Editor-in-Chief + Sports Editor
Jack Nevins is a senior at Hills East and the editor-in-chief of this year’s Thunderbird. He has been writing for the paper since his freshman year and as a sophomore held sports editor position. Jack loves sports and everything behind them. He broadcasted the school’s basketball games last season and interviewed all of the players and coaches for football, basketball, and more. Jack plays on both the tennis and golf teams for HSE, and is very excited about what this year’s newspaper has in store.
Editor-in-Chief + School/Community News Editor
Ellina Koo is a senior at High School East and has been writing for The Thunderbird since her freshman year. Since the start of her high school career, she’s always enjoyed writing about school events for others in the community to catch up on and know about. Aside from her involvement in the Newspaper Club, she is the President of Key Club, Vice Captain of the Speech and Debate Team, Public Relations Chair of Yearbook Club, Secretary of FBLA, and multiple honor societies. In her free time, she enjoys going out on walks, exploring the city, and spending time with her friends and family. Ellina is thrilled to continue writing and editing for the Newspaper for the 2023-2024 school year!
STEM + Technology Editors
Jaclyn Kalina is a senior at High School East who is in her fourth year of writing for The 
Thunderbird Newspaper. Jaclyn is extremely interested in all scientific fields and can’t wait to apply preexisting knowledge as well as research new discoveries as an editor of the STEM+ Technology section. Outside of being apart of The Thunderbird Newspaper, she is a captain of the Varsity Kickline team, president of Science Explorers Club, involved in the XX Coders Club, and spends her free time volunteering in her community. Jaclyn loves to dance and hang out with her friends in her free time. She can’t wait to be apart of The Thunderbird Newspaper as an editor for the 2023-2024 school year!
Entertainment + Lifestyle Editor
Nikki Frankel is a senior at High School East and in her third year writing for The 
Thunderbird Newspaper. She enjoys writing about current events, school news, and STEM and technology topics in particular. Nikki participates in numerous additional school activities aside from the Newspaper Club, including the Varsity Kickline team, Amnesty Club, Science Explorers, Chinese Honor Society, and many others. Outside of school, she enjoys hanging out with her friends, baking, and cooking. Nikki is looking forward to a great year writing and editing for the Newspaper for the 2022-2023 school year!
World News + Op. Ed. Editor
Jayden Neidell is a senior at High School East and is now entering her fourth year writing for The Thunderbird Newspaper. Jayden has a great interest in learning about all things science and has loved writing about these topics throughout her time participating in the Newspaper. Aside from being a part of the HSE Newspaper, Jayden is also a captain of the Varsity Kickline team, the Dixettes, President of the Science Explorers Club, Captain of the Speech and Debate team, and is also involved in the school’s Student Government. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family and dancing. Jayden is looking forward to furthering her involvement in the Newspaper as a STEM and Technology editor and working with her fellow editors during the 2023-2024 school year!
Editor-in-Chief + Business Editor
Ava Sobel is a senior at High School East and a fourth year member and third year editor ofThe Thunderbird. With a passion for business and journalism, Ava introduced the business section to The Thunderbird her sophomore year. Outside of the newspaper, Ava is the President of DECA, the President of Girls Learn International, a member of the Girls Varsity Soccer Team, and a director of the sports program at the Friendship Circle! Additionally, Ava’s hobbies include exercising and spending time with friends and family.