Anna Gail Mattson: Editor-in-Chief
Years on paper: This is my third year on the paper!
Hobbies: I am an avid reader, with my favorite genres being fiction and fantasy. I also love to write, listen to music, go thrifting, be active, hang out with friends and family and drink coffee.
Activities: Outside of The Township Times, I sing in chorus and concert choir, am a part of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, and am involved in NHS.
Passions: I am extremely passionate about social justice and advocacy. I strive to make The Township Times a welcoming community for everyone, no matter your background or story. Everyone is welcome here, and I hope you can feel that whenever you come to a meeting.
Advice to writers/photographers: Be confident! Confidence is key when it comes to writing. Don’t be afraid to take creative risks and show your personality, especially when you’re writing opinion pieces. Everyone has unique perspectives to offer, and The Township Times is a place for all of them.
Favorite part of The Township Times: I love being able to see writers and photographers grow throughout the school year. Being able to nurture talent is an incredible opportunity that keeps my passion for being editor-in-chief fresh.
Zoe Baker Herron: Opinions Editor
Years on paper: This is my third year!
Hobbies: Reading is my biggest hobby, and I love reading anything existential; something that makes me think and perhaps feel a little crazy in the process. Some of my favorite books are Klara and the Sun, The Book Thief, and Anxious People. I also really enjoy thrifting, being outside, and (obviously) writing.
Activities: Outside of writing and editing for The Township Times, I’m one of the editors of Soliloquy- MT’s creative writing, literary, and arts club/publication. I also (occasionally) dance and my favorite kind of dance is modern.
Passions: I think that, above all else, I’m passionate about making people feel loved; I often find that the best way I can do that is through words and writing.
Advice to writers/photographers: It is okay not to know things! Be the dumbest person in the room, ask questions that feel stupid, seek out answers that other people already seem to know. You deserve to be here and your work is immeasurably valuable to us- we’re here for you and part of our job as editors is to help you with anything you don’t know yet!
Favorite part of The Township Times: I love the way that The Township Times provides a space for people to be heard. We are such a diverse group of writers, photographers, and thinkers, and this newspaper is an incredible forum for your ideas to be shared with the public.
Why do you love writing opinion articles? I love the way that writing opinion articles allows me to feel active in what I care about. I have the power to write what I want, the way I want to say it, and having it out in the world for people to read makes me feel like I’m putting something that I’ve worked hard on and am proud of into the world in a way that matters.
Holly Kaliss: Copy Chief
Years on paper: This will be my second year on the paper!
Hobbies: I love to play volleyball, make art (specifically drawing and painting), read, watch movies, hang out with friends, travel, and go thrifting.
Activities: I’m the Copy Chief for Township Times this year! In school, I am also a member of KEY Club. I play volleyball for both the school team and a club team.
Passions: I’m very passionate about writing and I love the way The Township Times challenges us to try new styles of writing. Sharing others’ stories is also important to me, and The Township Times is a great place for that.
Advice to writers/photographers: I would advise writers to get out of your comfort zone! It’s definitely scary to interview someone for the first time or write about a topic that you know nothing about, but those experiences will teach you so much.
Favorite part of The Township Times: I love learning about all different aspects of our school and getting the opportunity to highlight different people, groups, and events. I also love getting to know all the writers and photographers, and I’m so excited to be one of your editors for this year!
Olivia Lee: Sports Editor
Years on paper: This is my second year on staff!
Hobbies: I love playing the flute, making bracelets or little clay projects, hanging out with friends and family, and playing lacrosse. For some downtime, I enjoy watching Instagram reels, playing Roblox, or watching a good Netflix show.
Activities: I’m the Sports Editor for the Township Times, and I play the flute in both Township’s marching band and Calvary Church’s orchestra. I’m also the vice president (and former secretary) of Tri-M Honor Society, where we share our passion for music through volunteering. Outside of music, I volunteer at Calvary Church preschool as a teen helper, and I play defense on the girls lacrosse team.
Passions: I am very passionate about communication – whether it’s talking about my faith, hearing about other people’s experiences, or even just sending Instagram reels. I love making connections with others!
Advice to writers/photographers: Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box to brainstorm creative article ideas! Everyone has a unique way that they can contribute to the paper. When combining all of our creativity, the Township Times can grow tremendously!
Favorite part of The Township Times: My favorite part of The Township Times is getting to highlight talented and hardworking athletes. Our school has a never-ending roster of incredible people both on and off the field, and I love being able to show appreciation for them through the articles I write!
Coco Balestier: Social Media Editor
Years on paper: This year is my third year on the paper!
Hobbies: I love reading and writing (of course!), playing, singing, and listening to music, playing tennis and pickleball, traveling and trying new things, and spending time with my friends and family!
Activities: The Township Times, playing tennis for MTGT, playing and listening to music, Key Club!
Passions: I’m very passionate about mental health awareness. I think so many people silently struggle and no one is aware. It’s so important to be kind, understanding, and speak up about mental health so others know they’re not alone.
Advice to writers/photographers: Don’t be afraid to take risks! Journalism is all about seeking the truth and sharing information with others, and that can sometimes be hard to find. Don’t hold yourself back and be willing to take risks!
Favorite part of The Township Times: I love being able to do something I love and share it with others. It makes me feel great to know I created a piece of journalism. It makes me feel even better to know other people enjoyed that story as well!
Why do you love making social media posts?
Now more than ever, social media is so important and a consistent part of our daily lives. It’s where we retain information and learn new things. For me, social media is a way to connect with others, no matter how near or far they may be!
Emily Lai: Entertainment Editor
Years on paper: This is my third year!
Hobbies: I like to read thriller/psychological books, I play the guitar, and I like playing pickleball!
Activities: Key club, MTPA, NHS, & UNICEF!
Passions: I am super passionate about learning whether it is in school, random facts, or even learning hands-on skills outside of school!
Advice to writers/photographers: Being a diverse writer is an awesome skill set! Allow yourself to explore several types of journalistic writing/photography in more than just one section!
Favorite part of The Township Times: I love reading the articles that all our writers produce and seeing what amazing photos our photographers capture!
Maya Hartz: Features Editor
Years on paper: Two years!
Hobbies: Writing (clearly), going to the gym, making art, journaling, watching trashy cooking shows, and screaming along to my favorite songs on long drives with the windows down.
Activities: I’m your Township Times Features Editor for the year! I’m also the founding co-president of the National Art Honor Society this school year, and I’m involved in MTPA and Key Club as well.
Passions: I’m super passionate about storytelling, especially when it’s able to inspire others to tell their own stories!
Advice to writers/photographers: Pitch all your craziest ideas! Experiment with all sorts of articles and media, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or get help from your peers or your editors.
Favorite part of The Township Times: My favorite part of the Times is the way I am constantly surprised by the new articles and ideas that our staff are able to come up with and show us! The ingenuity and dedication of our writers is admirable and so cool to watch bloom throughout the year.
Why do you love features articles?: Our community here at Township is full of such incredibly interesting people and projects that being able to spotlight them and even introduce students to opportunities they didn’t know about is so rewarding!
Robbie Nguyen: Tech Editor
Years on paper: Going into my second year!
Hobbies: Traveling, skiing, watching shows, trying new foods, and learning other languages (especially Slavic languages like Russian)
Passions: Anything at the intersection of business, technology, and society. I strive to create an impact in everything I do.
Activities: I have the privilege of being the Tech Editor for the Township Times, Student Council Class of 2028 representative, and competing on the Varsity Investment Team. I also tutor two Ukrainian high school students. Beyond school, I’m Vice President of Technology at the Institute for Youth in Policy. I’m also the Deputy Director at Climate Cardinals, an international organization translating climate news into 100+ languages, and a Board Member and Director of Technology at Eco Brothers, a nonprofit promoting education equity, sustainability, and literacy.
Advice to writers/photographers: Don’t be afraid to ask questions or share ideas—this paper is built by all of us, for us. Your voice and creativity matter, and I want to help you tell your story. I’m here to celebrate your growth as a writer this school year, and I can’t wait to see what you create.
Favorite part of The Township Times: Getting to learn from, work alongside, and support such a talented group of writers and photographers. Oh, and of course, sharing my love for trending technologies that are changing our world for the better!
