Who is the New Face at The Ledger?

Who am I? Brooklynn Lanes is a recent Whitehall High School graduate who loves reading, writing, and baking.

Fun fact: I have only ever gone to school in Whitehall. I had the privilege of starting Head Start (pre-school) early. That is where I learned of my love of reading through Grandma Joy! Through the years, my love for reading has only grown!

After graduating from pre-school, I finally moved on to kindergarten, where I bawled my eyes out for having to leave my mother. Then came first grade, where I gave up a rootbeer float at school to go home. That is a core memory of my stubbornness, which would only increase over the years. (Thank you to my parents for the personality trait.)

Even though elementary school seemed like the worst thing ever, it was not. It was just the beginning and a time of firsts, such as going to camp, making new friends, and creating memories.

People say that middle school is horrible and hard. As one of my siblings put it best, “It sucks, but just do your work, and you will be fine.” Middle school is where I discovered my passion for creating art. So, for seven straight years, I constantly took art. I am thankful for the teacher who stayed through it all, helping me become the artist I am today.

Art is not just one of the classes I enjoyed at school; when high school arrived, a new class called Annual did, too! My sister was very forward in her thoughts on us both taking the class. So I, being peer pressured, did. Which, I am happy she forced me to do so. Who would have thought I would love creating a yearbook? Taking photos, creating layouts, and even being an admin! Annual would later give me the foundations for a new job.

Jobs for Montana’s Graduates (JMG) was another elective I always looked forward to. JMG, for those who do not know it, is a class that helps students become career-ready. Even though I did not know (and still do not) what I am going to do with my life, JMG helped me build on social skills, group projects, and just feeling alright with not knowing the path ahead.

Throughout the years of school, I have gone from faking being sick (and getting away with it because of my pale skin) to actually being sick (because of all the germs), getting outside my comfort zone, taking classes that now pertain to my hobbies, and finally receiving my diploma.

I am happy to say it was worth it, but I am glad it is done, and I am ready to move on to the next chapter of my life, which currently involves an amazing job at the local newspaper!

EDITOR’S NOTE: Brooklyn has a flexible schedule at the Ledger office, Tuesdays through Thursdays. She recently received her notary certification and can complete notary duties once her official stamp arrives. She will also contact advertisers regarding the Whitehall Area Phone Book, Frontier Days, and other special sections. Please give Brooklynn a warm welcome when you stop into the Ledger office!