The press has a simple job: to inform. Sometimes, we entertain. Yet student press also serves a higher purpose. Each piece written by a student has a distinct voice, that of a person who sees the world differently from an experienced adult. The opinions of youth can be heard through student press. Through school newspapers or magazines, the local community can stay informed about the happenings at the school. This is also a way for parents and other family to stay connected to their child, who, in the tradition of teenagers everywhere, is undoubtedly rather distant.

To be involved in the production of The Colonel is a new experience each year, even each issue. Working with such a diverse group of people to reach the common goal of creating an excellent newsmagazine may be a challenge, but it is far from a chore. The staff of The Colonel varies widely in background and opinion, making it full of personality. Interacting with staff members and conducting interviews have proven to be rewarding learning experiences. Believe it or not, getting this publication out every month is fun despite deadlines and the sinister workings of cyberspace. Though hard work lies ahead of us, the relaxed, comfortable (albeit hellishly warm) atmosphere of Room 523 makes that work much easier to accomplish. Our staff is also proud that we can express ourselves as many schools throughout the country cannot. Free of prior review, The Colonel has the ability to print any opinion as long as it is not libelous or obscene.

Working in one way or another on a publication takes patience and cooperation. Changes occur each day. There is forever an article to be edited or a layout to be revised. This year The Colonel as a whole has undergone several changes. The News section has been replaced by Here and Now, a section which will contain both news stories and news features. Beats is now a sidebar at the beginning of Here and Now, Entertainment, and Sports. Three new columns will also be making a debut, as well as a revamped design. A monthly sports feature called “Practice Dummy,” an opinion column called “The Devil’s Advocate” and a feature called “A Day in the Life” will show their faces.

Clarity is an important aspect of journalism. Readers must realize that an article in the Opinion section is not the opinion of The Colonel as a whole, but of the individual writer. Editorials, however, represent the collective opinion of the entire editorial board. This is a distinction that must be understood when one judges a piece of writing or the publication as a whole, a lesson learned last year with the controversy surrounding “Drink, puke, Scope, repeat.”

As you pick up the first issue of The Colonel, approach it with an open mind. Look for the changes and new columns, and remember that there’s something inside for everyone. We would also like to here from you. Please feel free to submit letters to the editors.