Dear reader,
2026 is a year that marks so many monumental things – the 100th year of Drops of Ink as well as my final year of high school. In February 1926, Drops of Ink was a black and white newspaper, yet full of so much hope to tell stories that mattered. Now, in 2026, Drops of Ink is a colorful magazine full of unique voices and – most importantly – still so much hope.
When I first started on Drops of Ink as a lonely freshman who had just moved to the area, I was looking for more than just a place to write – I wanted to express myself in ways more than just sitting in a regular classroom. I wanted to learn in a place where learning is questioning ideas and creating work that highlights overlooked areas of the community.
Drops of Ink was where I began to discover confidence in myself – confidence to feel heard in front of a room and to finally speak without being shrunken into something I wasn’t. And, because of Drops of Ink, I feel like I finally feel worthy in a society that often doesn’t value people like me – those who often walk alone and constantly have to question if they are even enough – all because I was given the power of writing. And while confidence is still something I’m struggling with – and frankly will for a while – Drops of Ink not only gave me a voice, it gave me the courage to take up space. Because even if you don’t believe in yourself – like I did – Drops of Ink can give you a space to try.
The 100th anniversary of Drops of Ink isn’t something that should be overlooked. Drops of Ink has passed through many advisers and staff members – people who sit where we are now, unsure, yet willing to figure out where their voice fits in the world.
To be part of the 100th anniversary of Drops of Ink means not just hoping for a positive future, but looking back on the voices that built this publication to where it is today – a small classroom community of courage and hope. After 100 amazing years of Drops of Ink, as long as students keep writing, questioning and speaking up, the future is full of exactly that, hope. Hope begins with a voice – and we are glad to be a fraction of it. We hope to inspire future DOI staff member generations to use theirs to the best of their abilities, because writing can give those who feel alone – like me – a place to finally feel like their existence matters.
Grace Jackman
2026 Co-Editor-in-Chief
Dear Reader,
I have been on staff for four years and during that time, I have seen DOI change A LOT. We went from a 30-person staff – where you had to fight for a spot in the magazine – to a group of just 10 staff members. With fewer editors and longer paste-ups, each staff member carries significantly more responsibility. Adapting to this shift has made me more efficient, resilient and collaborative as a staff member. Despite the challenges DOI has faced, I am more grateful than ever to be part of this organization.
I started my time with DOI as a freshman in love with writing and literature. As a result, I decided DOI was the perfect elective for me to take. I wanted to write articles about all sorts of topics. I joined the staff to inform my peers about the world around them. As time went on, my love for DOI shifted from writing to photography and design. I learned how to use a camera, finally mastered Adobe InDesign, and most importantly, found my people.
The friendships I have made and the skills I learned will stay with me for far longer than my time on staff. Being part of a group whose primary interest is to help, inform and uplift the community of Libertyville has been incredible.
I would like to thank our advisor, Dr. Katzman, who joined the staff last year and supported us through a time of major change in the program. With her guidance, encouragement and direction, we have been able to keep running DOI and honor its legacy for two more years.
Lastly, we would like to thank the LHS community for consistently supporting and reading our magazine every month. Your engagement and encouragement have sustained DOI for years; we would not have been able to celebrate our centennial anniversary without you.
Luiza Magalhaes
2026 Co-Editor-in-Chief
