Ace Dufresne ’26, Former News Editor
Ace Dufresne served as The Tattler’s news editor for two years and, before that, as a distribution manager for one.
Over the summer, Dufresne was an intern for the Village at Ithaca, a youth-centered nonprofit that strives to address systemic injustices. There, he collected data about out-of-school suspensions in local school districts, including ICSD. Dufresne also spent his summer working in the box office at the Hangar Theater, where he had the opportunity to watch a number of productions.
Dufresne has since relocated to New Haven, Connecticut, where he is starting his first year at Yale University. At Yale, he has spent his time between classes volunteering at local public schools, organizing against AI surveillance cameras, and ballroom dancing.
Dufresne reflects on his time on the Editorial Board with great fondness: “I’m so grateful for my time on The Tattler: the friends I made, the passions I discovered, and the skills I use every day. Miss y’all!”
Mia Cho ’26, Former Opinion Editor
Mia Cho served on the Tattler first as the archivist, then the backpage editor, and finally the opinion editor.
Cho is currently a freshman at the University at Buffalo. She explains that “there’s no single word or description I could use to describe my time [in college] so far. Every day is different from the next, and I can definitely feel the shift from high school to college, mentally, socially, and emotionally.” Cho emphasizes how “being present” with the new experience has played an important role in helping her adjust to the new environment.
Reflecting on her time in high school, Cho further emphasizes the importance of “being present”: “[It is] very easy to get caught up with the future in high school, but, at the end of the day, are you going to remember the hours you spent on fifteen pages of problem sets, or a fun night with friends? Do you really need to be working on your English essay right now when you could use the time to have a nice meal with your family? Act with intention, and remember to be present with those close to you.”
She also assures that “everything will work out”: “Remember that, regardless of what happens in the future, you will end up where you are meant to be no matter the location, university, or occupation.”
Lily Wang ’26, Former Features Editor
Lily Wang started on the board as a layout editor, eventually editing for the sports and then the features section.
Wang spent her summer around Ithaca. She explains that “it was nice to appreciate Ithaca from a more relaxed perspective compared to now.” Wang is now studying at Cornell University, which she describes as having been “a lot of work but still lots of fun.” She currently intends to study chemical engineering, but explains that she’s “not too set” and open to exploring new opportunities.
Wang reflects her time on The Tattler as an eye opening one: “I learned to look at things from different perspectives and think more critically about things that seem small to me but might not be to others.” She encourages people to “only do things you’re interested in, because you’ll always gain more from something you think is fun than anything else.”
Kate Thomas ’26, Former Sports Editor
Kate Thomas started on The Tattler as a distribution manager, later becoming the sports editor.
Thomas, who served as a captain for the Ithaca Girls Varsity Lacrosse team, tore her anterior cruciate ligament during a game in the spring. She spent her summer recovering from reconstruction surgery.
Thomas is now in Notre Dame, Indiana, starting her freshman year at the University of Notre Dame where she intends to study neuroscience. Thomas cited school spirit as a major factor in her decision to attend the university and has since been cheering on the Fighting Irish at their home games.
Thomas intends to continue her career in journalism by writing for Notre Dame’s student-run newspaper, The Observer. She cites her time on the Tattler Editorial Board as teaching her how to “politely disagree and write collaboratively,” encouraging students to “join now” because “being good at writing is swag.”
Josh Yoon ’26, Former Photography Editor
Josh Yoon started on The Tattler last year as the photography editor, having previously won awards for his photography in the Tattler Literary Issue.
Yoon spent his summer in South Korea, visiting historical landmarks and blueberry picking regularly. He reflects on the time as “a relaxing few months.”
After returning to Ithaca, Yoon started his freshman year at Cornell University. He explains that staying close to home meant that the “move-in process wasn’t that big of a deal.”
While he is studying engineering, Yoon cites his favorite class as being his first-year writing seminar, “Marx, Nietzsche, and Freud”, in which he discusses the works by the three authors. He explains that, in the class, he is “applying the argumentative writing skills [he] developed [writing for] The Tattler.”
Yoon encourages students to “be true to yourself. Don’t let others suppress your interests,” wishing everyone to “have a good school year!”
Coco Hamilton ’26, Former Archivist
Coco Hamilton worked for The Tattler as a distribution manager, the social media manager, and the archivist.
Hamilton, who was a co-captain of the Mock Trial Team, spent her summer working as a student aide for the New York State Unified Court System at the Ithaca City Court. She explains that, following her internship she “immediately spent my entire paycheck on a trip to Ireland.”
She is now starting her freshman year at the University of California, Santa Barbara where she intends to study the History of Policy, Law, and Governance.
Hamilton explains that serving on the Tattler Editorial Board “taught me a lot about responsibility,” using the skills she learned on her time on the board for an upcoming year-long journalism class.
In terms of advice, Hamilton urges students to “stay away from AI,” even for editing or idea generation, explaining that “the most beautiful aspects of writing are lost when artificial intelligence is used.”
Vivian Jiang ’26, Former Layout Editor
Vivian Jiang joined the Tattler Editorial Board last year as a layout editor.
Jiang spent her summer traveling around Asia with her friends. Together, they went to Japan, Korea, and China.
Jiang is staying close to home to study Biomedical Engineering at Cornell University. She explains that her first few weeks of college have been “eye openers, especially to the workload and need for accountability.” Jiang explains that her The Tattler greatly prepared her for the demands of college: “Being on layout helped my time management which matters a lot in college.”
Her advice to students is to “say yes to any opportunity that even slightly interests you, whether it be writing for The Tattler, joining the board, or joining a club. […] Being more open to opportunities has enabled me to meet so many new people and opened doors that help my future.” She encourages everyone to “do whatever you want because you never know what could come from it!”
Zadie Wang ’26, Former Editor-in-Chief
Zadie Wang started on The Tattler as the business manager, then becoming the literary editor before being selected as the editor-in-chief by the board.
Wang spent her summer exploring Canada, traveling to Quebec with her family and taking a trip to Halifax with her friends. She has now settled in Vancouver at the University of British Columbia where she is planning to study Commerce.
Wang explains that “Coming to university has reminded me how much The Tattler has taught me. From my four years involved with The Tattler, I learned to manage deadlines, work with a team, accept and implement feedback, and mentor others. Most importantly, I learned to appreciate that The Tattler, like many things, is the product of so many people’s voices, skills, and dedication,” emphasizing that “It’s important to recognize and commend everyone who is a part of that process.”
Wang encourages students to “contribute in a way that interests you!” She explains that “other publications may assign you a story or a beat, but The Tattler offers you the unique opportunity to bounce from section to section, contribute art, take photos, or pitch your own article idea. Your voice and your contributions are what make The Tattler so special!”
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