conversation. You waded right into the middle of the argument and loudly announced an end to the bickering. People listened. I’m not sure if you realize how incredible that is. If nearly any other person were to attempt to wrangle high schoolers to some standard of decent behavior, they almost certainly would have failed. The fact that mouths shut, ears opened, and eyes turned towards your face proves the immense respect that everyone on The Tattler has for you.
You leave our little paper to go on to bigger and perhaps better things. Cornell is receiving an exemplary student and a wonderful person to add to their roster. Although the college admissions process is notoriously ruthless, you have every reason to be happy with the outcome. You are heading up the hill to an Ivy League Institution, where you will receive a world-class education in your chosen field. On the subject of your future, let me say that you are a true Renaissance man. I am not sure I have ever met a high schooler so successful in so many disparate fields. You are one of the best leaders and writers The Tattler has ever seen, and yet will receive a degree in engineering. That diversity of interests and skills is something that I hope to one day replicate in my own life.
I know that this goodbye message has been longer than normal, but I think that matches your importance to The Tattler. You kept your steady finger on our newspaper’s pulse, and because of that, its heart continues to beat. You inspire those of us who remain, and even when no one who knew you during your tenure is at IHS anymore, your importance will not have faded. The people you have impacted will become better leaders and human beings by your example. I certainly am one of those people, and I cannot tell you what a gift it has been to know you, to work with you, and to have the immense honor of saying goodbye.
Best,
Caedmon Sethupathy ’25