Dear GBS,
There is a standard in the first issue of The Oracle that we wish to uphold for this up-coming school year. We commence the year (South’s 51st year) with an impressive first issue in which a variety of topics are covered – from the presidential elections to CompassionIT to fall play – that have a great impact on South and the world around us. Each and every issue we work to push the limits of student journalism and deliver the truth to people who may have heard otherwise.

Our goal is to keep the student body informed about what happens in our hallways and beyond. Ignorance is not bliss, and that is a frequent misconception we strive to override. With so much going on in our hallways and beyond, how do we decide what to put in the paper? Why is this story more important than that one? Why does this photo carry more weight than the others our photographers took?

We strive to find the stories that will have the greatest impact on you – our readers – and inspire you to listen to the voices that speak through our paper. The goal of journalism is to give voice to the population, and we hope that we can honor that as we bring you the stories of people who need an open ear.

And it’s not just in our stories, either. If you want to see something in the paper that you think needs to be addressed…you’re a
person, you have a voice, and we want you to be heard. TELL US what you’re thinking because it is our duty to listen. The four walls of Room 246 and the inbox of gbsoracle@gmail.com desire to be filled with the ideas that our community brings to the table.

Sure, The Oracle staff can write the stories, take the pictures and design the pages. But without the people around us, those whom
we walk alongside each and every day and to whom we come home at night, we have nothing. Without those stories to tell and those eyes to read, our work would be mere words on a page.

If you’re a faithful follower who reads cover to cover or if you’re someone who’s reading this letter right now and rolling your eyes at us, we want to hear from you. Your voice is unique, and it’s our goal to make the community listen. Here’s to an amazing year, South.