Get a Load of These College-Bound Kids

Episode 5

Andrea Lepley, Ava Smith, Juliana Mora, and Talon Larson

April 15, 2025

In this episode we talk about preparing for college, how we’re feeling, what we’re looking forward to, maybe spring break plans

No Juliana in this episode but, we have special guest co-host, Talon Larson

Our future isn’t set in stone. We’re getting ready for college, but we don’t know what to expect. Will the next four years be easy? Are we prepared? Join us as we talk about what we’re doing to get ready for the rest of our lives.

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About the Contributors

Andrea Lepley, Reference Editor/Podcast Staff

Andrea Lepley, senior, is in her second year as a Reference Editor in yearbook and a member of our new publication podcasting. In yearbook, Lepley helps organize who’s in the yearbook and arrange interviews within the staff. This helps Lepley not only keep things from getting scrambled, but gives her an opportunity to get involved with her fellow staff members work and learn what really goes into making the yearbook. She loves the way journalism, photography and producing a podcast allows her to express and find creativity in herself that was never unleashed. “Funny enough Communications wasn’t my first choice going into this school, but It was one of the best things that could’ve happened to me.” Lepley said. “I developed a love for journalism and met so many amazing and inspiring people that helped me through the years that have now become my best friends.” Outside of school, Lepley plays in the school’s top jazz band and tries to attend any school concerts that occur. In her free time, she spends the most time with her two-year-old brother before she goes off to college. She can’t wait for new adventures coming her way and what she will learn and produce with the time being. “My biggest goal is to leave school with something I will be proud of and to carry all that I learned through my time of life,” Lepley said.

Ava Smith, Copy Editor/Podcast Staff

Ava Smith, senior, is in her second year of publications and is the copy editor for The Blaze yearbook. Smith found her interest for publication in her sophomore year, when she took a photojournalism class. The class led her to find her passion of being in any area of the journalism field. She is making progress towards her goals. Smith enjoys helping out at any open house nights her school has, goes to after school events to keep up with the community and is a TA for her adviser, Mrs. Michelle Corbett. In her free time, she likes to bake with her friends and spend time with The Blaze staff. She also enjoys building Legos and spending time with her family. Smith plans to become a journalism teacher. Corbett is helping Smith with her goals and has supported her since freshman year. “Having an all new staff this year is definitely going to come with some challenges,” Smith said. “I’m not worried, though. Everyone seems eager and ready to learn.”

Juliana Mora, Editor in Chief

Juliana Mora, senior, is in her second year on the yearbook staff currently as the Editor In Chief. Mora helps her new staff now with organizing and communication. This is also Mora’s second year in podcasting and she controls the podcasting social media. Mora loves being able to help the younger classmen whether it’s with photos or design or even recording. Mora was introduced to designing by Digital productions her freshman year and switched her pathway to journalism which gave her more experience with interviewing, and writing. Mora also wants to attend University of Whitewater to study communications. In Mora’s free time she likes to spend time with her new puppy, Daisy and also her other dog, Otis. She also loves to bake with her friends and spend time with her older sister Nevaeh. “I would still like to thank my sister for the experience she pushed me towards,” Mora said. “I would also like to thank my yearbook adviser Ms. Michelle Corbett for believing in what I can do and seeing all the possibilities for me.”

Talon Larson, Design Editor

Talon Larson, senior, is in the Communications Academy and the design editor of The Blaze. As a returning staff member, Larson is growing into a leadership role on staff, working with new staff members on different tasks and projects. He loves to hangout with his friends and his dog Ember, but sometimes likes to hang back with a good book or audiobook. As a self-proclaimed music lover, Larson explores new genres with every listen. You’ll never see him without his headphones on. “Getting to know the new staff has been great, especially because I can watch them grow within their skills,” Larson said.