News

Senior JT Myers is a prominent figure at Elmira High School, setting a high bar in academics and serving in various leadership roles. His longest-serving role, and perhaps his most notable, is as the four-year editor-in-chief of Falcon News.

Myers joined Falcon News during his ninth-grade year and was named editor-in-chief right away. Although the journalism program has taken on various forms throughout the past several decades, he is believed to be the first four-year editor in the program’s history.

In reflecting on his contributions, Myers said his greatest achievements are the stories he wrote.

“I was very proud of myself for writing the series of stories on the controversy and book challenge of ‘The Hate U Give’ in English class,” Myers said. “I am most proud of my work when I write stories because it is something that is my own that I did myself.”

During Myers’ tenure, Falcon News has published over 700 stories to its website. He said that as editor, he works to elevate the work of those around him.

“A little bit of me is in every story on Falcon News,” Myers said.

Journalism teacher Michelle Nelson expressed her initial impression of Myers and why she chose him as editor-in-chief.

“He expressed interest, and I was able to determine right away that he had the skills and maturity needed to take on the role,” she said, adding that his ability to lead and his interest in journalism were pleasant surprises for someone his age. “He is a natural leader who doesn’t shy away from challenging work or difficult situations. JT has shown an interest and dedication to journalism that most people don’t at his age. He is interested in what is happening in the world and cares how it’s being covered in the media.”

Myers said his interest and inspiration came primarily from broadcast journalist Amy Goodman of “Democracy Now!”

“I was inspired by her strong pursuit of the truth and how impactful she made journalism, as an asset that could be used for activism and hold institutions accountable,” he said.

Myers plans to attend the University of Oregon, majoring in environmental studies, and eventually attend law school. He still has an interest in journalism and may pursue a minor or double major in that area of study, or perhaps nonprofit management.

“My career goals have shifted to seek truth and justice in the legal system,” Myers said. “My hope is that I will be able to blend my experiences and a potential career in journalism with my future career in law.”

With Myers graduating in June, Falcon News will lose a valuable leader. The class is shifting to a one-semester, senior-only option starting next year.

“My hope is that the condensed version of the class will build enough interest that Falcon News can be a fully running school paper again in the future,” he said.

Nelson said she has learned from Myers as well.

“I’ve learned from JT that in our world of clickbait and an increasing reliance on social media for news and information that there are young people who want to know more and who seek out legitimate sources for information,” she said.

She added that Myers is leaving behind a legacy that will last for years — even decades — to come.

“No one has worked harder, cared more or done more for Falcon News than JT,” Nelson said. “I’m not quite sure what Falcon News will look like without him, to be honest. With JT as editor, I have confidence in him to make the same decisions and changes I would make. Students know they can go to him with questions and for help. It’s difficult to adequately express how much I will miss having him around.”

In addition to editor-in-chief, Myers is the class of 2025’s valedictorian, Associated Student Body co-president and a student representative on the Fern Ridge School Board. As the class valedictorian, he will speak at the school’s graduation ceremony.

Among his other accomplishments, Myers earned second place in Wordcrafters of Eugene’s Fiction Fantastic writing contest and the City of Veneta’s “If I Were Mayor” contest. He also scored in the 94th percentile on the SAT, including in the top 2% for reading and writing; achieved a perfect 300 on the college Accuplacer test; and was named a Commended Student for the PSAT.

“I feel like I’m losing a part of me by leaving Falcon News behind,” Myers concluded. “I hope future students can take inspiration in the work I’ve done and find their own place in high school that can become integral to their identity. It was a hefty responsibility, but it was also fulfilling. It was the best part of my high school experience.

“I am certainly going to miss having Mrs. Nelson right there to ask for advice every day.”