The Jungle Java Podcast dives into school news on a variety of topics including athletics, school spirit, fine arts, and much more. In this episode, TRL’s Matthew Piccirillo and Benjamin Nopper discuss the latest news in the Lovejoy community and the tragic news of the passing of Kobe Bryant. The guys answer some oddly specific questions in the mailbag ranging from cacti to hygiene.
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About the Contributors
Benjamin Nopper, Section Editor
After joining staff and becoming an editor his sophomore year, Benjamin Nopper is enthusiastic to spend his senior year in the newsroom he considers to be his home away from home. Benjamin walked into room E103 two years ago feeling overwhelmed by the pressure of the unknown‒writing for an award-winning publication without much previous experience. Hundreds of articles and dozens of close relationships later, he now understands that writing enables an individual to have a meaningful impact in his community. A disciple of his former boss, Nick Smith, Nopper retains his position as sports editor for the third consecutive year while also contributing as an opinion writer. However, if it were up to him, he would run his own satire department. Outside of the newsroom, Nopper plays baseball and serves as an FCA leader. Nopper is also a member of Student Council, NHS and Spanish Club. He enjoys embarking adventures with his three dogs, spending afternoons on the golf course, and feeding his unhealthy coffee obsession. Nopper also loves to watch Impractical Jokers, the show that admittedly inspires some of his lighthearted interactions with his friends. Upon graduating, Nopper intends to study business and eventually attend law school.
Matthew Piccirillo, Staff Writer
In hopes of bringing a lively personality to The Red Ledger, Matthew Piccirillo decided to join staff for his senior year. Filled with laughs and smiles in the classroom and on the baseball field, Piccirillo is excited to bring that type of energy to the award winning newsroom while being under the legendary Benjamin Nopper’s wing. Although Matthew will mainly be a sports writer throughout the year, he hopes to be apart of some of the humorous segments TRL has in store for the school year. He has a twin sister Emily along with two younger brothers Jake (sophomore) and Benjamin (seventh Grade). Along with baseball, Matt is a proud member of the Dirty Drumline, YMSL, PALS, and THE National Honor Society.
Grace Nguyen, Section Editor
Fueled daily by three iced vanilla coffees, standing at 5’2”, Grace Nguyen will walk into the E103 door with no problem. Grace is entering senior year, and the only reason she is believed to have survived high school is because of the napping couch in the photography studio. During her time on staff, Grace has been to almost every football game, win or loss, and wouldn’t have changed a thing. Yes, Grace has been tackled by football players, run over by coaches, and body slammed by referees. Nonetheless, Grace will confidently walk on the field this year, bruises and all, alongside her sideline media team. Stepping outside the newsroom, which is rare, Grace enjoys playing softball, hanging out with family and friends, and finding excuses to go to every $3 Pazookie Tuesdays at BJ’s. After high school, Grace hopes to pursue a career in sports photojournalism, so watch out for her still getting run over by athletes on ESPN in the years to come. Although it’s bittersweet to leave newspaper upon graduation, Grace is thankful for all the opportunities that she’s had on staff. Through The Red Ledger, Grace created long-lasting friendships and won a lot of awards that she never imagined was possible. Grace hopes that current and future staffers will think of this national-award-winning publication the same way as she did–a second family and their home away from home.