Letter from the Editor

By Ella Tracy

It’s been a busy semester at St. Kate’s. 

I don’t think any of us foresaw school being so violently disrupted by federal occupation. We felt the tension and the fear in just about every area of life. It was a frigid winter. 

I was warmed seeing our community’s commitment to loving thy dear neighbor. Students drove groceries to families, attended marches and rallies, engaged in constitutional observation training, started a club dedicated to supporting students, intentionally supported local businesses who were hit hard by the surge, and found little ways to love their peers in the midst of fear and isolation. 

Not a single second of this is easy. We’ll carry the scars of lost community and family members for years to come. But I’m proud of us for proving time and time again how we will show up for our neighbors. I hope we hold onto our love for each other, our solidarity, and our humanity.  

Now, summer is right around the corner. Some of you will be back in the fall. My wish for you is to recharge. Relax when you can and fall back in love with all your passions. Whether you have 1, 2, or 3 years left at St. Kate’s, remember that this space has so much left to give. Rest now so you’re ready to tackle a new year of growth in the fall. 

Some of us are graduating. In less than two short weeks, we’ll walk across the stage, diploma in hand, probably shed a few sentimental tears, and kick off our first summer as Real AdultsTM. My wish for us is to live. Truly, deeply live. Stay in touch with those long distance friends. Go on that silly roadtrip. Apply for the job you think you’re underqualified for (white men do it all the time; don’t let them win). Rediscover the hobbies you loved as a kid. Take every single one of your paid leave days. Frolic in a field. Go a little too hard at that dance. Have a picnic. Wear the adorable strawberry earrings into the office. Don’t lose your whimsy. 

I’m leaving The Wheel in excellent hands. Lexi Davis and Amirah Idris, your next editorial team, have incredible passion for journalism, and their shared vision for the future of the paper is filled with excitement. 

I’m so proud of this year’s team of journalists. They always brought compelling stories to the table. They challenged themselves to try new genres. They pursued truth and excellence in every piece. They elevated voices and subjects that might have otherwise been brushed under the rug. To me, that is what journalism is all about. 

It’s bittersweet to say goodbye. But I could not be prouder of you all, and I can’t wait to see where you go next. 

All my love, 
Ella Tracy ‘26