2018-2019 Staff
Olivia Haefner
Co Editor-in-Chief
Hello my name is Olivia Haefner I'm a senior and this is my 4th and final year being in the Torch family. Freshman year I started out as a writer who had never written or experienced journalism now I'm a seasoned editor. I initially...
Jenna Anderson
Co Editor-in-Chief
My name is Jenna Anderson, I am a senior and this is my fourth year in Torch. I have an older sister who goes to the University of Iowa, who encouraged me to be a part of journalism at Kennedy. I play both school and club volleyball,...
Olivia Riley-Schmelzer
Writer
Hi, I'm Olivia Riley-Schmelzer and I am a sophomore at Kennedy High School. This is my first year being apart of Torch and I'm very excited. I am currently working as a barista at the Barnes and Noble Cafe here in Cedar Rapids....
Haylee Brewer
Writer
Hi, I'm Haylee and I absolutely love writing and taking photos. I mostly take photos outside of nature and animals etc. I also love animals, whether it's taking them on walks or just playing with them. Reading books is also one...
Mackenzie Joseph
Writer
Hey I'm Mackenzie and I love writing and photographing. My favorite things to take photos of is my dog, Gracie, and the movement of water. My dog is kind of my best friend, which sounds cliche but she really is. Another thing...
Grace Hanrahan
Writer
Hi readers, my name is Grace Hanrahan and I am a new writer for Torch this year. I am a sophomore at Kennedy and I enjoy being involved in language arts activities and music. Show choir has been a part of my life since 6th grade,...
Alyssa Friedley
Writer
Hi! I’m Alyssa Friedley and this is my sophomore year at KHS. I am the second oldest of five brothers and have four pets. Some things I enjoy include animals, science, reading, and writing. During the summer I enjoy vacationing...
Jami Martin-Trainor
Writer
Hi! I'm Jami Martin-Trainor and this year I'm a sophomore at Kennedy. I'm so excited for this year and all of the opportunities that come with. I'm a part of the Kennedy Varsity Dance Team, and have been dancing at Cherie's Dance...
Mathew WorthingtonBarnes
Writer
My name is Mathew WorthingtonBarnes and I am a proud member of Torch. I am so happy to be doing this. It is just so much fun and is kind of relaxing but a very high stress job. This will be my first full year of Torch and so far...
Anna Reinhart
Opinion Editor
My name is Anna Reinhart and I am a senior at Kennedy. I have been a member of the journalism program at Kennedy all four years of high school and have had the positions profile editor and opinion editor. I have two older siblings...
Samuel Miranda
Contributor
Howdy, I'm Samuel Miranda, most people just call me Sam. I've been someone who's wanted to write in publications since about 6th grade and have always loved my L.A. classes. Along with loving to write I also enjoy building computers...
Claire Beaman
writer
Hello my name is Claire Beaman and I am a sophomore this year. I joined Torch because I love writing with a cause, and I'm not afraid to voice my opinion. I am currently learning four languages, two of which I am studying here...