As the 2024-25 school year comes to an end, the Franklin Post is getting ready to say goodbye to its senior class. This issue marks the final one for 16 seniors on the Post — who collectively have written nearly 250 articles and edited hundreds more. Beyond setting one of the highest standards of journalism the Post has ever seen, they have spearheaded the relaunch of Frontline, the Post’s investigative journalism team; built an entirely new website design and interface; rebranded the back of our paper into “Pulse” to include crosswords, fun information about the school, and all kinds of art; and driven distribution in SE Portland through the roof, investing in brand new partnerships with local businesses. Their connection to each other has steered their ability to excel as a team and as a staff, and they will be thoroughly missed as they conquer their life goals post-high school!
Annalise Shorb — Editor-in-Chief and former News Editor
Most likely to lead a ragtag team of misfits to the state championship
Annalise Shorb’s run on the Franklin Post will not be forgotten. As a two-time Editor-in-Chief and former News Editor, Shorb has played a large role in helping modernize the paper and expand its reach into Southeast Portland through new partnerships with local businesses. She first joined the Post as a sophomore, where she went directly into the role of News Editor. It was in this position that Shorb discovered her passion for investigative journalism. She quickly became dedicated to multi-cycle pieces, deep-diving into issues pressing the community. In Jan. 2024, she published an article detailing her experience with her grandfather’s diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): “Maintaining Perspective With an Incurable Disease.” The article was picked up as a short story in the book “Standing in the Same Land” and was featured at the Portland Book Festival. In her senior year, she spent six months researching and writing about how pornography warps young people’s perception of intimacy — interviewing experts, students, and community members. Her contributions to the community are immeasurable, and her dedication to journalistic integrity is a testament to her passion and ability as both a writer and leader. Shorb has committed to the Gonzaga University Honors College in Spokane, WA to study K-5 Bilingual Education! Illustration by Easton Atlansky.
Francesca “Frankie” Silverstein — Editor-in-Chief and former Feature Editor
Most likely to make edits while skydiving
Francesca “Frankie” Silverstein eats, sleeps, and breathes student journalism. Her writing was once described on a Reddit thread as “read[ing] better than most OregonLive articles.” As a two-time Editor-in-Chief, her dedication to the Post — whether it be in her writing, her editing, or her leadership — was transformational for the paper. Her passion for investigative journalism is evident. She kickstarted the campaign to relaunch Frontline, the Franklin Post’s investigative journalism team. It’s also clear in her own writing — she’s written deep dives into teen drinking and the famous Portland Association of Teachers strike, but also has explored quirky topics that detail subcultures like hobby horsing or rejection therapy. She also oversaw the Post’s relatively new relationship with the SE Examiner — a local Portland paper with a distribution of around 20,000 copies — she worked to pair some of the most talented writers from our paper with the Examiner to write an additional story for publication. Within this, she developed a new outlet for writers who were looking for additional opportunities, beginning a summer internship program within the Examiner, where students on the Post can be paid for their writing during the summer. Next year, she will be attending the University of Oregon and majoring in physics on a full-ride through the Stamps Scholarship. Her legacy of leadership and journalistic excellence will leave a lasting mark on the paper for years to come. Illustration by Easton Atlansky.
Luke Susswood — Editor-in-Chief and former Feature Editor
Most likely to have a movie made about him
“By Luke Susswood” often graces the front pages of both the Franklin Post and The Southeast Examiner. With one year as a Feature Editor/Social Media Manager and one year as an Editor-in-Chief under his belt, Susswood has a nose for the type of stories that make people stop in their tracks and pick up the paper. Most recently, he broke the news about tensions in admin-teacher relationships at Franklin, conducting countless anonymous interviews to produce one of the most impactful pieces of journalism the Post has seen. Nonetheless, his more serious journalistic work should not overshadow his ability to craft fun and engaging features — for example, an article where he provided readers with a window into the lives of Franklin’s beloved substitutes. His passion for high-quality journalism shines through his work and the way he consistently pushes Post staff to perform at the highest level they can. He is a fearless leader whose creativity has strengthened almost every aspect of the Post. Two of the most notable examples of this are spearheading our long-overdue website redesign and his work to refocus our pitching process, leading to a noticeable increase in the quality of the paper and stories published. No matter the part of the cycle, Susswood’s passion and bold vision push the boundaries of student journalism. Susswood has enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles to major in Political Science. Easton Atlansky.
Frances Vice — Editor-in-Chief and former Feature Editor
Most likely to be in a rap group with her brothers
Frances Vice cannot be described any better than as a leader who carried the weight of the Franklin Post on her shoulders. As a Feature Editor, she could often be found sitting in the back of the room, cramming to exceed deadline expectations and take on five InDesign pages at once. Now, as Editor-in-Chief, she has proven her ability as a thorough, effective, and attentive leader, all while balancing her passion for writing her own nuanced, powerful, and well-researched articles. Vice’s articles demonstrate her versatility as a writer — she isn’t afraid to explore quirky or offbeat subjects but she also sees the importance of covering issues relevant to our community — one cycle she’ll be writing a comedic piece on rejection therapy and the next, she’s covering the impacts of a changing political landscape on future generations. Vice also oversaw the remodel of our Pulse page, helping execute the rollout of monthly crosswords, sports schedules, and other lighthearted aspects of our paper. She also helped facilitate the growth of our social media presence and the rollout of Sportscasting — the Post’s sports video journalism program — mentoring our social media managers and picking the Post’s best articles and videos to be featured. Her talent for writing, mentorship, and organization has made the Post the special community it is today. Needless to say, her work on the Post will be missed. Next year, she plans to go to the University of Rhode Island to major in Communicative Disorders and minor in Spanish. Illustration by Easton Atlansky.
Will Lowe — News Editor, Website Manager, and former Forum Editor
Most likely to take over Mr. Halberg’s job
Will Lowe embodies every quality of writing and journalistic integrity that the Franklin Post strives to achieve. Lowe finds his passion in history — something that often isn’t covered in the Franklin Post. His continued dedication to amplifying and centering local stories and perspectives is remarkable. When Lowe embarked on writing a yearlong series for the Post titled “A Brief History of Portland,” in his senior year, the Post was unprepared for the extraordinary stream of interviews and articles that would come in the months following. The series, which wrapped up last cycle, has now chronicled nearly all of Portland’s rich history. Each article is demonstrative of the meticulous research Lowe puts into his work — his harrowing interviews with historians, local experts, and community members; his profound knowledge of history; and his nuanced and engaging analysis. As both a Forum and News Editor, Lowe has shaped the Post’s coverage of both pressing national issues and complicated cultural debates. As Website Manager, he oversaw the redesign and overhaul of the Post’s entire website this past summer. His work on the Post is sure to live on as they pursue bigger and better things at Portland State University studying history and education. Illustration by Easton Atlansky.
Audrey Lynch — Sports Editor
Most likely to save someone in an emergency
Audrey Lynch joined the Post as a writer during her sophomore year. She is graduating as a two-time Sports Editor with 26 articles under her belt — more than any other graduating senior — that are made up of a blend of thoughtful profiles covering personal narratives to in-depth legal analyses of local and national politics. Lynch is never one to shy away from hard work; she steps up as a leader and fills in the gaps of the Post whenever needed. Between directing Franklin musicals and captaining the mock trial team, she manages to carry the Sports section on her back. Lynch has truly shown what it means to be a leader on the paper: to put compassion and thoughtfulness into every action, all while maintaining the highest standards of journalism through empathetic reporting. Lynch does not shy away from covering controversy; she began her time on the Post covering Iranian women’s civil liberties and ended with two articles covering the drastic budget cuts facing our school district in the coming years. Her unrelenting passion for the paper will be missed as she pursues a major in political science and a minor in journalism at the University of Oregon. Illustration by Easton Atlansky.
Oliver McMaster — Sports Editor
Most likely to be a sports broadcaster
If you are an avid reader of the Franklin Post’s Sports section, Oliver McMaster is a name you likely know quite well. As a two-year resident sports writer and one-time Sports Editor, McMaster upheld and grew the section’s reputation for insightful, high-quality reporting. His coverage ranged from in-depth analysis of the University of Oregon football team and UConn Basketball team to exclusive features on high school sports. McMaster’s writing and leadership in the sports section are characterized by his balance of technical expertise and accessibility, making complex plays and sports culture digestible for all audiences. Beyond Franklin, McMaster works as a sportscaster for Benson Polytechnic High School’s radio station KBPS, where he is a live commentator for high school games. With plans to major in journalism and focus on sports media next year at the University of Oregon, McMaster’s work and dedication to sports media is just getting started. Illustration by Easton Atlansky.
Ella Grimes — Arts & Entertainment Editor
Most likely to be a niche internet celebrity
Ella Grimes brings a lively, caring, and shining presence to the Post classroom every day, sharing her genuine passion for journalism with our community. As an Arts & Entertainment Editor, she excels in technical editing. Grimes has sharp editorial instincts — whether it be in style or flow — while also maintaining the creative visions of her writers. She approaches the job with enthusiasm through setbacks and has elevated both the status and quality of the Arts & Entertainment section of the Post. In her own writing, whether she’s sharing heartfelt and deeply personal reflections about Outdoor School, breaking down the best music streaming platforms, or covering Franklin events, her writing is always engaging, thoughtful, and deeply human. It is no surprise that Grimes’ dream is to become a book editor, and we know for a fact that Grimes will find the utmost success in that pursuit. Next year, she plans to attend Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY to major in English and minor in political science. Illustration by Easton Atlansky.
Beatrice Liebrecht — Variety Editor & former Sports Editor
Most likely to be a professional journalist
Beatrice Liebrecht has positioned herself as one of the most consistent and talented writers on the Post over the last two years. Despite being from San Francisco, her articles all seem to center around one thing: the Portland community. Whether reporting on the city’s evolving music scene, electoral reforms, or public art installations, her work consistently demonstrates her passion for centering local narratives, and her ability to transform them into engaging, insightful stories is incredible. Liebrecht is never one to shy away from taking opportunities. She has written for the Southeast Examiner six times — more than any other writer on the Post — both through her own accord and through the Post’s monthly collaboration. Liebrecht also excels as an editor. All while balancing soccer practice and multiple jobs, she has held key editorial roles: Sports Editor in her junior year and Variety Editor in her senior year. Specifically, her leadership in the variety section this year has been transformative, reshaping its content, topics, and tone to blend lighthearted comedic pieces with thoroughly researched features. Her work ethic represents her dedication to our community, one of passion and persistence. Liebrecht has committed to the University of San Diego where she intends to go on the pre-med track in the Honors Program. Illustration by Easton Atlansky.
Carson Statham — Variety Editor & Social Media Manager
Most likely to be a professional adventurer
Carson Statham has not only served as one of the sharpest Variety Editors the paper has seen but also as the beacon of energy and lightheartedness our paper needs. As both a Variety Editor and Social Media Manager, he has helped shape the Post’s voice — bringing a touch of humor into the back of our paper or ensuring that our social media presence is just as vibrant as our physical papers. In his own articles, whether Statham is covering the evolving attitudes around tipping, robot police dogs, profiling Bob’s Red Mill, or ranking Olympic Heartthrobs, his work is clearly driven by curiosity. He approaches every topic with a question and comes back with a nuanced and complex answer that leaves readers wanting more. His leadership, both online and in our physical paper, is steered by his commitment to the Post community and he will be deeply missed as he majors in communications and education at Central Oregon Community College. Illustration by Easton Atlansky.
Jodie Coughlin — Pulse and former Variety Editor
Most likely to secretly be recruited in Australia to play the didgeridoo
Even if you’ve never read a Franklin Post article, you’ve likely seen or done one of Jodie Coughlin’s famous crosswords as resident Pulse editor. She helped overhaul the entirety of the Pulse section in her senior year, implementing the infamous Keats’ History Corner and the iconic trivia section. Her dedication to the Post these past two years is admirable. She began as a Variety Editor in her junior year, where she excelled in leadership and editorial consistency; however, she also shines in her writing. Her lighthearted but detail-oriented pieces — whether it be about Franklin law, sports, teen bands, or coverage of teen tattoos — consistently center around the Franklin and Southeast Portland communities. When she approaches more serious topics like sustainability within local businesses, she does so with care and compassion. Her impact on the Post goes beyond just her bylines — her leadership and unwavering passion for journalism have helped shape our paper into what it is today. Her presence will be deeply missed as she majors in exercise science at the University of Vermont, but her impact will continue to be seen in the high standard of reporting she leaves behind. Illustration by Easton Atlansky.
Beatrix Brandau — Writer
Most likely to run an underground tattoo shop
Despite joining the Post in her senior year, Beatrix Brandau has quickly proven to be one of the most talented writers in Post history. Her knowledge of AP style, commitment to finding high-quality interviews, and natural ability to engage writers are awe-inspiring for the entire community. Brandau’s reporting consistently balances in-depth research with vivid, immersive storytelling. Her coverage of events like Peacock Lane provides not just description and details but a deep dive into the history, community involvement, and stories behind them. She excels at pitching articles that bring community voices to the forefront, incorporating interviews with residents, organizers, and experts to create a well-rounded narrative. Even with just a year on the Post under her belt, her enthusiastic, insightful reporting deserves the utmost recognition. Staff is sad to see her go, but excited to send her off to the University of Vermont, where she will major in neuroscience. Illustration by Easton Atlansky.
Dashiell Hampson — Writer
Most likely to have a huge following for his underground YouTube channel
Dashiell Hampson is perhaps best known, not for his esteemed technical writing in the Sports section, but rather for his role in expanding Sportscasting at Franklin. He was the first writer to begin video coverage on the Post, this past fall, providing insightful and energetic commentary and interviews. While his coverage is confined to the Sports section, it extends to every corner of Franklin Athletics — he routinely stands out as committed to making sure every play is seen and every call is heard, no matter the sport. Whether behind the mic or on the page, Hampson has made it his mission to ensure that Franklin’s athletes receive the recognition they deserve. His dedication to Franklin sports journalism is admirable and will be dearly missed as he majors in sports media at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. Illustration by Easton Atlansky.
Keats Henderson — Writer
Most likely to have a cologne line called political seduction
Keats Henderson is the most recent addition to the infamous “Post Playas” — one of the Post’s most sought-after table groups. Henderson transferred into the Post his senior year to bless us with his abstract political coverage — his unique astute ability to translate his vast historical knowledge into readable, accessible stories is certainly impressive and leaves readers desiring more. Those readers are in luck: on the back side of the paper you can find “Keat’s History Corner,” a deep dive into one of Henderson’s precise pockets of knowledge. In our March issue, he expanded his scope of coverage to the news section with his article about the PPS school board race. His contributions to our paper are like no other and his writing will be thoroughly missed. Next year he plans to major in — you guessed it — political science and history at the University of Virginia. Illustration by Easton Atlansky.
Jonny Sommer — Writer
Most likely to be a stay-at-home dad
Despite transferring into the Post his senior year without taking any introductory courses, Jonny Sommer has shown his ability to excel in empathetic, thorough reporting. His two-part series on the houselessness crisis in Portland is representative of his broader dedication to well-researched journalism. Sommer has a knack for tackling complex issues facing the city or our community with a touch of empathy and strong narration. Beyond his series on houselessness, he has become a dependable and energetic member of the Post community. He will be deeply missed as he attends the University of Oregon Clark Honors College majoring in English. Illustration by Easton Atlansky.
