XPress’s senior reflections

Charley Fisher, Editor-in-chief and Best of SNO award-winning writer ♦ May 5, 2025

On August 14, XPress seniors pose for the camera wearing their senior sweatshirts. On this day, they took their photos for staff profiles.

Senior Reflections

Charley Fisher, Editor-in-chief

Starting off as a staff writer in my sophomore year of high school, I would have never believed it if someone told my younger self that I would have the honor of serving as Editor-in-Chief of XPress for the 2024–2025 school year. Working my way through different sections—first as the Connect Editor, then as the News Editor, and finally as Editor-in-Chief—allowed me to discover my lifelong passion for finding the deeper story within the world around me. Being able to write articles on a vast array of topics has been an incredible honor. With every word in every article I wrote, I poured my heart into telling a story that honored the truth as fully and faithfully as I could.

I would like to thank the staff writers. I am beyond proud of you. It was always exciting to read your first articles, and I hope you continue to pursue journalism. I would also like to thank the editorial staff. Thank you for always replying to my late-night emails asking for photos and for being so open to the ideas I had for the paper. Your openness made your sections truly special for XPress.

I would especially like to thank Vivian Amoia, my constant through every deadline. Thank you for always being able to put our ideas into words and for helping to execute our visions for the paper. Thank you for always believing in us, which led us to accomplish feats I could not have even imagined.

Lastly, I would like to thank my adviser and mentor, Mr. Mos. Thank you for supporting me through every single step of my journey with XPress. Thank you for believing in my ideas for the paper and giving me the opportunity to release them into the world. You believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself.

To the future editorial editors and staff: Never hold back. If you have a pitch for a story, say it. You have seen how a single pitch can turn into a long discussion and eventually into a story. The newsroom is a safe space where no one judges.

To the future Editor-in-Chief, Ellery Kerrigan: I know you are going to do amazing things for XPress. Guide the staff writers to accomplish personal feats of their own, and remember that the staff is always there to support you. I am so proud of you, and I am excited to see what you will do for the paper next year.

To the women graduating who will be shaping our future—well-done. We did incredible work this year. As a team, we accomplished more than I could have ever imagined. The friendships we have created in this newsroom will last a lifetime. I am beyond excited for this next chapter in our lives.

And to XPress: Thank you for everything.

Charley Fisher

Editor-in-chief

Vivian Amoia, Managing Editor

It has been an absolute honor to serve as the Managing Editor for XPress over the past year. Not only have I learned so much about the position and multimedia in journalism itself, but about the people in my community and on the XPress staff. It is hard for me to consider XPress as just an experience because it is so much more than that to me. Being on the staff the past three years has allowed me to develop my passion for journalism, improve my writing, editing, and videoing skills, and most importantly, it has given me a family right here in Mr. Mos’s classroom, FH 210. I am surrounded by like-minded, talented, and creative young women. To the future XPress staff, continue to use your creativity and serve as the main source of information for the student body and community. I know you will do an amazing job! To the future Managing Editor, whoever it may be, remember to use your time wisely and follow the guidelines, but let your skills and passion shine through in the work that you create. To the current XPress staff, thank you for learning and growing with me, and always encouraging me to do my best. To Charley, it has been a pleasure to work by your side over the past three years. You are truly such an inspiration to me and I am so lucky to call you a fellow lead editor and one of my best friends. Lastly, to Mr. Mos, thank you for everything you’ve done for the staff, fostering our passions and letting us as students choose the content we produce, opening new windows for us and offering advice when we need help, and ultimately creating a fun environment in your classroom. You are a teacher and leader that we will never forget. No matter how much time goes by, I will never forget XPress and all the things we’ve accomplished and memories we’ve created together.

Vivian Amoia

Managing Editor

Olivia Garcia, News Editor

“Hasta el Futuro”: Thank you XPress

All I have left to offer is my gratitude. Thank you XPress for making me certain that this is what I want to continue doing for the rest of my life. I’ve learned that being a journalist involves always listening for new stories- that happen to be right along every corner-, telling the truth, and most importantly telling stories.

I started as a club photographer my freshman year. I remember walking into the Journalism classroom and felt something change within me. I could see myself continuing to do this for the rest of my four years, and so, I did.

As the next few years progressed, I became a staff writer, Connect Editor, and now News Editor. With this title I learned that journalism is storytelling. While writing one of my favorite articles, about overcoming loss, it was the first story that made me think, “This is something I want to do for the rest of my life.” While covering this article, I got to share the story of my Hispanic community while also honoring someone who was beloved by the Xavier community. It was the first story that taught me how to craft questions for a delicate subject while also allowing me to speak about traditions within my Hispanic community which is something that I own with pride.

Another thing I hold with pride is the fact that Mr. Mos will have been my greatest mentor. He has taught me the true means of journalism. Through what felt like the endless lessons of boot camp, corrections for my first article, and explanations to the class for the different abbreviations used for corrections in journalism, I never realized this was making me a better journalist overall. XPress will always be in my heart. I will carry it with me to Boston and the next stop after that.

To those who want to continue journalism or feel like they have wanted to try it, please do. It’s a rewarding road. As for the News Editor next year, Faith Gwati, I advise you to take risks and fight for stories. Don’t become too frustrated when writing a two-day turnaround and always remember to count on your XPress family. To those who want to continue journalism or feel like they have wanted to try it, please do. It’s a rewarding road. It teaches you life lessons and gives you a chance to connect with people you never would have thought you could one day call family. It gives you a lot of precious memories, people, and stories. It’s been an honor serving as your News Editor and now, she’s signing off.

Chloe Beery, Arts & Entertainment Editor

For the past two years I have had the honor of serving as the XPress Arts and Entertainment editor, and before that, as a staff writer. In this class I found my voice, my passion, and my people. I can confidently say that this class has been the best part of my Xavier experience and though I am sad to say goodbye I am eager to see how the future editors will continue to shape and elevate this paper.

In three short years this class has given me so much: leadership skills I’ll carry with me in the next chapter of my life, a passion for writing and storytelling, and most importantly long-lasting connections that I hold close to my heart. Of course, none of this would have been possible without our adviser, Mr. Mos. His unwavering support, encouragement, and belief in each of us have left an indelible mark, not just on our writing, but on who we are as people. I will forever be grateful for our biggest cheerleader.

I will cherish the memories made in the newsroom: our lively debates, conversations, story pitches, and laughter. This place has provided me with an environment to learn and grow in my skills as a writer that is unlike any other. As I journey into the next chapter of my life I am excited to use the knowledge and confidence that this experience has given me while continuing to uplift my fellow writers in any way I can. I know we will all go far.

Good journalism and good fun!

Ellie Hilsabeck, Sports Editor

Dear XPress,

I have had the most incredible two years on the XPress staff and am so thankful for this opportunity. While I originally joined XPress to work on my writing and participate in a Xavier activity, I really feel the time spent in the journalism room has formed me into a truth-seeker and involved me in our community in ways I never expected. Thank you for the home you have provided me during these past two years. I will forever treasure having a room to walk into and say whatever is on my mind. I never felt silenced while within the walls of the journalism room, and we know I was never silent. During each article I cherished the interviews, photography, and the growing abundance of questions which I was able to share with you all. This experience was so much more than trying to win SNO awards- it was doing a small portion of the work so we all could create something exceptional for our community. I have learned an immense amount from my fellow staff members and cannot wait to see where everyone’s next journey takes them. I hope the future XPress staff continues the beautiful legacy built by us all and never stops looking for the truth. During these past two years I am beyond grateful for the good journalism and great fun.

Sincerely, Eleanor Hilsabeck, Sports Editor

Ryan Young, Faith in Action Editor

Hi, my name is Ryan Young and I have been writing for the XPress since my sophomore year. Over the past couple of years, my favorite article would have to be my most recent article. “OOTD as a Xavier Priest.” This piece is my favorite because it was a foreign topic for me and by writing it, I became better educated. Taking the class and being a part of the club has allowed me to have a creative outlet that I never knew I needed. It helped educate and encourage my passion for news and investigating as I built connections with new people who had the same interests as I did. One piece of advice I would give to incoming staff is to stay on top of your deadlines and create a framework for how you write your articles. By doing this, it makes the writing process easier and more efficient. I will miss the XPress!

Jane Burkhardt, Connect Editor

Joining the XPress my sophomore year was one of the best decisions I have made at Xavier. Beginning as a staff writer and later stepping up to the Connect Editor position has allowed me to fully dedicate myself to this class. The endless encouragement I have received from teachers and classmates during my time on staff have greatly contributed to the person I am today. I will cherish the incredible lifelong friendships I have made along the way.

Thank you, Mr. Mos, for your encouragement throughout my time at Xavier. These past four years in your classes have taught me time management, discipline, and leadership skills. Without your recommendation to take journalism, I’m not sure I would have fallen in love with storytelling.

To next year's staff and editors: step out of your comfort zones and you may discover new things you are passionate about. Writing in a section you aren’t the most familiar with will allow you to look beyond the Xavier community for unique story ideas. Most importantly, appreciate the time you spend with this tight-knit group because it’s truly unique.

Thank you for an amazing three years!

Savannah Landrum Taylor, Social Media Editor

My name is Savannah Landrum Taylor and I have been a member of the XPress newspaper at Xavier since my sophomore year. Growing up, it was definitely a struggle to pick a career path because I was interested in so much. However, as a child it was very common for me to know what was going on in the world and share that information with my family. I was always learning fun facts and always carried a journal with me wherever I was. My mom suggested somewhere around 4th-6th grade that I look into journalism, since English and history had always been the 2 subjects in which I excelled the most. After giving a big speech in front of over 1000 people when I was 11 years old, it became clear that my public speaking and writing skills were perfect for the journalism field. From the first moment I learned what journalism was, I knew that would be my future career. Through my 3 years of being on the XPress staff, I not only have grown to love writing articles but I was able to become the social media editor my senior year, and that really confirmed what aspects of journalism I want to use in college and in the future. My favorite article that I've written during my time here was "Xavier flag football breaks boundaries, celebrates victories." My advice to future staff members is to learn as much as you can. Never stop asking questions, and never break your curiosity. Journalism is all about sharing your new ideas, and sharing information to the communities around you in a truthful way. Always come into class with an open-mind, and you will love every second of it. Be sure to take leadership roles and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way- it will pay off soon!

Maggie Mostoller, Staff Writer

My favorite article that I have written for XPress is “Through precision and perfection Hotshots thrive.” It was interesting to learn about Hotshots and it was my first article for which I won a Best of SNO. I enrolled in the class in my junior year because I wanted to have my dad as a teacher, and I also enjoyed writing. Being a part of the XPress newspaper has been a memorable and positive experience because of the people in the class and the fun atmosphere. My advice for the incoming staff is to contact people for interviews as soon as articles are assigned to avoid stress and to avoid trying to get quotes at the last minute. Also, choose articles that you are interested in, because it will make the writing process easier.

CeCe Mlat, Staff Writer

I was always afraid of the XPress girls. They seemed so mature, so smart. I felt like I would never be that, nor did I even want to try. Sophomore year when it was time to turn in our schedules I missed the deadline, so the only other class left was Journalism. I wasn't confident at all. Even though as a kid I would write books for fun, I knew articles were way more advanced than that. It was like every dream that I had as a kid completely vanished when I was first assigned an article. I listened to Mr. Mos and my peers for guidance the entire time. I almost jumped out of my skin when Mr. Mostoller said I did a great job. At that moment I wanted to laugh at myself for stressing the entire time. Although writing is fun, it can be hard at times especially when you’re already stressing about assignments. I would tell anyone who's interested in writing to do it, and have fun with it. Laugh in your interviews, engage in class, write comments on other articles, ask questions. You never know, this might just be your passion. My favorite articles I’ve written for XPress would have to be “Rower rows to greatness!” and “Gators bring Broadway to life.”