As the warmth of summer approaches, and the ringing of the last bell of the school year prepares to chime, The Bobcat Prowl also prepares for its own major changes.

For the past two years, Max Schwartzman has enthusiastically led The Prowl as its Editor-in-Chief, building the paper into one of America’s most prominent student-run publications. At his side has been Content Editor Aasrith Veerapaneni, who implemented and organized many of the behind-the-scenes successes that have helped The Prowl to flourish. 

Schwartzman will be leaving South Windsor to study international relations at George Washington University in Washington, DC. His aim of becoming a diplomat has its origin with The Prowl when he published an article about his personal attempts at diplomacy that is currently being turned into a full-length book.

On the other hand, Veerapaneni has chosen to study English at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa. Using his skills that helped make The Prowl great, he plans to pursue writing, perhaps on the neon-lit streets of Broadway or the rolling hills of Hollywood.

However, as the saying goes, when one door closes, another opens. The loss of Schwartzman and Veerpaneni will be sad for the paper, but the staff and readers can be assured that they’ll be in the great hands of the new Editor-in-Chief and new Content Editor. 

Eliza Blanchfield, currently one of the editors of The Bobcat Prowl, was chosen to lead the newspaper going forward. Joining as a half-year student during the Spring semester of 2023, she quickly rose to an editorial position during the 2023-2024 school year, even writing the very first news piece of the semester. 

Despite only being a sophomore, Blanchfield has proven herself through both writing and editing, quickly showcasing her prowess for leadership. 

“I’ve been lucky enough to have the greatest staff – some of the most talented and hardworking folks you’d ever meet – but it’s Eliza who stands above the rest through her unstoppable determination, an uncanny ability to foster teamwork, and dedication to The Prowl,” Schwartzman noted. “I full-heartedly believe in her and know that she’ll do an amazing job.”

Blanchfield, a dedicated community member around South Windsor, is looking forward to taking over the position and getting to help foster journalism education and interest in journalistic careers for SWHS students. For her own future, Blanchfield seeks to follow journalism and writing with an emphasis on psychology – especially to help children. 

In addition, Emma Cherubini, the current Copy Editor, will take over as the Content Editor next year, becoming the second highest position on staff. The Copy Editor seat is colloquially known as the “Aasrith” of the newspaper, named after the departing holder of the title.

“With her work ethic, organizational skills, and ability, [Cherubini] will provide an amazing anchor for success,” Veerapaneni said.

As a rising senior, Cherubini is looking forward to continuing her journalism career into college and beyond. For The Prowl, Cherubini was the first individual staff member to receive an award for an article, winning a Best of SNO Award for her Christmas Story Come to Life piece.

One constant for The Prowl will be Mrs. Cara Quinn, the newspaper’s incredible advisor. Quinn took the position at the same time Schwartzman became the Editor-in-Chief, and has been a major asset to the students-run course.

“Mrs. Quinn’s support for the newspaper staff and editors never falters, nor does her passion for journalism,” Eliza Blanchfield explained. “Her consistent commitment to The Prowl is evident, and admired by many.”

Even though the Schwartzman-Veerapaneni era is coming to an end, there is still a great outlook for the future – much thanks to Blanchfield and Cherubini. The Prowl has and will continue to cover stories from across South Windsor and SWHS, be involved in local events and affairs, and even start new initiatives and projects around town, and with its new leadership, will reach new heights never before believed possible.