The Lincoln East student newspaper, The Oracle, has been a key aspect of East culture since it first started in 1968. Throughout each year, new, amazing members join the team while some depart for college—but never without leaving memories and their own personal touch on The Oracle and its team. That being said, The Oracle would like to shine a spotlight on the exceptional seniors on the team as well as wish them the best of luck for their journeys post high school!
Avari Wischhof
“Avari is a steady force of kindness and humor,” Oracle advisor Emily Geldmeier said. “She is an incredibly hard worker and if I ask Avari to do something, she will always get it done. I am so glad she was one of our editor-in-chiefs this year!”
Avari Wischhof, a three year staff member of The Oracle and the co-editor in chief, is a bright and unconditionally kind individual that brings up the mood whenever it’s down.
“[Avari] is very determined and ambitious, throughout the year she’s always working very hard to get things done,” junior Cyan Seymour said. “I know that no matter what she does or where she goes, she’s going to do something great.”
First year experience: “I definitely felt like a deer in headlights, but right away I knew that the community was very accepting,” Wischhof said. “I challenged myself to be creative and I loved it and have done it every year since.”
Favorite memories: “I definitely love hearing rose and thorn every week—it’s always a highlight,” Wischhof said. “This year, the field trip was super fun and I love how we have a different community in this class and we’re all close.”
College: “I’m going to Stony Brook University in New York,” Wischhof said. “I’m going to major in psychology and minor in political science on a pre-law track.”
Yearbook quote: “Make sure that you’re focused but you also have fun in high school—just remember to breathe a little and have fun. High school is great but it’s not the end, enjoy it while it lasts!”
Ella Herzberg
“Ella is a light,” Geldmeier said. “She brings her enthusiasm and hard work to everything she does (and she does a lot!). ‘Ella celebrates other people’s success like it is her own and has been a great role model for everyone on staff this year.”
Ella is also a three year staff member and the co-editor in chief for The Oracle this year; Ella is outgoing, very easy to talk to, and always radiates positive energy.
“Ella is always in a positive attitude and she always brings her positive energy into class which makes other people happy,” sophomore Olivia Muffler said. “I’m excited to see what Ella does in life—it looks like she’s going to Weselayn so [I’m looking forward to] reconnecting with her!”
First year experience: “I had so much fun! A lot of the cross country girls were on the staff and that’s how I got into it,” Herzberg said. “It was so fun, the environment was awesome, and it stayed that way.”
Favorite memories: “Going to J-camp with Avari was very fun,” Herzberg said. “The year we did the magazine, we had a kaleidoscope gift for the word search, and it was [great!]”
College: “I’m going to Wesleyan University and I’m going to major in exercise science!”
Yearbook quote: “Live life to the fullest—get involved with everything you can, because it’s really fun.”
Kaitlyn Peitzmeier
“Kaitlyn is a steady force for good on our staff,” Geldmeier said. “From her first story on Chick-fil-a to her latest full page spread on pizza, Kaitlyn has grown immensely in her writing and layout design. She is kind and makes me laugh with her opinions and stories.”
Kaitlyn, a two year staff member and the current social media editor, is a funny, kind, and creative member who’s diligent and passionate in all she does!
“Kaitlyn has a lot of creative ideas for The Oracle—I’ll miss how calm and kind she [always was],” junior Rachel Gubbels said. “I hope she does great things later on in life and follows her path.”
First year experience: “It was a lot, but I really challenged myself my junior year and took something new like The Oracle,” Peitzmeier said. “I tried to branch out with my articles.”
Favorite memories: “I love the rose and thorn, it’s a little family kind of vibe!”
College: “I am going to Creighton University and I’m going to be majoring in business undecided.”
Yearbook quote: “Take advantage of every opportunity given to you and make sure to have fun.”
Gabe Buggi
“It is hard to believe that Gabe has only been on staff for one year,” Geldmeier said “He has added humor, personality, passion, and a drivenness to the Oracle. Gabe has an incredible way of making people feel like they can show up as their authentic self.”
Like mentioned above, Gabe is a first year Oracle staff member, but with his humor, writing skill, and passion, he’s played a huge role in The Oracle’s positive and accepting environment.
“[Gabe] has always been very quick to help anybody—he’s very hard-working—acing everything, and he still balances everything,” sophomore Sweet Pea Ratliff said. “Go Gabe! Have fun at college and aerodynamics.”
First year experience: “It was a nice break from all the English classes that you pretty much dedicate your whole life to, especially after AP Lang.” Buggi said.
Favorite memories: “I would say us doing the broadcast at [UNL College of Journalism], that was a lot of fun for everyone.”
College: “I’ll be attending the Georgia Institute of Technology and majoring in Aerospace engineering”
Yearbook quote: “Life is Roblox, DJ Khaled.”
Louis Hoffman
“Louis’s creativity, artistic talent, and humor is what makes him a unique contribution to The Oracle staff,” Geldmeier said. “He has committed time and energy into perfecting his cartooning and has, I think, grown the most over his last 2 years on staff.”
Louis joined The Oracle his junior year, yet, without his comics and individual touch to The Oracle’s website and print edition, it wouldn’t be nearly as interesting. This year, Louis secured the state title in headline writing, bringing honor to The Oracle and its staff.
“Louis always makes us laugh with his storytelling—he builds the environment here in The Oracle and makes it so much more welcoming,” sophomore Hazel Ockander said. “He has such a nice personality and he’s going to do great things in the future.”
First year experience: “Honestly, it wasn’t great,” Hoffman said. “I lowkey hated newspapers a lot my first year. I like it now, though, because I learned time management skills.”
Favorite memories: “I liked the holiday final prints.”
College: “I’m going to UNL and I’ll be majoring in English.”
Yearbook quote: “Stuff is only as serious as you make it.”
Claire Weibye
“Claire is thorough and detail oriented and has been a huge asset for me in all things print edition,” Geldmeier said. “Our print editions this year would not look nearly as good without her fingerprints all over them!”
Claire is the current layout editor and a three year member on The Oracle. Her creativity, detail, and compassionate help leaves everyone around her confident. Claire radiates confidence, positive energy, and is always hard-working.
“Claire is very nice and really helpful with layout [subjects], ” junior Nitya Haridas said. “Oftentimes I’m super lost and she helps me. Go Claire!”
First year experience: “It was kind of overwhelming learning everything because it’s different from English essay writing,” Weibye said. “I’m [not the most] extroverted person, so this class is healthy with that though.”
Favorite memories: “I love the cup stacking competition we have at the beginning of every year,” Weibye said. “Reporting is really fun.”
College: “I’m going to Iowa State and I plan on majoring in chemical engineering.”
Yearbook quote: “Don’t be afraid to be yourself.”
Tatum Lewis
“Even though it is her first year on staff, Tatum has brought a wonderful energy to The Oracle this year,” Geldmeier said. “She has helped our social media become more engaging, creative and relevant! Her reels added so much to The Oracle.”
Tatum is also a first year staff member, as mentioned above, but her skill, kindness, and inclusiveness makes it seem like she’s been on staff her whole high school career. Tatum is very passionate in all she does and makes everyone around her feel seen and valued.
“Tatum is always interested in other people’s lives and finds a way to include everyone—she works towards creating a positive environment towards everyone,” sophomore Lily Abele said. “I have no [doubt] that she will kill it in college and in her career!”
First year experience: “It’s been a lot of fun—a lot of new things,” Lewis said. “Writing stories is different than integrating people, so I’ve just got out of my comfort zone and that’s good.”
Favorite memories: “I really like the food parties and seeing our final print editions.”
College: “I’m going to the University of Nebraska and I will major in Ad/PR!”
Yearbook quote: “Be creative and go out of your comfort zone!”
While it is a good-bye, The Oracle staff and advisor, Geldmeier, will always appreciate and remember the departing staff as an important puzzle piece that shaped The Oracle to what it is in the present. Everyone is rooting for the seniors and The Oracle staff sends warm wishes and support towards everyone’s journeys!
