School Buzz 2025-2026

This fall marks the 12th year of School Buzz. Each year, our student reporters write about their schools and share their perspectives with Buzz readers. Students join School Buzz for all sorts of reasons. But one of the answers that has become more popular – one that I love to see – is to engage more with their own school. To talk to strangers, to find new organizations, to dig for stories. This program opens a door; it gives students a reason to engage deeply with the world around them. Returning reporters often talk about how a story pushed them into something new – a class, a club, an event – that they ended up loving. 

Out of a large pool of exceptionally talented applicants to the 2025-26 School Buzz program, we chose 41 students, from 19 local high schools. To the student reporters: I hope that this program helps you get out into your school and see the stories all around you. Read on to learn about how these students started writing, and their favorite stories, in their own words.

Chinedu Abiaziem, Saint Thomas' Episcopal School (Photo: tomcallins.com)

Chinedu Abiaziem, Saint Thomas' Episcopal School

I discovered my passion for writing when I was still in Nigeria, where stories weren’t just on paper but woven into everyday life, through songs and traditions. When I moved to the U.S., writing became the way I carried that world with me. It was how I made sense of change, of feeling caught between cultures, and of noticing the quiet details others often overlook. I want to write for School Buzz because I see it as more than a publication; it’s a voice for the school community. I want to tell stories that might otherwise go unnoticed: the small acts of kindness that shape our hallways, the unexpected traditions that bring us together, and the ways students’ lives stretch beyond academics. For me, writing is a connection. By contributing to School Buzz, I hope to spark conversations, preserve experiences, and give others the same feeling that writing has always given me, that their story matters.

Chloe Tran, Carnegie Vanguard High School (Photo: hartphoto.com)

Chloe Tran, Carnegie Vanguard High School

I can’t exactly pinpoint my love for writing – since I was little, I’ve always found myself spontaneously writing in a journal. My love for writing news, however, started when I wrote my first feature for my school newspaper. It involved interviewing one of our custodians on campus who always seemed to get along with both the teachers and students, and getting to learn more about people and events that I wouldn’t have otherwise was an exhilarating feeling. I haven’t written much school news since then, so I’m looking forward to writing for School Buzz where I can showcase my experience as an upperclassman at Carnegie while sharing more about my school’s unique culture.

Olivia Koo, Bellaire High School (Photo: tomcallins.com)

Olivia Koo, Bellaire High School

I can’t remember a time I ever disliked writing. Books have always been there for me, and writing was simply a natural overflow for the words I was consuming. I loved creating picture books in elementary school, I enjoyed making short stories in middle school, and, recently, I’ve found a passion for essay assignments. What drew me in was not just the power words wielded – although that was a major factor – but the way those words fit together into sentences, into paragraphs, and into pages. And crisscrossing those pages were the reverberating connections – the relationships linking character to character, author to audience, literature to world – that reached out and made me a part of the story as well. I believe every individual has a story to tell. Someone just needs to write it.

Mimi Wright, Episcopal High School (Photo: hartphoto.com)

Mimi Wright, Episcopal High School

I was introduced to journalistic writing in seventh grade at River Oaks Baptist when I was unexpectedly placed into a journalism class. I didn’t know anything about it, but the moment I stepped into the classroom and into the world of publications, I was hooked. I loved both the straightforward, news-centered writing style and the more opinion-based pieces, as they gave me a way to connect more deeply with my community. This year will be my first on School Buzz, and I couldn’t be more excited! Being hands-on in my community is one of my favorite parts of journalism, and through School Buzz I’ll be able to immerse myself in campus life and share it with others. Episcopal has been such an incredible place for me to grow, and I’m looking forward to highlighting and celebrating it in The Buzz.

Tiffany Li, St. John’s School (Photo: hartphoto.com)

Tiffany Li, St. John’s School

I want to write for School Buzz because I see it as a platform to uplift student voices and highlight their unique perspectives, creativity, and experiences. When I was younger, I always looked forward to reading The Buzz, especially the sports section. As a swimmer and a softball player, it was always a column I felt deeply connected to and eagerly anticipated with every new issue. That experience inspired me to write for School Buzz, so I can create stories that excite and inspire others in the same way. School Buzz gives me the opportunity to combine my love for storytelling with my desire to have a positive impact, one word at a time.

Sophia Cyamara Aguirre, Lamar High School (Photo: hartphoto.com)

Sophia Cyamara Aguirre, Lamar High School

My love for words is hereditary. My mother, who was a journalist herself, passed on her passion for writing from the womb. When times got tough, she found comfort in the Bellaire City Library. From a young age, I found that the best way to share my innermost thoughts and feelings was through the art of storytelling – at the age of five, I began writing my own stories in my school notebooks based on the experiences around me. Just like my mother, literature gave me a refuge when I needed it most, providing me with friends when I struggled to make them. As I’ve matured, writing is still a vital part of my life, which I now hope to use as a tool to console others as it’s done for me.

Gray Hevle, Memorial High School (Photo: hartphoto.com)

Gray Hevle, Memorial High School

Joining School Buzz last year taught me that crafting articles independently is in many ways different from writing as part of a staff. You have to find your own story ideas, your own interviews, and your own drive, as there is no one to push you to finish any deadlines except yourself. It was a daunting task, but as I began my first article, I discovered that this new challenge made journalism all the more fulfilling. Embracing my curiosity and creativity, I scoured my school for intriguing stories, and I never returned empty-handed. Through School Buzz, I not only further developed my identity and skills as a journalist, but I also was granted the opportunity to highlight many fascinating aspects of my community, such as my school’s first student-run Model UN conference and an initiative led by a teacher’s nonprofit to raise money for students’ mental health counseling. I am incredibly grateful for what School Buzz has taught me, and I am so excited to see what I will learn next as I enter this new year.

Alexandra Wong, St. Agnes Academy

Alexandra Wong, St. Agnes Academy

I had not been The New Student since kindergarten, so facing the glass rotunda doors of St. Agnes for the first day of high school daunted me. As expected of every incoming freshman, everything felt foreign: I was worried about getting lost on the way to Biology, how I would make friends, and if I would feel at home in such a big, unfamiliar space. I could never have imagined the role The Buzz Magazines played in helping me find my place. At the time, I just knew I loved to read and write, so I applied to School Buzz on a whim. After covering long-standing St. Agnes traditions to cherished faculty that year, I began to see St. Agnes not just as a building full of classrooms but as a community built on sisterhood and stories. Writing for School Buzz pushed me to explore every corner of campus life and involve myself in the heart of St. Agnes. It offered me more than just a creative outlet; it gave me a way to connect with my school.

Simon Zamberk, Kinder HSPVA (Photo: tomcallins.com)

Simon Zamberk, Kinder HSPVA

I wrote my first story around the age of six. My elementary school had a writing contest for each grade level, and my first-grade teacher tried to get everyone to submit. I was one of the few who was up to the task, working hard on my story, and I ended up winning the class prize. While I don't remember exactly what my story was about, it lit a spark inside me that inspired me to write, and each year for the rest of elementary school I submitted a story for the contest. This continued into high school, as I won a spot in the Creative Writing Department at HSPVA, where I have gotten the chance to continue my writing journey. Now I am able to develop my story ideas, improve my writing craft, and learn from some of the best writing teachers in Houston. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the spark I got writing that first story. 

Selina Yuan, Saint Thomas' Episcopal School (Photo: tomcallins.com)

Selina Yuan, Saint Thomas' Episcopal School

It was in first grade when I was first introduced to poetry through a class project where we created our own poetry books. Each page featured a different style – haiku, ode, acrostic, cinquain… But my favorite? Free verse. There were no rules, no strict structure, just my ideas and however I chose to express them. As I grew older, I realized it wasn’t just poetry I enjoyed, but writing in general. Poetry had simply been the door that led me into a larger world of creative expression. In middle school, while most students groaned at the mention of journaling in composition notebooks, I was delighted. To me, it felt like opening a window and letting in fresh air. Over time, writing became more than just a school assignment; it turned into a personal outlet. That poetry book wasn’t just a school project – it opened the door to a passion I still carry today.

Emily Xie, St. John’s School (Photo: hartphoto.com)

Emily Xie, St. John’s School

I’m Emily, and I love cooking, cards, and being around people! I’ve also developed a love for writing, and it wasn’t until I started consistently journaling that I discovered my passion for it. As a self-aware two-faced Gemini, a part of me loves expressing myself through speech, with loud banter and laughter, while the other half prefers a piece of paper, and taking the time to make words paint a story in a way speech can’t. I’ve found that there’s a bit of magic hidden behind the mighty pen and paper that constantly inspires me to find that sparkle whenever I write. Just this summer, I moved to Houston, where I now attend St. John’s School. When I saw an advertisement about becoming a School Buzz reporter, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to push and immerse myself in my school community. I’m looking forward to building my journalism toolbox, capturing special moments, and sharing them with you.

Ella Bibi, Kinder HSPVA (Photo: tomcallins.com)

Ella Bibi, Kinder HSPVA

My love for storytelling began on stage. In theatre, I have been able to tell stories of many characters through singing and acting. But I have learned that storytelling isn’t only limited to performing, that it lives in writing as well. Writing allows me to express my emotions, ideas, and creativity in a different way. The reason why I want to write for School Buzz is because as an actor, people will always write about you. I want to be able to write about theatre as someone who has seen all the magical moments behind the scenes and on stage.

Emma Mankarious, Memorial High School (Photo: hartphoto.com)

Emma Mankarious, Memorial High School

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a deep affinity for writing. I noticed early on that clear thoughts in my head came out as inconsistent strings of words on paper. It began to make sense when I was diagnosed with dyslexia at eight years old. But I refused to give up on writing. I kept forcing the words to behave and fall into place. Soon I realized that dyslexia wasn’t going to stop me from writing, rather, it drove my curiosity. By the time I entered middle school, I could make words leap onto the page with rhythm, cadence, and emotion. I discovered the beauty of poetry. Since then, poems fall off my pen with ease. My young writer’s spark turned into a beautiful flame, one that I cherish. 

Elizabeth Koo, The Kinkaid School (Photo: tomcallins.com)

Elizabeth Koo, The Kinkaid School

I discovered my love for journalism in an unexpected place: on a toilet seat. Ever since I was little, our bathroom has been stacked with magazines. My favorite? The Bellaire Buzz. While my mom was probably wondering why I took such long bathroom breaks, I was lost in The Buzz’s glossy pages, reading about local sports teams, a winner of a national competition, and a mother-daughter duo whipping up something delicious. As an introvert, I often felt left out at school, but those stories made me feel connected to my community. As soon as I joined my middle school newspaper, I was hooked. There’s something magical about words that bring people together. When I see a classmate’s eyes light up reading my work in The Falcon, I know I’ve made them feel like they are part of something bigger. I hope to do the same through School Buzz. 

Dhara Agrawal, Bellaire High School (Photo: hartphoto.com)

Dhara Agrawal, Bellaire High School

I’m five years old and discovering my love for chapter books; flash forward five years, and I’m handed my first camera. Five more years pass, and I’m starting on the school newspaper, the Three Penny Press. And that is where I discovered my passion for writing and journalism. Now, I love being able to report on the things that I’m interested in, and share that curiosity with other people. But the longer I’ve been on staff, the more I have noticed that its reach is limited. That’s why I want to write for School Buzz. It provides a platform to highlight the stories of Bellaire that will reach outside of the school walls. Whether it's photos or words, journalism is such a powerful way of sharing aspects of my community, and I want to be part of that.

Audrey Seaworth, Houston Christian High School (Photo: tomcallins.com)

Audrey Seaworth, Houston Christian High School

In fourth grade, I met author Crystal Allen. She invited students to submit stories that would be published on her website, and my story was one of the ones chosen. She passed out small, spiral bound, brown journals and brown pens with a red clicker cap. She said words that still hold a special place in my mind: “Promise me that you will never stop writing.” Today, I will write in my little brown journal, with pages smelling of great potential, once again. I want to write for School Buzz because I would like to pursue journalism. My school does not have a newspaper, so I would like to learn from The Buzz staff about how newspapers and magazines operate, and I would like to share the uniqueness of my school with our community. My commitment to giving readers the unvarnished story is one of the main reasons I have been drawn to journalism, which I think is becoming increasingly important in today’s society.

Camila Putman Patino, Lamar High School (Photo: hartphoto.com)

Camila Putman Patino, Lamar High School

I have always been a storyteller, since before I could remember. I often filled notebooks to the brim, full of ideas, drawings, and stories that crossed all genres. While most other children my age dreamed of being a doctor, an astronaut, or perhaps an athlete, my love began with books and literature. That original “spark” I had felt years prior had grown, and led me little by little to not only engage with the world around me, but also discover parts of myself I had not previously recognized or claimed. Writing for my own school magazine (Lamar Life) and seeing my stories on paper allowed me to not only gain confidence in myself and my ideas, but also encouraged me to connect with a diverse audience and individuals from all backgrounds. After becoming the co-writing editor, it has been a journey to see my peers’ and my ideas flourish and come to life with every issue, spread, and interview, while mentoring new writers to perfect their own craft and skills. I believe that everyone has a story to tell, and I am determined to shine light on every journey – big or small.

Raoul Kumar, Strake Jesuit College Preparatory (Photo: tomcallins.com)

Raoul Kumar, Strake Jesuit College Preparatory

I first discovered my passion for writing in middle school. I realized that putting pen to paper can sometimes convey emotions and thoughts better than talking. As time progressed, writing provided me with an outlet to think, formulate, and process my ideas. The time and thought process that go into writing have developed my ability to reflect on personal experiences, which has helped me learn more about myself and about other people through our shared experiences. That’s why I want to write for School Buzz. I want to document the experiences of myself and others from Strake Jesuit. I want to tell the stories of the countless successes shared by my classmates and give them the spotlight. School Buzz will provide an environment that fosters my growth as a writer. It will equip me with the skill set to report, research, and delve into the intricacies of journalism. 

Johanna Dorn, St. Agnes Academy (Photo: hartphoto.com)

Johanna Dorn, St. Agnes Academy

I developed a passion for writing at a young age. The ability to capture words and experiences has served as such a vital asset in my life. When the opportunity to be a School Buzz reporter arose, I had no hesitation about whether to apply. The Buzz has always been a staple in my home. I am still eager to flip through it just as I used to, reading compelling stories and coming across familiar faces. I look forward to highlighting others' stories and experiences to Buzz readers, as well as furthering myself as a writer.

Vivian Buchanan, Carnegie Vanguard High School (Photo: tomcallins.com)

Vivian Buchanan, Carnegie Vanguard High School

I have loved writing from a very young age, and my love of books and reading fueled my passion. I knew that I was serious about writing when I decided to write a 100-page story in second grade! I only got to page 72, but I was determined to continue writing. Writing has been a constant in my life thus far, and I especially enjoy using my writing as a tool to inform others about stories and information I believe need to be acknowledged. This has led me to the art of journalism and writing to inform others. I have encountered many fellow students with stories that showcase determination and innovation, and I would like to tell those stories through School Buzz.

Vishakha Medha Rao, The Awty International School (Photo: tomcallins.com)

Vishakha Medha Rao, The Awty International School

I'm Vishakha Medha Rao, a junior and a returning School Buzz writer. One of the most important values for me is connecting with my community. But this has been difficult, especially in recent years due to factors like technology-guided isolation, academic pressures, and post-Covid loneliness. However, through my platform with School Buzz, I have had the opportunity to connect with and feature the amazing voices and talents from my school community. I am excited to continue my time at School Buzz and connect even more people together with the power of journalism!

Adela Nicolae, Carnegie Vanguard High School (Photo: tomcallins.com)

Adela Nicolae, Carnegie Vanguard High School

I am a senior interested in pursuing biomedical research with a focus on immunology, neuroscience, and mathematical modeling of infectious diseases. When I'm not counting C. elegans worms under the microscope, baking peanut butter-chocolate banana bread, painting a theatre set, or writing a novel journalism article, you can find me playing a quick game of Solitaire or Canasta on cardgames.io! From a young age, creative writing and learning languages were the lenses through which I viewed the world. I spent my elementary school summers writing poems in writing camps and my free time crafting short stories, which I often published in my school's literary magazine. Wanting to keep in touch with my “writing side” during high school, I joined my school's online newspaper. I wanted to continue exercising my creative writing skills while positively impacting my community. I was able to interview not only extraordinary students, but also teachers and administrators, who shared the stories of their lives with me and offered wise advice. Each person I conversed with allowed me to explore the world from their perspective, and I was delighted to share this with others through my writing. I hope to bring the same mentality of curiosity, exploration, storytelling, and community building to the world of School Buzz and the Bellaire community in which I have grown up. 

Megan Wang, Bellaire High School (Photo: tomcallins.com)

Megan Wang, Bellaire High School

This is my second year as a School Buzz reporter. From what I’ve written so far, my favorite story was about the International Dance Festival at Bellaire. It was so exciting to see new styles of dance from different cultures and experiencing how dance connects people across cultural backgrounds. In general, I love interviewing students and seeing their passions shine through when they recall an event they were proud to be involved in. There is such a diverse display of activities at Bellaire, and I love how School Buzz encourages me to explore Bellaire’s vibrant community filled with talented and diverse students. School Buzz makes me more connected to my community while being supportive of my peers and their involvements in school!

Keira Donovan, Memorial High School (Photo: hartphoto.com)

Keira Donovan, Memorial High School

School Buzz has given me the opportunity to find my voice in writing and learn more about my school from a different perspective, through a journalistic lens. By having the responsibility of writing an article every other month about my school, School Buzz has emboldened me to explore what is happening on my campus in a way I never would have otherwise. It has given me the confidence to get out of my comfort zone and learn more about the community around me, which I have developed a newfound appreciation for. By exploring, new doors have opened up for me that I never could have imagined, such as believing in myself, taking advanced English courses, and joining clubs that I never knew existed.

Kate Burke, The Emery/Weiner School (Photo: hartphoto.com)

Kate Burke, The Emery/Weiner School

My favorite School Buzz story I’ve written so far was about my school’s choice to ban cell phones during school hours. Reporting on it allowed me the opportunity to interview my head of school and other authorities within my school’s community, which are conversations I wouldn’t have had access to without my article. Through those interviews, I gained a behind-the-scenes perspective on how important decisions are made regarding students, and how they connect back to my school’s core values. It was rewarding to take a widely debated topic within the U.S. and draw attention to the reasoning behind and effects of the ban on a smaller scale within my own school. Writing that piece gave me the chance to explore my school on a deeper level and taught me how to engage with different perspectives to get a well-rounded story. 

Olivia McCray, Saint Thomas' Episcopal School (Photo: tomcallins.com)

Olivia McCray, Saint Thomas' Episcopal School

In third grade, I did a project on African wild dogs. I surprised myself with how much fun I had writing my report. Even so, I didn’t do anything with that knowledge until I took a journalism class in seventh grade. Two of my articles were published in the school newspaper, and I remember being so excited to show my friends and family. Then, the summer before eighth grade, I had to write an essay about a book. I chose Little Women and wrote the paper in a day because I procrastinated. Even though it was rushed, my dad enjoyed reading it so much that he printed it out to show his friends. Last year, in tenth grade, I took a creative writing class. Now I have two short stories published in anthologies with Young Writers of America and have taken up writing as a hobby. I want to write for School Buzz because I want to tell the community about how seemingly small things at school can help students discover their passions.

Alexis Kiew, Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions (Photo: tomcallins.com)

Alexis Kiew, Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions

I discovered my passion for writing through herpetology, funnily enough. Herpetology is the study of amphibians and reptiles. Ever since childhood, I have enjoyed exploring the world of squamates (scaled reptiles). One particular pastime I had was writing comprehensive guides and fact sheets. Eventually, after many years of informative writing, I chose to switch directions and give creative writing a go. With this newfound approach, I had a creative funnel that managed to bring me joy I hadn’t found in any other activity. I hope my writing will be able to inspire others to find a similar outlet for their ideas and creativity.

Adarsh Mohanty, Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions (Photo: tomcallins.com)

Adarsh Mohanty, Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions

I discovered my passion for writing through debate. The process of looking at what's happening in today's world, forming logical thoughts, and presenting ideas helped me develop strong writing skills. Over time, I realized that writing wasn’t just about presenting facts; it was about telling a story, persuading others, and creating something that resonates. Debate taught me how to organize my thoughts clearly and concisely, and I’ve come to love using writing as a way to communicate ideas and engage with an audience. From events to achievements to just the little moments that make our community unique, I want to help share those stories. Being a part of the School Buzz team is going to be a great way for me to connect with more people and keep improving my writing!

Kelsy Donovan, Memorial High School (Photo: hartphoto.com)

Kelsy Donovan, Memorial High School

Reflecting on my previous years as a School Buzz writer, I am eager to return this upcoming year to further my writing skills and continue engaging with my community. I have thoroughly enjoyed reporting stories regarding Memorial High School to the broader Buzz community. I believe that there are so many amazing stories and events taking place within my neighborhood that others need to hear about, and I’m so grateful for the chance to facilitate that connection. The School Buzz program initially sparked my interest in journalism, and after my first year, I joined my school’s newspaper and applied for an editor position on the yearbook staff. Entering my senior year, I spend most of my time writing and editing stories for Memorial’s publications, and I plan to continue exercising this passion in college. School Buzz will always have a place in my heart for leading me to the thing I love so much!

Tessa Brown, Cathedral High School (Photo: tomcallins.com)

Tessa Brown, Cathedral High School

I discovered my passion for writing in school. I have always loved to read, and writing quickly became a skill for me as well. Grammar rules and vocabulary came easily to me. This gave me the confidence I needed to look into writing more. School Buzz provides me with the opportunity to practice my writing and journalism. I want to represent my school and my talents, and School Buzz is a great way to get my writing out into the world. Getting better at writing and having fun doing it are the main reasons I want to write for School Buzz. My hope is that I can represent my school and my passion for writing through this program.

Noah Sonabend, The Emery/Weiner School

Noah Sonabend, The Emery/Weiner School

Two years ago, I discovered the power of my words. Walking downstairs on the morning of October 7th, 2023, I was greeted by my parents' solemn faces as they described the horrors that had just taken place in her home country. Hearing the terrible atrocities, I knew I had to do something. Feeling helpless, I took comfort in writing. Little did I know that my written words could have such an impact. I showed my poem titled “A Broken World” to my teacher, who asked me to recite it for our school. Receiving praise from peers, I submitted my poem for publication in a local magazine, and a national poetry competition for which I received a gold medal and a publication. This experience taught me the power of words, which have the ability to unite a community and sparked my passion for writing.

Hallie Taaffe, Lamar High School

Hallie Taaffe, Lamar High School

Writing has always been one of my biggest passions. It’s an artistic form of communication that allows me to present myself and my creative pieces through different lenses. Contributing to School Buzz is an extraordinary opportunity, one that lets me share my work not just for others to see, but to truly enjoy. I hope to create articles and stories that inform, entertain, and leave someone feeling as inspired and connected as I do when I write. That’s the vision I’m chasing, and I believe School Buzz can help me bring it to life. 

Marin Hammonds, Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart (Photo: hartphoto.com)

Marin Hammonds, Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart

On Saturday mornings, you could sleep the early hours away or you could write poems and stories at your second-grade teacher’s house. For much of elementary school, I chose the latter option. I discovered my passion for writing after a teacher encouraged me to join her and a few other students for a writer’s workshop in her home. My love for writing grew as I spent my early years building creative storytelling skills and listening to the work of my peers. Now, as a junior, writing for School Buzz feels like the first step into the journalism career I hope to pursue. I was drawn to this program because it is a combination of my two favorite aspects of writing: storytelling and community. Not only am I excited to share stories from my school and allow others to fall in love with Duchesne, but I am eager to once again be part of a community of students who enjoy filling their time with writing. I am so excited to join this program alongside so many talented student writers!

Nina Koshy, The Village School (Photo: lawellphoto.com)

Nina Koshy, The Village School

As editor in chief of my school newspaper, our stories typically reach classmates, faculty, and families. School Buzz has allowed me to expand my outreach citywide, which gives me the chance to highlight talented student voices and showcase the impact of my community to a much larger audience. This experience has been meaningful to me as it has pushed me to write articles even after the school gates have closed. I’ve learned to frame stories for readers all across Houston, not just in my school, which has strengthened my writing. School Buzz has let me represent my school in ways I would not have been able to otherwise. This has inspired me to continue my passion for journalism beyond high school and into my professional career.  

Anya Bhojwani, The Awty International School (Photo: hartphoto.com)

Anya Bhojwani, The Awty International School

Last year, I had the opportunity to represent The Awty International School as a School Buzz reporter, sharing stories about the interesting current events going on at my school to the broader Houston community. While I wrote many fascinating articles, my favorite story was about Awty’s transition from their uniform provider, Dennis Uniforms, that suddenly went bankrupt. I investigated the closure of the company and explored its impact on Awty and its students. Through this process, I developed skills in investigative journalism by diving into research about the company and conducting interviews with Awty’s leadership team. I found enjoyment in writing this story and became personally invested in it, as I hope the readers did as well. My experience with School Buzz has helped me to grow into an investigative journalist, and I am excited to continue that journey this year.

Ralph Satija, Strake Jesuit College Preparatory (Photo: tomcallins.com)

Ralph Satija, Strake Jesuit College Preparatory

I first realized my love for writing when I noticed how it served as a bridge between my thoughts and the page. Writing gave me the ability to articulate ideas that lived only in my head, transforming fleeting sparks of curiosity into something lasting and shareable. As I explored my passion for neuroscience and healthcare through shadowing in clinics and engaging in research, I discovered that writing could be a tool for advocacy. Whether it was explaining the complexities of neurological conditions or raising awareness about overlooked public health issues, I found myself drawn to the challenge of making science and medicine accessible to others. Writing for School Buzz excites me because it allows me to connect my passion for the brain with the art of communication, giving voice to stories that can inform, inspire, and create a deeper understanding within our community.

Emerson Weinberg, The Emery/Weiner School (Photo: tomcallins.com)

Emerson Weinberg, The Emery/Weiner School

I grew up with The Buzz Magazines, and I can still remember sitting with my parents at the kitchen counter, flipping through the pages together. Those moments are still very special to me, and it made me realize how writing has the power to create and foster connections. When I was younger, my interest in writing came from something simple and quite vain: I wanted to show off my vocabulary skills. What began as a fun way to show off to my friends, family, and teachers shortly developed into a genuine passion, as I discovered how writing could capture ideas, share perspectives, and create a lasting impact. That is why I want to write for School Buzz. This publication has always been a part of my life, and I want to highlight the voices and stories of my peers, while continuing the same cycle of connection that inspired me years ago.

Jackson Yi, Houston Christian High School (Photo: hartphoto.com)

Jackson Yi, Houston Christian High School

As I look back to consider where I got my writing passion from, it always came down to one thing: due dates. I’ve always been a procrastinator. Despite the downsides, I know that this habit has trained me to think quickly, write under pressure, and bring energy onto the page. Despite being a small school, there is so much passion and dedication in our students that often goes unnoticed. I want to write for School Buzz because I believe that each student has a story that needs to be shared.

Patrick Daily, St. Thomas High School (Photo: hartphoto.com)

Patrick Daily, St. Thomas High School

I discovered my passion for writing this past year when I was on the St. Thomas magazine staff. Learning how to write for the magazine changed my perspective on writing. I began to enjoy researching and learning more about sports programs, clubs, and whatever else my peers and I would write about. I found that journalism is different from English class, and writing about things I enjoy made me discover my passion for writing. I want to write for School Buzz because I want to show my community how great of a school St. Thomas is. St. Thomas has given so much to me, and being able to display that to the rest of Houston is something that I find captivating.

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