The Final Chapter
Kevin Steinberger - Contributor
The unofficial motto of the United States Postal Service “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds” could be used to describe the work of the Monmouth Regional High School journalism team. which consists of interviewing and attending events in any possible condition to collect news and information for the interest of the MRHS community. Â
The process of completing an edition of the Falconaire is tremendously more difficult than most would expect. The skills necessary primarily revolve around a great deal of broad knowledge as well as English and computer skills. Every Falconaire journalist is able to write comprehensible, to the point, objective, and truthful material in a limited amount of time. The journalism team works extremely hard for the Falconaire, interpreting news and at the same time commenting on the students’ and staff’s opinions. Hard work usually helps out, but specific traits and skills are needed to handle any position on this team. The talent of the journalism team deserves to be recognized and credited. However, as the class of 2008 approaches its final weeks, the journalism team will lose a critical group of seniors.Â
As said by most of the team, this year’s group was like a family, publishing eight issues of the Falconaire each year. Unlike seasonal sports teams, the Falconaire seniors have non-stop work throughout the whole year and have created a memorable “togetherness,†says senior Editor-In-Chief Sarah Boyd.Â
Boyd has been a part of Falconaire her whole time at Monmouth Regional and has played a key role. Boyd says that her four years on the Falconaire team will be the most unforgettable aspect of her high school experience, being that this team has offered so much to its dedicated students.
The Falconaire has also given students the opportunity to use their independence as well as imagination. Staff writer Joe Maiullo, known best for his back-page comics, says that his favorite part was how “the Falconaire encouraged freedom and creativity.†Online Editor Christine Tynes along with Layout Editor Randy Strauss agree, saying they were able to use their creativity to develop the online version of the Falconaire, a landmark achievement that debuted this past January.Â
The Falconaire helped members become better writers and allowed them to express their ideas about important situations. Staff writer Julie Rutan says, “The Falconaire has made me develop as a writer, being required to write many different kinds of articles.â€Â
Staff writer Arthur Lee had a similar experience. “Journalism helped me for my English class quite a bit…I was also allowed to express my feelings on issues that were important to me,†he says.Â
Journalism has even helped pave a career path for students. “This class has definitely influenced my choice to major in writing,†says staff writer Miranda Wyatt.
As they move forward, these students are leaving plenty behind which they will definitely miss. Sports Editor Matt DenBleyker says, “I will miss the pressure put on by the deadlines.†Â
Although next year’s the team can look forward to Michelle Futerfas and Evan Gallinetti returning as senior co-Editors-in-Chief, the end of an era means rebuilding for the Falconaire team.Â
As the final issue of the 2008 Monmouth Regional Falconaire closes out the year, World News Editor Emalee Rodriguez speaks for all in this journalism crew in saying, “I am going to really miss our little Falconaire family.â€
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*Online Exclusive

Rude Awakening, designed to warn seniors of the risks involved in poor decision-making around the prom and graduation season, was held on May 29. The program, run by the Tinton Falls Police Department and SADD/REBEL, consisted of three parts.
The month of May gave the MRHS community two opportunities to appreciate the music stylings of its Jazz Band, which is ranked seventh among high school bands in the state of New Jersey. The band hosted its annual Jazz Nite on May 2 and followed up their big event with Border’s night on May 9. Since September, a repertoire of various jazz songs has been collected for this night for its listeners to enjoy. Â