Savannah Hayes is the News Editor for the McIntosh Trail. She began her work in the Trail during her Sophomore year, and has been News Editor since her Junior year. Her accomplishments include multiple GSPA awards for her In-Depth news, Features and Social Media Storytelling. Hayes aspires to be a veterinarian and currently works at the Atlanta Zoo.

Q: What was your contribution to McIntosh High School? 

A: “I think my biggest contribution to MHS has been my time commitment to the various clubs and organizations I have been a part of. This not only includes the Trail but also the Spirit of McIntosh Marching Band, National honor Society, Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Science National Honor Society and many others. I have enjoyed all of my extracurriculars throughout the years, and I think that they are all a big part of what sums up my high school experiences and contributions to the fullest.”

Q: How have you made the Trail a better program? What was your contribution?

A: “Well for starters I hope I have been a good role model, but I think that as an editorial board this year as a whole so many of the seniors and underclassmen editors have worked to take leaps and bounds for the Trail. Not only did we accomplish our first Best of SNO, but we also accomplished the first SNO Distinguished Sites in the Trails over 40 year history as my time as an editor. I am so proud of everyone on staff, but I would like to believe that some of that accomplishment had to do with some of my work. Personally I am so proud of my accomplishments over the past three years of my work, but I am extremely happy with the way I am leaving the Trail. Compared to when I entered I think the Trail has come such a long way. Also throughout the year I have tried my best to help everyone where and whenever I could the best I could, and I consider that one of my contributions as well.”

Q: What college do you plan on attending, and what will your major studies be?

A: “I plan on attending the University of Georgia next year my major being Biomedical Physiology with pre-veterinary focus. I also plan to continue my love for journalism with a minor in communications.”

Q: What is your favorite memory from your years on the Trail staff?

A: “This is such a hard question because there are so many to choose from. I really enjoyed my sophomore year when we took photos every day for the hoco dress up days. It is one of my major memories from my earlier times on the Trail. I also really enjoyed the parties we had throughout the time because they were always the best time to bond as a staff.”

Q: What are you proudest of, in your time with the Trail?

A: “I am so extremely proud of how I finally accomplished winning a Best of SNO and not only one but two. Similarly to that I was also able to finally win an All-Georgia, these are both such big awards in my eyes that as a first year staffer I never would have dreamed I would win. Also as mentioned earlier I am so proud of the staff as a whole in accomplishing a Distinguished Sites award. We worked so hard to gain them all year and in the final stretch we did it!”

Q: What words of wisdom do you have for the upcoming editors and staff?

A: “A major thing that most editors this year stressed a lot, but I don’t think could ever be stressed enough is that you should never be afraid to ask for help. Whether it is asking a fellow editor or staff member or Ms. Woolf herself everyone on the Trail is a team. With that all your teammates are there to help you regardless of if it is an extension of a deadline with good reason or help getting an interview. Never be scared to talk to the people there to help. That being said the Trail has started to strive for even more greatness than in the past and I hope that continues, so try your best. However, if things do not always go as planned do not be upset. As long as you are doing your best then that’s all anyone can ask of you.”

Q: Anything else you’d like to add?

A: “Not really, just that I am so glad I got the chance to be a part of such a great organization during my time at MHS. I have loved every moment of being part of the staff even when the times were tough. I am beyond grateful that I was invited to join particularly since I would not have sought out to join the Trail on my own.”