As the sun begins to set over the picturesque Jig Pat landscape and friends bid farewell for the summer break, the 2024-2025 school year comes to an end. Within these goodbyes, another shift is taking place, the torch is being passed to the next generation of the Papyrus, setting the stage for the 129th editorial board next fall. Throughout this year, the Papyrus has taken bold, creative strides in the publication, like bringing back the Pap Poll, a column in the 90s that asked students different questions about Taft life and pop culture. Publishing insightful news articles and captivating opinion pieces, covering the pulse of student life here at Taft, were staples in each issue. Behind this energy were the three current editors in chief, whose dedication to the Papyrus truly helped shape the publication: Sky Comfort, Courtney Edwards, and Izzy Read.
Sky Comfort’s time on the Papyrus was spearheaded by a dedication and creativity so potent that it was admirable in all facets of his leadership. Whether working around the clock on the editorial process or writing his own pieces, he has always represented a thoughtful voice, inspiring future writers who will follow in his footsteps. Aside from working as Editor in Chief, Sky keeps himself extremely occupied with extracurricular clubs and sports. His leadership in the community extends beyond that of the Papyrus, as he is the Admissions Council Head as well as the head of the Community Service Board. Sky’s leadership on campus is best exemplified by his unwavering commitment to the betterment of Taft as a community and his desire to improve all parts of campus, whether in the pages of the Papyrus or the initiatives he takes beyond it. In sports, Sky serves on both the varsity ski and crew teams; he balances a challenging workload with a competitive drive for success and high-achieving athletic performance. Despite this challenging and impressive work in and outside of school, Sky brought the same integrity and care to each of the communities he was a part of.
From her earliest days as a Mid on the Papyrus, Courtney Edwards served as a staple of unmatched insight and reliability. Her passion for sports writing allowed her to explore unique articles and topics ranging from Taft athletics to professional leagues, each article written with the precision and clarity that comes from a true love of both the game and the written word. She brought a unique voice to sports, one that balanced numbers and facts with an individual flair that made small moments on the field feel big in readers’ hearts. In Taft athletics, Courtney has served as a two-year JV Ice Hockey Captain, guiding her team to victory on and off the ice. On JV Hockey, Courtney’s leadership carried over and shone just as brightly as it did in the Papyrus meeting room. Her leadership on the Papyrus makes everyone feel like they are a part of the team. Courtney aimed to always include and hear every voice, and was always willing to lend a helping hand if needed; her teammates on and off the ice knew they could count on her. Courtney’s presence on the Papyrus will leave a lasting impression of cohesiveness and confidence, forming a bond that will continue to shape the publication even after she graduates.
Last but certainly not least, Izzy Read, with her radiance and extraordinary artistic vision, has lit up campus and the hearts of faculty and students alike. In Papyrus meetings, we can speak to Izzy’s ability to foster a uniquely welcoming and inquisitive environment – one where both returning staff and first-time writers feel safe, heard, and genuinely excited to share their ideas. Her calm yet lively presence and thoughtful leadership create a space where creativity thrives. Beyond our faculty room meetings, Izzy plays an essential role in the Taft community as a School Monitor and new student mentor, and she is a dedicated member of the Veterans Awareness Fund (VAFT), serving as their head of marketing. Her impact is also vividly felt through her artwork, which has spoken volumes in Potter’s Gallery throughout her years at Taft. Her detailed portraits, rich color palettes, and seamless blending offer a brief, yet powerful window into the care, time, and dedication that Izzy pours into every endeavor she embarks on. Izzy’s legacy on the Papyrus and at Taft will be remembered for her creativity, kindness, and the beauty she contributes to every project she is a part of.
As this year’s EICs sign off, we want to thank them all for their incredible hard work and dedication. We are so proud of all that Sky, Courtney, and Izzy have accomplished throughout the year and wish them nothing but the best as they take their leadership beyond the walls of Taft. As we take on the new responsibilities of becoming the next Editors-in-Chief, the lessons we have learnt from their leadership will stay with us next year and beyond. We are honored to carry the torch that they have passed on to us, and we look forward to building a new legacy, one issue at a time. To Sky, Courtney, and Izzy, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you for everything!
