Ja’Nyah Villa is a senior in her fourth year of writing for the Chronicle! She started her journalism career during her freshman year, and her experience built up her credentials. She is one of five co-hosts for the Chronicle’s video news segment “What’s the word Wego?” Additionally, she is the co-editor-in-chief for the paper. Ja’Nyah hopes to pursue a career in book publishing or journalism.  She is very driven and dedicated to her schoolwork and extracurricular activities. Outside of Journalism, Ja’Nyah is an active member of Wego Drama and serves on the leadership team as Senior Representative. There, she spends most of her time on stage and has even been part of a state-qualifying play.  Aside from theater, Ja’Nyah is passionate about her music classes. She is a 3-year member of Wego’s Honors Acappella Chamber Choir, where she dedicates hours of her time to practice and go to gigs; She is also a member of the concert choir. Ja’Nyah’s hobbies include reading and listening to music. So far, she has read 8 books in 2025, and her favorite book is “Thunderhead,” by Neal Shusterman. She also enjoys listening to music (while she reads and otherwise)! Her top 5 artists on Spotify are Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, BoyWithUke, Conan Gray, and Lizzy McAlpine. Her favorite genres are pop, punk, rock, and musical theater!

Senior Eli Sampson is a first-year journalism student. Despite disliking math, he thrives in the local Kindred Coffee Roasters shop that can be found in downtown West Chicago – you will find him whipping up some coffee on any given weeknight.  At school, you may see him snapping photos as a three-year member of the AV Club run by WEGO’s very own David Jennings. Eli’s love for talking brought him into journalism, but his passion lies in psychology, as he wishes to work in therapy in the future. Eli is excited to live out his last year in high school and wherever the road takes him, it will lead him to hopefully bigger and better things.

Romeo Alfaro has made the life-changing decision to take Journalism for his final year as a soon-to-be graduate of WEGO. Romeo is dedicated to running; he has been a part of the track and cross country team since freshman year and made it to Varsity his sophomore year, as well as being promoted captain and given a trophy for being the most improved of the season at his awards night. More importantly though, Romeo is obsessed with Tyler, the Creator, as he reflects his whole personality around him. 

Samantha Suarez is a senior at West Chicago Community High School and is taking Journalism for the first time this year. In her spare time, Sam likes to go on walks and read books – that is, when she is not busy with school or her job. Sam works as a server in a retirement home in nearby Naperville. Over the summer, Sam went to Michoacán, Mexico, for a month, and so she is now ready for a fresh start to the school year.

Future artist Logan Reed loves to draw. He plans to attend Minneapolis College of Art and Design to major in illustration. Logan is also part of the golf team, AV Club, and volleyball, all of which he enjoys. He also has a loving family (who shared his talent for drawing). Fun fact: Logan’s top choice of food would be the yummy Buffalo Mac and Cheese from Noodles & Company.