I am Mia Emerson, Editorial Cartoonist and Feature Editor of the Paw Print. I’m 17 years-old and a senior here at Plainfield South. Originally, I was a junior member of the Paw Print in my sophomore year but had to take a gap year from the paper due to conflicts in my schedule. Now that I am back, I couldn’t be happier because working on the newspaper is a joy that allows me to be a voice for the student body!

Originally, I joined journalism because it was recommended to me at the end of freshman year and at first I was skeptical. However, the group behind this paper is so friendly and welcoming they became my family in no time! This tight-knit group of ours encourages me to break out of my shell and write stories on things I never would have imagined reporting on. Some favorite articles I wrote were the Paws or Claws: Nike Boycott and the editorial Puppy mills ruin dogs; adopt from shelters with the corresponding editorial cartoon.

However, despite the encouragement of my newspaper family, I am most comfortable with the entertainment side of the newspaper, especially editorial cartooning! Editorial cartooning is an extension of my passion for illustration which I plan to pursue after high school. I won 1st in both sectionals and conference for editorial cartooning in Journalism competitions sophomore year, which allowed me to go to the state finals.

This year I look forward to being more involved with the newspaper’s creation while working alongside my journalist friends. I also hope we’ll be back in school by the time competition season rolls around because I always look forward to that! Let’s have a great year, everyone!