Four years ago, I stepped into room C-107 as a wide-eyed freshman, thinking I was signing up to write stories. But what unfolded was far greater than writing. It became a journey of storytelling, design, photography, leadership and community connection.

Serving as Editor-in-Chief of The Mentor these past two years has been one of the greatest honors. It’s been more than deadlines, layouts and headlines. It’s been a privilege: to tell the stories of the people who make this school and this city so incredibly special. From spotlighting student-athletes chasing dreams under Friday night lights, to lifting up artists whose work leaves us speechless, to asking tough questions of leadership when it mattered most, this paper has never just been ink on a page. It’s been the platform and pulse of our community.

I’m endlessly grateful to the Manhattan High School community — our teachers, administrators, students and families — for trusting us with your stories. For letting us into your victories, your challenges and everything in between. To my staff, thank you for your support, your humor and your belief in the power of good journalism. You made the late nights worth it.

As this chapter closes for me, here’s what I’ll carry with me: every community has extraordinary stories waiting to be told. You just have to care enough to look for them. To anyone reading this, you have a voice. Use it. Not just when it’s easy, but when it’s hard. Not just when it benefits you, but when it uplifts others.

This publication was always about us as a community. About what we value, what we celebrate and what we challenge ourselves to become.

And though this is my last byline in The Mentor, it won’t be the last story I chase. And it certainly shouldn’t be yours either. Keep writing your story. Make it one worth reading.

With gratitude,
Advith Natarajan
Editor-in-Chief, The Mentor