Dear Reader,

I am JJ Hetzer, and I am a staff reporter for the Pelham Examiner. (This is my cat Spot. He is not officially on the staff, though he provides great company when I have writer’s block.)

At the Examiner, I’ve written a wide array of articles, including an op-ed piece on Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed cell phone ban in schools and a story on five festive things to do over the December break. I am also a New York Certified First Responder and will soon become an EMT. When I attend Lake Forest College in the fall, I plan to double major in sociology and interdisciplinary studies with a minor in English.

My involvement with the Pelham Examiner has helped me grow professionally and personally. While I have been a part of the paper for less than a year, the experience has already impacted me in profound ways. I’ve known Mr. Zahradnik and this team since I was a reporter for the Colonial Times in elementary school, and their support has helped shape my growth. I am incredibly grateful for the experiences and connections that have come from working for Pelham’s community newspaper.

I’m reaching out today to ask you to support the Pelham Examiner. Donations to our nonprofit newsroom allow us to provide journalism for our community while offering opportunities for students to develop as writers and researchers. Please give to help make sure the Examiner remains a vibrant and impactful platform for years to come!

Warm regards,

JJ Hetzer
Staff Reporter