The Teen Scene has been a wonderful opportunity; it has allowed us to spread our writing wings and practice, to really get a feel for how journalism works. Not only did we get paid to write stories, but we also wrote passion projects, and got hands-on teaching from mentors and peers.

I started writing for the Teen Scene last December, after Mr. Decker noticed my work amongst all of the other Voice of Democracy scholarship entries. I had won second place at the State level and he was impressed– enough so that he gave me a dream– the chance to write for this publication. Many others have similar stories– standing out amongst their schools, or joining a class that partnered with the Teen Scene– and they would tell you all of the same things I am going to.

I am so grateful for the learning experiences Teen Scene has provided me. If you ask Mr. Decker, one of my biggest presentational weaknesses is my public speaking. I tend to mumble, or speak really fast– and though I’m still not perfect, Teen Scene has provided opportunities such as interviews, Toastmasters, and verbal practice that I would never have had otherwise. One such instance was when we prepared our “Writer Introductions” for an awards banquet– we wrote them out, then practiced at many meetings to perfect them. The teasing I (rightfully) got! These experiences have helped me develop my public speaking, and helped me to realise that, despite the challenge it provides to me, public speaking is one of my favorite aspects of journalism.

To say I’m grateful– to say we’re grateful– is an understatement. Teen Scene gave many of us the chance to dip our toes into a field that sparked our interests. And what a chance it was! Though the Teen Scene may be closing down, it has been a wonderful time for so many of us, and we’ll never forget it.

So thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to those who made it possible.

We appreciate you.

We appreciate all you’ve done for us.

And with that, I say goodbye, Teen Scene. We’ll miss you.