Following a passion for writing, Arts & Culture editor Jacob Welsko took an interest in journalism during his freshman year and ran with it. Since his freshman year, in the Culture section, Welsko spent his time reviewing countless albums and winning awards for his stories

Staying with his love for music, Welsko plans to attend Northampton Community College to major in media production. After two years he wants to transfer to a university to continue his studies or find a job in the industry.

Stinger: On a scale of one to ten, how would you rate your high school years and why?

Welsko: I’d probably go a solid seven or eight. And I say that because, obviously, you know, the pandemic cut my senior year short, and, my sophomore year we had that flood, but that was kind of cool though. But yeah, I think I’d go like a seven or eight just because of those. And, like, I mean I had a good experience, but I didn’t really do anything crazy. You know, like in the movies, like in high school movies, people go to these amazing parties and these, you know, huge get-togethers and stuff. I mean, I still had a good experience, but it wasn’t perfect obviously. I don’t think anyone’s was perfect. And I, you know, got some poor grades here and there. So I think a seven or eight would be valid.

Stinger: You’ve been very involved with The Stinger over the past two years. What drove you towards this club?

Welsko: Um, it’s actually interesting. Before high school, I always knew I wanted to take journalism just because I really liked writing a lot. So I took journalism my freshman year, and then I just, you know, was pretty good at the start. So I joined the club and got even better. It was really just because I was in the class and Ms.Reaman liked my writing and stuff. So I was like alright, cool, I’ll do it.

Stinger: Of all the teachers you’ve had over the years, who stands out the most?

Welsko: I mean, obviously Ms. Reaman because I had her every year and we worked closely together, you know, being on The Stinger. But there’s a handful of other teachers I really liked: Mrs. Moxley, I had her sophomore year, she was my history teacher. She was super dope. Mr. Grabfelder was a great teacher. Mr. Bradley. There’s probably a bunch I’m forgetting but those are the first ones that come to mind.

Stinger: What’s your favorite lunch in the cafeteria?

Welsko: See, I actually packed mostly, but some days I would, I would get some of the lunches. I’m a huge nachos guy because I think they’re very versatile. You could, you know, get the ground beef, you get the rice, you get the cheese, salsa. I think that one, but the popcorn chicken bowl slaps too. That’s a great one.

Stinger: What’s been your proudest moment?

Welsko: Proudest moment? Actually, I don’t think it’s happened yet, and I think it’s gonna happen when I graduate. I think that’s just gonna be I think that’s when I’ll be the most proud because I’ll just finally be done. And it’s like all the things I had to do to get to that point. I’ll be like, Oh, it’s all worth it. You know?

Stinger: What are you gonna miss most about Emmaus?

Welsko: Honestly just the people here, you know, my friends. All the people I’ve met teachers that I mentioned. And honestly, just like the randomness of high school, you know, something that was kind of cut out of it this year with the pandemic but just, you know, walking in the halls and seeing people you really don’t know and hearing people say random stuff in the hallways and overhearing conversations that you’re like, I wonder what they’re talking about, you know, stuff like that, that you really can’t get anywhere else except here. And yeah, I think that’s really going to be the thing I miss the most.

Stinger: If one album could be the soundtrack to your high school years, what would it be?

Welsko: One album… I think the first one that comes to mind is this album called “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” and even though a woman wrote it, and it’s about her experiences, I think there’s definitely some things that translate with me. Obviously, the title, you know, “miseducation,” I didn’t learn anything in high school. I’m just kidding, but yeah, I think that album probably is the first that comes to mind.

Stinger: What do you want to be remembered as?

Welsko: Just someone people like, and tolerate. Obviously everyone’s not gonna like me and stuff, but, just someone positive. I just want people to have a positive memory of me, you know? Someone that, if they walk into the class, and see me in the classroom, they’re like “oh cool he’s in the class,” not “oh great he’s in the class. It’s gonna be terrible.” That’s what I wanna be remembered as.