“With these vows, I dedicate myself to this publication, which I hold so dear to my heart. I promise to cover you, for I know you’ll cover me. Lastly, my dearest Eagle’s Tale, I promise you me.”

At the beginning of each new school year, students of 1305 read these wedding vows to pledge their loyalty and service to The Eagle’s Tale. For years, the publication has been wed to numerous reporters, photographers and videographers. However, this past September marked the 10 year anniversary of the creation of the online version, a monumentous step for the paper.

Out of the 10 years this online newspaper has existed, I’ve been a part of it for three. It’s strange to think that’s about a third of Eagle’s Tale’s entire lifetime. In that time, I’ve experienced countless changes, transitioning from being barely more than a freshman to a senior. Through it all, The Eagle’s Tale has been a constant. When I first began serving on this staff, I was in a constant state of producing content. I desperately wanted to work as hard as I could for the publication and earn my place as a staff reporter. I liked having that drive, too. 

Of course, times have changed, as they do. Now, as Co-Editor-In-Chief, I carry many responsibilities besides simple writing. Before me, this was the job of others, a tall boy who would give his honest and brutal opinion always and two girls, who were different in almost every way. It’s almost unfathomable that I am in the same position as those people I looked up to not so long ago. 

Since this is my last year on staff, this anniversary is somewhat bittersweet. Something I’ve put my time and effort into over my high school career is suddenly no longer mine. Sure, I have a semester of writing left, but only in the most basic of ways. As I mentioned earlier, beginning the paper, the learning of how to be a part of it, was half the fun. Now, as things begin to come to a close and I prepare for the next stage of life, The Eagle’s Tale will be mainly supported by the next wave of brilliant writers. As able and willing as they are, it’s hard to watch such a vital part of one’s life slip into the hands of another.

As for the aforementioned wedding to the paper, which might seem over the top to those now involved in a journalistic field, writing for the Eagle’s Tale has been exactly that. A long commitment. However, such a wedding is not only hard work and dedication, but it’s also a series of precious moments. From UIL trips to heartfelt interviews to Monday morning meetings, this newspaper has given me memories forever.

They say good things must always come to an end, and while my experiences with The Eagle’s Tale will quite soon, the legacy of our paper will endure.