Mahopac High School’s student newspaper, PacPrints, is taking on a fresh, new look as part of an effort to reimagine the publication for today’s students. Under the guidance of advisers Alyson Hagedorn and Martina Gecaj, students worked this year to transform PacPrints from a traditional newspaper into a magazine-style publication featuring engaging, student-centered stories.
As part of this initiative, the staff set out to redesign the publication’s cover and felt strongly that a student should create the artwork. Working in collaboration with Art Department Chair Kaitlin O’Brien, they connected with senior Ash Hernandez, an AP art student, to bring their vision to life.
Hernandez worked closely with the advisers and student staff over the course of two months, incorporating feedback and refining her design through multiple iterations before arriving at the final cover, a striking portrait of a wolf’s face.
“Our goal was to create something that really reflects our student body and the stories we’re telling,” Hagedorn said. “Ash was incredible to work with. She took our ideas and elevated them into something truly original and meaningful.”
Hernandez plans to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design, where she will major in animation with a minor in visual graphic design. The redesigned cover marks an exciting step forward for PacPrints, highlighting both the creativity of Mahopac High School students and the collaborative spirit between departments.
