Dear Reader,

Seeing my name on the byline of a newly published article, leading a classroom of student-journalists every weekday, editing a magazine with eight of my best friends.

These moments give me a sense of purpose and have guided me throughout my three years on On The Record’s staff. I’ve always thought that’s what makes this staff, magazine and mission so unique: our passion for telling new stories that directly affect you.

But as we’ve produced this year’s Fall/Winter issue, I’ve realized how blind I’ve been to the people and organizations all around me that exist and strive for the same things our staff does.

In this issue of On The Record, our staffers have followed and told the stories of local organizations by and for the youth of Louisville.

Senior writer Michelle Parada shares her experience in the Adelante Hispanic Achievers program and dives into other organizations promoting an appreciation for their culture in Louisville’s Latino and Hispanic youth.

Sophomore writer Aurora Gilbertson and her team volunteered at and explored local organizations working to combat child welfare, and called for increased youth involvement.

And finally, sophomore writer and multimedia specialist Maggie Stone shares the story of the Kentucky Student Voice Team in their fight for a “no” vote on Amendment 2.

Along with this year’s package, you will experience an average school day of three local youth, as well as their and the community’s opinions on Louisville’s high schools. You will also read about the Louisville Free Public Library’s recent expansion, and how youth can utilize the organization’s unique opportunities.

Read until the end to learn more about how Louisville’s complex history with redlining bleeds into the present day, how local female athletes have overcome nutritional issues and Louisville’s chapter of Guns to Gardens, an organization taking peaceful steps to combat our city’s ongoing issue of gun violence.

Each organization in this year’s package strives for an ideal: whether it’s protecting public funding for our city’s public schools or calling for more people to get involved in volunteering efforts amid a child welfare crisis, our city’s youth work for what they believe in on important issues.

Although achieving these goals is important, it’s the collaboration and passion of Louisville’s youth that make each of these groups special. It isn’t all about their objective — it’s about the steps they take.

Producing these stories has been a unique and formative experience for each of our staff members, and I hope you set this issue down having learned something new.

The creation of this issue has certainly been an adventure for me. I’ve always thought the beauty of print journalism is in the physical product, but throughout the process of creating this magazine, I’ve realized the true beauty is in the journey. I hope every story we bring to you is as enjoyable to flip through as it was for us to experience.

Talk soon,

Sammie Haden