In the metaphorical writer’s room at The Catalyst, staff writer Evern Israel (12) is a constant positive presence. Throughout her two years of journalism, she has authored eight stories, covering everything from movies to pop culture to sports. With her lighthearted energy, her impact extends beyond her well-written and well-researched articles, making her worth celebrating here—both as a journalist and as a person.
Evern’s motivation to join The Catalyst in 2023 was her love of writing. She wanted to expand her writing portfolio and saw journalism as a “really cool” opportunity to try out a writing style that she was previously unfamiliar with. Many of her pieces have delved into the ever-controversial entertainment industry, covering Descendants, The Little Mermaid live-action remake, Winnie the Pooh, and AJR’s 2024 album. This niche came about as the natural evolution of Evern’s hobbies, which also center around the entertainment industry. She loves to read and has a passion for music, specifically indie pop and heavy metal. In her spare time, she browses Netflix for the latest movies and TV shows, with a love for all things Disney. All eight of her stories have been of phenomenal quality, with each one impossibly better than the last. The journalism teacher Mrs. Comstock described Evern’s work as “consistently reflecting a depth of understanding and a level of care that is truly exceptional.”
Beyond what Mrs. Comstock describes as her “quiet dedication to her work,” Evern is a compassionate, generous person who brings positivity to the journalism classroom. Instead of chasing the spotlight, she chooses to let her actions speak for her, offering silent support to those younger and newer than her, such as Edelina (10) who met Evern in her second year of journalism. They quickly became friends after working on a project together, when Edelina noticed how easy Evern was to talk to, with a wealth of valuable experience that Edelina found helpful for the project and her own personal life.
After she graduates this May, Evern plans on going to college. She is deciding between a major in Animal Science or a major in Criminal Justice, but with her talent for writing and her compassionate personality, she is sure to find success no matter what she chooses.
