Editors-In-Chief + World News + Op-Ed Editors
Jack Nevins is a junior 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.
Vanessa Hsieh is a senior at High School East and is excited to participate in Newspaper Club for her fourth and final year! She has been a member of The Thunderbird since her freshman year and loves to
write about current events. In addition to Newspaper Club, Vanessa is a secretary in Key Club, a member of the Varsity Swim team, club swim team, and multiple honor societies. She loves to hang out with friends, tutor children, and listen to music in her free time. Vanessa is looking forward to writing and editing for The Thunderbird for the 2022-2023 school year!
Della Lin is a senior at High School East and has been part of the Newspaper Club since her freshman year. Outside of school, she spends much of her time in the dance studios, and her hobbies include baking and traveling. Della is looking forward to her role as an editor and is excited about the upcoming school year.
Harley Semon is a senior at High School East and has been writing for The Thunderbird since she was a freshman. Harley enjoys writing about important events within the school community as well as writing reviews and recommendations for various topics. Outside of Newspaper Club, Harley writes for the school’s literary magazine, ISA competitor for the Science Olympiad team, and a member of National Honor Society. Harley is very excited to take on this school year as both a writer and editor for The Thunderbird!
Grace Katz is a senior at High School East. She enjoys writing for the Op-Ed, School News, and Entertainment sections of The Thunderbird, spreading positive information on a variety of topics she is passionate about. In addition to the Newspaper Club, she is also the president of Animal Advocates & Friends, a member of the National Art Honor Society, and a competitive dancer. Grace is eager and excited to write and edit articles throughout the course of her final year at Hills East!
School + Community News Editor
Ellina Koo is a junior at High School East who has been writing various articles for The Thunderbird since her freshman year. She loves to take part in her community as well as getting involved in school events and she is so excited to be the editor of the School and Community News section of the paper. Along with The Thunderbird, she also has leadership positions in Key Club, Yearbook Club, and the Speech and Debate Team. Outside of school, she enjoys going out with her family and friends, and loves to help young kids. Ellina is looking forward to having a great school year!
Entertainment + Lifestyle Editor
Giulia Femia is in her second year of writing for The Thunderbird Newspaper as a junior in 
high school. Giulia is very passionate about writing, and she enjoys writing in her spare time. Whether it’s the music industry or the lifestyles of celebrities, Giulia enjoys learning about and staying up-to-date with current trends. Giulia participates in numerous extracurricular clubs, including GLI, Amnesty, Italian Honor Society, Italian club, and NAHS. Giulia works at the Shed in Plainview and enjoys spending time with her friends outside of school. Giulia anticipates an incredible school year!!
Sports Editor
Luke Gottlieb is a senior at Hills East and our Sports Editor for the 2022-2023 school year. This is his third year writing articles and his second as an editor. Luke is a big sports fan enjoying all sports including the New York Mets and Giants, and the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks. He enjoys writing articles and is interested in pursuing Finance in college. Luke can not wait to start the year!
STEM + Technology Editors
Jaclyn Kalina is a junior at High School East who is in her third 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 2022-2023 school year!
Nikki Frankel is a junior 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!
Jayden Neidell is a junior at High School East and is now entering her third 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 and Key Club. 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 2022-2023 school year!
Business Editor
Ava Sobel is a junior at High School East and a third year member and second year editor of The Thunderbird. With a passion for business and journalism, Ava introduced the business section to The Thunderbird last year. Outside of the newspaper, Ava is the secretary of DECA, the treasurer 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.