Francine Vudoti and Irene Sheen will be graduating from high school and “graduating,” too, from the Young Observers. Upon graduation from high school, young writers transition from the youth page and may then choose to continue as regular contributors to the Fullerton Observer.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone, especially Sharon Kennedy, Ms. Saskia, and those Young Observers who have worked with us for many years. Words are not enough to describe how I feel, but as we have all written in the 5th-anniversary issue last January, we are all grateful to have this rare opportunity to share our voices, hone our writing skills, contribute to our community, and enjoy each other’s company,” said Francine.

Francine began writing for the Observer when she was 8 in 2014. In 2018, she began recruiting other young writers for the Young Observers page, which she created and edited. Behind the scenes, she mentored and encouraged the writing team. She also organized meetings, awards, and anniversary parties and started a Young Observers International group that corresponds with students in the Philippines.

One of the first recruits to the Young Observers page was Irene Sheen, who recently wrote, “To be a Young Observer means to be an advocate. As young students, we often grapple with the misconception that our voices hold little value in our community. However, the Observer and the Young Observers page have effectively dismantled this belief and inspired me to become an advocate within my community.”

Irene has never shied away from a controversial topic. Tackling topics from youth representation in politics to the phenomenon of Techno-Orientalism, and more – her reporting style is thought provoking and logical. The Fullerton Observer wishes both these amazing young women success in their next steps and hopes they will keep us updated. They will be missed immensely.

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