School Buzz 2024-2025

This fall marks the 11th year of School Buzz. We’re proud of how this program has grown over the years, and how it enables high school students to practice journalism skills while connecting to the broader community. Each year, our student reporters write about their schools and share their perspectives with Buzz readers. 

Technology, in many ways, has created a lonely world for today’s teenagers. Paradoxically, constant connection makes it harder to build the community that comes from face-to-face interaction. It’s a point of pride to us that many School Buzz reporters tell us how this program has brought them into groups and events they never would have otherwise encountered. These students want to meet new people, to stray outside their comfort zone – School Buzz provides that opportunity. 

It can be easy to believe that you don’t need to be a good writer anymore to succeed; that AI can write anything for you; that journalism is dead. But the drive to express oneself in writing hasn’t faded in the least. 

Out of a large pool of exceptionally talented applicants to the 2024-25 School Buzz program, we chose 38 students, from 19 local high schools. Read on to see how they began their journeys with writing, in their own words.

Sophie Lighvani, The Kinkaid School

I've lived in Houston my entire life, and for as long as I can remember, the white blocky Buzz headline has caught my eye every month. I remember my childlike wonder when I thought of how there were over two million people in our city – far too many for my mind to comprehend. And somehow everything I saw happening around me was perfectly summed up in a neat package on my doorstep, combined with so many other things happening in the area that I didn't know about before. I've been drawn to writing and journalism ever since The Buzz ran an article on my local children's community theater troupe. I eagerly pointed out pictures of my fellow classmates to my parents, knowing that I wanted that to be me someday – not the person in the article, but the person writing it.

Gray Hevle, Memorial High School

Growing up, I always knew exactly what I wanted to say. The sentences naturally constructed themselves in my mind. Words always came easily to me, but speaking them never did. I’m not sure what it was exactly that I feared, but I often forced myself to bite my tongue around others, keeping my thoughts close to my chest. Yet, I always wanted to share my feelings, opinions, and words. Writing became the perfect outlet for me. I filled page after page with my ideas. It felt so much more natural; while my mouth fumbled with syllables, my pen smoothly inked out every letter. My writing captured the thoughts that I had always wanted to share, and later I found that I could do that for others, too. I joined School Buzz because it allows me to pursue writing while amplifying stories that would otherwise go unheard.

Wesley Taaffe, Lamar High School

The pencil is molded to fit the curves of my fingers perfectly. That’s when it all clicked into place. I’ve always found myself passionate for words. The ones that slide off your tongue with ease and have an eternal essence to them. Aurora, Felicity, Labyrinth. Words like this felt like keys to the music of poetry. It was then I fell in love with the art of writing. However, journalism wasn’t my initial yearning in life. I’ve always been drawn to the theatrical arts and getting my feet on stage. Although the discovery of journalism didn’t dim my love for the spotlight, it did open a new world for me. As a curious individual hoping to branch out, I decided to join my school magazine in sophomore year. It was as though two pieces to this huge puzzle of my life connected. The poetic aspect met my academic side and tied a ribbon around my love for storytelling and it began to blossom. 

Kate Burke, The Emery/Weiner School

Six hundred and fifty points. I flipped through the metal dog tags I’d collected from school, adding the number again to ensure there was no error. Again, the same number. Six hundred and fifty points I’d earned from taking AR (Accelerated Reader) quizzes, used to measure how many books we’d read and how advanced we were as elementary students. I’d always loved a challenge, and this was no exception. Every day was the same: come home from school and lock myself in my room to read. I was competitive, and this was another way of winning. As I’ve gotten older, my competitiveness hasn’t faded, nor has my love of reading. The time I’d spent reading created a passion I hadn’t realized before, writing. This love of reading, writing, and all things competitive is what compelled me to apply to School Buzz, an outlet to share my creativity and perspective of the world around me.

Isabel Fernandez-Cueto, Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart

School Buzz has given me the opportunity to explore different aspects of my community and the chance to share those unique stories with others. I've researched topics I never would have even looked into, from freshman orientation traditions to teacher interviews. By delving into various facets of my community, I’ve been able to show others what makes my school so special. School Buzz has fostered my passion for journalism, amplifying my interest in writing and sharing stories. Without School Buzz, I would not have had the opportunity to share my world and its story with others. 

Anya Bhojwani, The Awty International School

I always hated writing. Staring at a blank page, hoping an idea would come to mind, wishing my words would sound coherent, stuck by the restrictions of a prompt. Writing was the homework I would procrastinate until the last minute. However, my life changed forever after attending a writing camp I thought I would hate. Imagining the possibilities of a blank page, millions of ideas overflowing my head, words streaming out like a river, creating my own prompts. I fell in love with the power of writing. I want to share this power with others, so I started a writing club at my school to help students discover their passion for writing. I joined the school newspaper, became an editor, and fell in love with journalism as well. I enjoy investigating events at Awty and sharing those stories. Through School Buzz, I am eager to spread these stories into the community.

Beatrix Gnemi, Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions

My favorite story for School Buzz was one where I worked with a school organization and its leaders to write an article about their impact on their community. Their organization focused on educating younger generations about correct dental practices, and the article ended up being published in the print edition of The Buzz! This experience taught me how to interview students and summarize what they said in the form of an entertaining article, which will be a very useful skill for this year and the future.

Melanie Fung, Bellaire High School

I’ve been with School Buzz for two years now, and I’m thrilled to be back for a third. I’ve always been a curious person, which plays a big role in how I approach writing. I once received a pair of fuzzy elephant keychains and thought it’d be a great idea to dip them into blue slime, hoping they would turn blue. Spoiler alert: they didn’t. Instead, I ended up with a sticky mess, and my mom wasn’t too thrilled! But that kind of curiosity is what drives me to keep exploring ideas in my writing. I like to experiment, seeing what sticks and what doesn't. Sometimes things don’t go as planned, but they still make for memorable stories – or at least good lessons. School Buzz has given me opportunities to explore that curiosity – just in a less messy way! From reporting on events to meeting new people, I’ve refined my skills and gained new perspectives. 

Nina Koshy, The Village School

I took my first journalism class in my freshman year, but my passion for writing began long before. When I reflect now, I realize my love of writing began in second grade. That year, we had to start each class writing from a prompt; I chose to write about boredom, and through that exercise, I discovered a joy in crafting narratives out of experiences, or in this case, a lack of experiences! It turned out, as long as I could hash out ideas into a story, I was never bored at all. I look forward to writing for School Buzz to continue to express myself and share the happenings in my school and my community.

Megan Wang, Bellaire High School

My passion for writing followed my love for reading. I developed a desire to not only read creative works, but to write them as well. In middle school and early high school, I started to take writing more seriously and engaged in various styles of writing (creative writing being my favorite). I admire School Buzz’s mission of empowering high school students to have a voice in the community. I want to use my passion for writing to inform the community about the unique and abundant activities Bellaire has to offer, from students’ perspectives. I am eager to be more involved and serve my community by writing for School Buzz.

Alden Farrow, Memorial High School

My favorite story I did for School Buzz was my highlight of Memorial’s musical last winter, Into the Woods. Through School Buzz, I was able to venture outside my niche and cover a topic unfamiliar to me. The entire cast was so cooperative and helpful in the interviewing process, contributing to the success of the story. I was able to see the show as an audience member, and then learn the inner workings of its preparation and process. Exploring a variety of ongoing events at Memorial is extremely important to me. In such a big school, so many achievements and wonderful stories fly under the radar. As a School Buzz reporter, it has been my duty to discover those untold stories and share them with the community. 

Sarah Cela, Second Baptist School

Through my involvement in the yearbook and the inspiration of a talented English teacher, I discovered my passion for writing. The process of capturing memories, telling stories, and highlighting moments that characterize the event’s emotion sparked something in my heart that made me feel connected to others and their situation. My English teachers have encouraged my passion, urging me to deeply analyze my surroundings and improve my writing skills. Their belief in my potential revealed to me that writing is a pursuit that I truly enjoy developing in. My passion for writing has allowed me to leap out of my comfort zone and try new endeavors. Writing for School Buzz provides me with a challenge and a unique opportunity to grow. I believe I can expand my passion for writing by giving a voice to the student body through my experiences. Writing for School Buzz will give me a place to grow as a writer and connect with the school community on a deeper level. When I think about why I write, I circle back to my English teachers’ inspiration and encouragement throughout my life, and I am reminded of my strong desire to help others through my writing. 

Ailey Takashima, St. John’s School

My adoration for writing stems from my passion for reading. I used to be a huge introvert, and reading allowed me to make new friends and experience hundreds of diverse worlds. I loved it so much that I began writing to create my own magical worlds. But when I began writing about my culture and identity for a school project, I discovered that I could use writing to relay my perspectives and provide a platform for my thoughts. Writing became my outlet, and as I began to write about my identity, I gradually began to foster confidence. Writing means so much to me, and I wish to share the benefits of how expression through words can not only be therapeutic and fun, but impactful as well. Now, I strive to put a bit of myself in every word I write, and I can’t wait to share it! 

Alexandra Wong, St. Agnes Academy

Truthfully, when I joined School Buzz two years ago, I did not know what to expect. I was entering my freshman year at St. Agnes, and I barely knew a thing about my new school. It was a good day when I remembered my school log-in information, and my biggest worry was walking up the Science Wing staircase and not the Theology staircase. Now, reflecting on the past two years, School Buzz was integral in helping me find my place at St. Agnes. Through documenting and capturing the experiences that define our school identity – from the lively chaos of VVD (Veritas Vacation Day) to the whirlwind of Fish Week – I came to understand what the essence of the St. Agnes community is about. Being a School Buzz reporter has challenged me to explore aspects of my school that I might have otherwise overlooked, such as the behind-the-scenes preparation for our events and the personal stories that bring them to life. School Buzz has allowed me to grow in who I am as a writer, and has shown me the significance of sharing narratives that bind and celebrate our community. 

Dani Barg, The Emery/Weiner School

When I was younger, I didn’t like to pick up a pencil for anything besides sketching, much less journaling of any kind. I found writing daunting: terrifying to start, and stressful to finish. However, as I entered high school, and later joined School Buzz, I realized that writing is a process meant to be enjoyed the whole way through, not just one painstakingly perfected step at a time. Half-formulated brainstorms and rough drafts by the dozen, sheer willpower, and countless mistakes are all worth it to find the calming rush of the flow state, the “writer’s high” that sends words spiraling from my fingertips, eager to showcase the unique voices of my community. For the past two years in School Buzz, I’ve made it my mission to keep chasing that joyful flow, expanding my horizons both as a writer and a person to represent the passionate voices and varying accomplishments of the Emery/Weiner community, from theater and math tutoring to blood drives and community service. Thanks to School Buzz, I’ve found myself detaching from my timid 9th-grade self, fearlessly interviewing students and teachers alike, and even presenting my writing at Opening Ceremony to kick off the year, the pencil behind my ear weighing down as a comfortable reminder of how far I’ve come. 

Ryan Mantel, The Post Oak School

I first discovered a passion for writing in my freshman year of high school. I wrote an essay focused on the advanced technology Great Britain used in the age of imperialism to conquer a quarter of the world’s land mass. This essay taught me how enjoyable expressing myself through words could be. I wanted to write for School Buzz because I love learning to write in different tones and styles, such as persuasive and expository, and because I want to improve my writing skills. 

Yutia Li, St. John’s School

Since I began my journalism career as a staff writer for my school newspaper, I’ve embarked on the most thrilling adventures. I’ve witnessed videos of towering flames a firefighter was extinguishing at 2 a.m. – five hours before she arrived at St. John’s for her dual job as an ambassador. I’ve gone behind the curtains of my school’s theater program, listening to stage managers share messages across headsets that audience members will never hear. I’ve shadowed the Spirit Club leaders on the day before Homecoming, helping them untangle streamers and hang up posters while taking pictures and recording snippets of our conversations. With each opportunity to capture these behind-the-scenes moments in words, I fall a little more in love with what I do. Through School Buzz, I can’t wait to take an even wider audience on these transformative adventures with me. What’s more – many programs at St. John’s that I participate in, such as the East Asian Affinity Group, Junior Classical League, and Varsity softball team, have shaped me into the person I am today. I want to offer a unique perspective on what makes these programs so special and perhaps inspire readers to foster similar environments in their lives along the way.

Maggie Hester, St. John’s School

Through School Buzz, I have been able to interview students, teachers, and other faculty about passions and interests that I most likely would have never learned about. I have loved having the opportunity to form deeper and more meaningful connections, not only with my St. John’s community, but also with my School Buzz community. School Buzz has provided me with the chance to get to know other students who have a love and passion for writing, and I have loved developing relationships with them. Before I became a student correspondent for School Buzz, I had never led an interview. I’ve since gained the skills necessary to conduct a successful interview, as well as improving upon and gaining confidence in my writing skills. I am forever grateful to School Buzz for every single opportunity it has provided me and every lesson I have learned. 

Colin Wu, The Emery/Weiner School

As a Chinese immigrant, English is my second language. Although growing up in one of the best international schools in China, English was never my strong suit. As I started to write more in English, I recognized that it was quite an easy language compared to Chinese, which started my passion to learn and master it. I wanted to show other people that just because I am an immigrant doesn’t mean that I can’t master something that they could. 

Shaivi Moparthi, The Kinkaid School

I discovered my passion for writing at a young age, realizing that stories are powerful tools for connection and change. As a TIME for Kids Reporter in middle school, I had the unique opportunity to interview inspiring women in STEM like Dr. Jane Goodall and Vanessa Wyche, which solidified my passion for journalism. Today, I am the Editorial Board Director of iWRITER magazine, and the Digital Executive Editor of The Kinkaid Falcon. I see storytelling as a way to blend creativity with impact. The recognition I’ve received has further enhanced my love for writing and sharing knowledge. Writing for School Buzz feels like a natural extension of that journey. I am proud to be part of Kinkaid’s welcoming and well-rounded community and can’t wait to represent Kinkaid for School Buzz this year. Go Falcons!

Ana Sofia Maguchi, Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart

I’m a pianist, karate kid, choir girl, and reader. My passion for writing first sparked on a random night in seventh grade; I had to write a story for an assignment for the first time, and I had a blast! Being able to craft a story was so unbelievably fun for my middle school self that after that assignment, I started authoring my own. The wonderful thing about writing is that there’s so much you can do with your words, and everyone has their unique voice in their writing. I’m excited to write for School Buzz because I am passionate about writing, especially about people, culture, nature, and fashion, and because I’m considering a career in journalism.

Sean Boyle, Strake Jesuit College Preparatory

For as long as I can remember, I have hated travel journals. As a kid, my parents would make me document my experiences whenever we went on vacation. I reacted how most kids my age would: with a lot of whining. Somehow, I always ended up acquiescing to my daily writing assignments, and it paid off. Elementary school essays became effortless, and sometimes even fun. My passion for writing did not stem from a revelation, but a consistent nurturing of the now relaxing practice. School Buzz was such an easy decision for me. My family has been reading articles from The Buzz for years, and when I learned about School Buzz this summer, I knew I had to apply. This opportunity allows me to combine my love for writing with the chance to learn and share what makes my school unique. 

Aishwarya Singh, Carnegie Vanguard High School

I’ve always been one to have my nose in a book, and it has deepened my appreciation for the impact of an author’s words. That’s why I aspire to create my own impact, through my own work. School Buzz is such a distinctive program, and reporters can provide such an intimate sneak peek into the lives of high school students in the Houston area. I would love to report on how district management changes are really impacting students.

Runo Mukoro, Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School

I have always been disposed to writing and putting my thoughts down about various subjects, but this is the first year where I am taking on the challenge of writing full articles on a regular basis. I must say that I am excited for the opportunity to expand on my skills and shed light on our school. As a first-generation Nigerian American, I strongly believe that my experiences will give me a unique perspective on different stories – I’ve spent half of my life in the United States and half in Nigeria. Other fun facts about me are that I play football/soccer, and that I have been learning Chinese for five years, and French for seven.

Jordan Muscal, Kinder HSPVA

Last year as a School Buzz reporter, I interviewed four HSPVA seniors to learn about their high school reflections, and it was one of my favorite writing experiences ever. To hear them talk about their younger selves, their first performances, and their future dreams was so moving, and I’m so happy I got to preserve their thoughts in a School Buzz article. In general, School Buzz has pushed me outside of my comfort zone and allowed me to view my school community through the eyes of journalism. I’m so proud of HSPVA’s traditions, teachers, and events, and School Buzz has allowed me to share that with other people. As a young writer, having opportunities to develop my voice and learn from others has been so important, and I’m very excited for my second year as a School Buzz reporter. 

Siddharth Dasari, Carnegie Vanguard High School

As an avid geographer and historian, I’ve always been interested in uncovering the secrets of the Earth, the fascinating place that humans call home. My interest deepened in the spring of 2022 as I read the stories of journalists risking their lives to cover Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Their accounts of tragedy and heartbreak, along with hope and resilience, made me recognize the value that news media plays in a divided world. My growing love and respect for storytelling led me to join my school’s newspaper in my junior year, and since then, I’ve experimented with all kinds of writing. However, nothing has surpassed my passion for writing features, uncovering the stories of the creative individuals that call our diverse city home. I hope to continue this newfound passion of mine as part of School Buzz, and I couldn’t be more excited to join this year’s group of reporters.

Carolyn Pan, Carnegie Vanguard High School

I discovered my passion for writing in middle school, when I began journaling my daily experiences and thoughts. It began as a way to express myself, but over time, I realized how writing can be a powerful tool to share stories, emotions, and connections. Since transferring to Carnegie, I’ve been further exposed to various writing styles and techniques, which have only fueled my love for writing. On the yearbook committee, I have been able to learn the importance of storytelling in capturing memories and moments that define our school community. School Buzz is a fantastic platform where I believe I can bring fresh perspectives and highlight stories that matter to my peers. Whether it’s covering exciting events, spotlighting talented students, or discussing important issues, I want to use my writing skills to highlight my school’s culture, keeping people both informed and entertained.

Kelsy Donovan, Memorial High School 

As I enter my second year of School Buzz, I am filled with excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to continue pursuing my passion for all things journalism. Journaling as a hobby has always been a constant factor in my life, but I hadn’t formally written articles until joining School Buzz. Last year, being a part of this program not only improved my writing skills but deepened my involvement in the Memorial High School community. My love for writing grew even further, and consistently curating articles improved my performance in the humanities. At the end of the 2024 school year, I joined Memorial’s newspaper staff to keep honing my craft. Beginning my junior year, I am eager to continue highlighting Memorial’s incredible student body to even more audiences.

Keira Donovan, Memorial High School

During my past year in School Buzz, I was able to explore the ins and outs of Memorial High School through the lens of a journalist, which pushed me to immerse myself in my school, something I probably wouldn’t have done otherwise. During my time I wrote many articles, most notably one highlighting a club on campus called Memorial Unified, which focuses on promoting inclusivity among individuals with and without intellectual disabilities. This club was started by some of my best friends, which made the article very close to my heart. The article remains one of my favorite pieces I have ever written because it gave me an opportunity to inform my community on an important topic while also highlighting achievements that I believe should be recognized and commended beyond the walls of Memorial. I am eager to begin my second year writing for School Buzz, and I can’t wait for everyone to learn more about MHS through my writing!

Agnes Tang, Westbury Christian School

Last year, I participated in School Buzz as a reporter for Westbury Christian School. Writing for School Buzz has granted me a chance to discover aspects of our school that I previously overlooked. I am in a constant search for hidden stories among students and faculty members, and this allows me to view surroundings from a journalistic perspective. One of my favorite stories documented last year was about my 8th-period art class carving pumpkins. Composing an article about this experience prompted me to recall every detail, from the size of our pumpkins to the carving tools we used. I learned that vivid details not only enhance accuracy but also captivate the audience. I can now use these observation skills I’ve acquired in my future work. Most importantly, through each story crafted, School Buzz has helped me in finding my voice as a writer.

Jake Rodriguez, Kinder HSPVA

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had a passion for storytelling and journalism. I am currently a sophomore in the Creative Writing department at HSPVA, and I’m so happy that School Buzz will give me a platform to share my talents with my community. Other than writing, I’ve always had a love for performing, acting, volunteering, and doing anything I can to help others. I’m thrilled that I will get to showcase my unique style and perspective this year.

Eden Williams, Westbury Christian School

My favorite story for School Buzz was when I wrote about Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) Week at my school. It spread more knowledge and awareness of health problems that can affect all ages. Sharing stories like this through School Buzz allowed me to dig deeper into journalism. I was able to grasp multiple perspectives, and I could express them using my own creativity. I did not realize how much I loved to write about real-life happenings around me until School Buzz offered me that opportunity. No matter what profession I decide to pursue, journalism will always remain a principal element of my life, because so much can be learned from writing and reading an article. As I participate in School Buzz for my second year, I cannot wait to discover new approaches to writing and engaging my audience.

Nithya Ravi, Lamar High School

Since my elementary school days, I couldn’t do anything without picking up something to read: books from my library, outdated newspapers from the kitchen side table, and even the back of the shampoo bottle in the bathroom (I used to know the Dove shampoo bottle ingredients by memory). My mom used to say, “Pick up a magazine or a newspaper once in a while.” When I finally did, I didn’t regret it. I knew I wanted to write after reading the articles in newspapers and magazines, and I hoped one day to write for a magazine, to share a valuable story and see my name in a byline. I would write all the time, whenever I had a moment to spare. Being part of School Buzz gives me an opportunity to put pen to paper and tell stories with impact.

Vishakha Medha Rao, The Awty International School

My interest in writing began when I was little, when I started a mini newspaper on my street for my neighbors. As I grew, my passion deepened, and I started to write for my student council’s newsletter as a grade representative. It was then I realized that writing was more than just a hobby. It was a powerful tool for connecting communities and sharing reliable information. Today, I carry forward this goal as a staff writer for my school’s newspaper, The Rampage. I look forward to expanding my reach to a larger audience as a School Buzz correspondent this year. 

Lucy Walker, St. John’s School

I began writing when I learned to read. I wanted to create stories like my favorite authors. As I grew, this fascination with storytelling manifested in writing poems and short stories and entertaining my younger cousins and kids I babysit. When I started high school, I joined the school paper and have been hooked on journalism ever since. I love writing features because my favorite part of the writing process is interviewing interesting people. As a part of the School Buzz team, I am excited to share the successes and stories of kids at SJS. People here are extremely driven, which means lots of unique student-run organizations and teams working to create a strong sense of school community.

Madeleine Skaufel, St. Agnes Academy

Writing for School Buzz this past year is one of the coolest opportunities I have ever been given. From article to article, I developed a unique writing style that I noticed was different from other School Buzz reporters. When I first noticed this as I read through my peers’ articles, I was nervous that I wasn't doing something correct, but as I began to write more articles and gain more confidence, I realized I truly loved the way I wrote. In my articles, I strove to include a meaningful message beyond the actual event, and weave metaphors into the fabric of my reporting. School Buzz has helped me discover my voice, and it has further pushed me towards my inclination to study journalism in college. 

Check out the School Buzz blog throughout the year as these correspondents share school happenings.

School Buzz 2024-25 Reporters

The Awty International School

Anya Bhojwani
Vishakha Medha Rao

Bellaire High School

Melanie Fung
Megan Wang

Carnegie Vanguard High School

Siddharth Dasari
Carolyn Pan
Aishwarya Singh

Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions

Beatrix Gnemi

Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart

Isabel Fernandez-Cueto
Ana Sofia Maguchi

The Emery/Weiner School

Dani Barg
Kate Burke
Colin Wu
Nina Teichman

Kinder HSPVA

Jordan Muscal
Jake Rodriguez

The Kinkaid School

Sophie Lighvani
Shaivi Moparthi

Lamar High School

Nithya Ravi
Wesley Taaffe

Memorial High School

Keira Donovan
Kelsy Donovan
Alden Farrow
Gray Hevle

The Post Oak School

Ryan Mantel

Second Baptist School

Sarah Cela 

St. Agnes Academy

Madeleine Skaufel
Alexandra Wong

St. John’s School 

Maggie Hester
Yutia Li
Ailey Takashima
Lucy Walker

Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School

Runo Mukoro

School of the Woods

Loulie Parker

Strake Jesuit College Preparatory

Sean Boyle

The Village School

Nina Koshy

Westbury Christian School

Agnes Tang
Eden Williams