Meet Our Staff
Paula Sardela, 2022-23
Senior Editor
Paula is a Senior at Academy High and writes for the Axolotl Insider. She currently runs and manages the Axolotl Insider and the student journalism club. She enjoys figure skating and writing and her favorite food is french fries. Paula makes the crosswords and writes the student spotlight article for the Axolotl Insider. In the future, she hopes to showcase many more unique student perspectives to our school and community. Please contact axolotlinsider@academyhigh.org for any inquiries.
FOUNDERS
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Colette Tichenor, 2020-21
Founding Senior Editor
Colette was from Academy High’s original class of nine. From a young age, she has been fascinated by both reading and writing fiction, but as she has progressed through her time in high school she has shifted her focus to the real world. She was dedicated to applying her creative writing ability to delivering stories and information to the Academy High community in a reliable and fun way. Her columns were focused on connecting our surroundings to our lives, environmental science, business, and everything in between. Through the Axolotl Insider, Colette aims to create a space for students, faculty, and parents alike to share their perspectives and learn from each other. She now studies biochemistry at Tulane University in New Orleans.
Cassandra Colmenares, 2020-21
Founding Senior Editor
Hailing from Academy High’s founding class, Cassandra has a love for the written word. She began her writing journey freshman year by creating narrative-heavy works and has since expanded into journalism. During her time at Academy High, she took an active role in the school community, and was excited to have played a part in creating a platform where others can share their work. She is passionate about narrative and environmental sustainability, and is always on the lookout for a fresh perspective regarding both topics. Cassandra now attends Tufts University in Medford where studies chemistry and environmental studies.
ALUMNI
William Ding, 2021-22
Former Senior Editor & Administrative Assistant
William is a senior at Academy High and is excited to bring his passion for local art into the Axolotl Insider in its first year of publication. He likes to create visual art and introduce local cultural hotspots to the Academy High community. As he’s developed as a writer, he’s found joy in merging these interests into his publications. Additionally, he’s taken a role in organizing the information that surrounds school events and updates. He fulfills this through his role as the administrative assistant, where he manages our Axolotl correspondence.
Caden Green, 2021-22
Former Senior Reporter
Caden, currently a senior at Academy High, is excited at the prospect of being one of the first members of the Axolotl Insider. He’s merged his burgeoning interest in writing with his long-standing passion for STEM. At the moment Caden writes our “Academy High Animals” column but plans to incorporate his unique perspective on technology into his writing in the future.
Joseph Kim, 2020-21
Former Senior Reporter
Joseph has an enthusiasm for writing about a variety of topics- most involving scientific, technological, and political news. His interests particularly lie in studying the communication of science and how it influences policy making and the public’s perspective of various political disagreements. In the future. Joseph hopes to write more articles related to the intersection of science and politics as the election cycle comes to a close. He now attends UCSD.
Briana Ballard, 2020-21
Former Senior Reporter
Founder of Caring Crew
Briana eagerly contributed to the Axolotl Insider. Due to her care for the community and the people within it, she takes interest in what the Academy High students are putting their time and effort towards. Her main role was the Caring Crew Correspondent, but she also wrote about the events and achievements of various other student-led clubs. While she’s not at school, you can find her hiking, baking, volunteering, or exploring within the local community. She now attends Colorado State University in Fort Collins where she studies dietetics.
Megan Wiarda, 2020-21
Former Senior Reporter
Megan is an avid reader with a persistent interest in journalism. While she is not writing, she likes to bake, listen to music, and do crafts. Previously, she wrote for the High School Confidential section in the Champaign News Gazette and continued her journalism journey by conducting teacher interviews for the Insider. Megan is pursuing a degree in political science at Indiana University in Bloomington.