As the end of the academic year draws nigh and finals loom, we are in the process of finishing our first issue at the Collegian’s helm. We couldn’t be more excited to guide the next group of talented and passionate journalists throughout the 2026-27 school year. Even as we eagerly await everything next year has in store, we’d be remiss not to pause and appreciate the Collegian writers and editors whose faith and lessons are the reason we are writing this now.

Kenyon’s microecosystem of 30 academic weeks filled with shared sicknesses, questionable all-campus themes and Fish Fridays has once again run its course. This year contained more than could ever be put in the 60-character allotment for an article title, but don’t tell that to Volume 153’s executive team, staff members and writers, who worked every week to deliver breaking news stories, musical reviews, crosswords and cartoons. As graduation becomes something more than just a number in an Instagram bio, some of the biggest names within the paper will be signing off for the last time. To us, these weren’t always the names in quippy, questionably pun-filled headlines — they were the names below them. 

We are grateful to have had the honor of working with and learning from the wonderful Vol. 153 executive trio, and to have the absolute privilege to call them our friends. Former Editor-in-Chief Sacha Franjola ’26’s constant refrain of “kill your darlings” made our articles their best. Former Editor-in-Chief Dorothy Yaqub ’26 unashamedly squashed redundancies and cliches in her crusade against the passive voice, helping us to feel confident in our own distinct style and flair. And of course, former Executive Director Micah Arenstein ’26’s undying love for the Collegian was only paralleled by his obsession with ultimate Frisbee. It has been such a pleasure watching you grow into yourselves as journalists, mentors and leaders.

As we turn the page on Vol. 153, we’re saying goodbye to our past homes at the Collegian: Features (Mattie), Arts (Mercer) and Copy (Erik, whom you can thank for the lack of an Oxford comma in this sentence). So, let us introduce ourselves to you, our dearest readers, for the first time as the executive team of Vol. 154. We are thrilled, and maybe a tad terrified, by the task and year ahead of us. However, we promise to never take for granted the trust that the Kenyon community —  as well as each and every person whose dedication and work make publishing the Collegian each week possible  — places in us. 

Readership makes the Collegian what it is. Journalism is a reciprocal act that requires commitment and responsibility to those who take the time to read — especially when the people who are picking up a copy are our lab partners, teachers, friends and teammates. As we undertake the responsibility of Vol. 154, we are committed to providing readers with the truth and representing the version of this school that they experience every day.

Alas, we will inevitably make mistakes, and we’re counting on you to hold us accountable, but it is not lost on us that since 1856, the Collegian has continued to improve year after year and we strive to do the same. 

Across the five sections that make up the Collegian, we are optimistic that with your support, interest and feedback, Vol. 154 will be one we will look back on fondly. We hope you will too. 

With love,

Madeline, Mercer and Erik

The staff editorial is written weekly by Editors-in-Chief Madeline Lawler ’27 and Mercer Thomas ’27 and Executive Director Erik Kim ’27. You can contact them at lawler1@kenyon.edu, thomas5@kenyon.edu and kim16@kenyon.edu.