Receiving the Torch of Life
Carrying on a Legacy: Introducing the Blue and White Insight
M. D. Kwak
THERE’S A CERTAIN AMBIVALENCE to carrying on a legacy. On one hand, serving as the editor of the oldest student newspaper in the world is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Simultaneously however, there’s a crushing expectation, a burden to meet the illustrious standards set by the publications of prior committees. And so, with the greatest excitement, I introduce you to the 85th edition of the Shore Weekly Record: The Blue and White Insight.
Before going on, I would like to acknowledge the commendable effort of the 2022-23 committee in running the SWR. Student Editor Justin Gao and student Secretary James McCreery have served tremendously in their roles, and I thank them along with the rest of the Senior Committee, for setting the bar as high as ever.
The Record serves many functions. Obviously it is a medium to communicate information from the School and celebrate the achievements of boys in sporting and extra-curricular reports. In fact, such practice is what creates the Shore culture and elevates individual achievements to matters of communal interest and laudation.
However, insightful feature articles written by boys that tackle some political, comedic or introspective nature are by no means new; in fact, the last issue of the ’39 Record notes that following the suggestion of an Old Boy, the Record would subsequently include brief articles “on some topic of great interest, scientific, artistic, literary, or some such.” The Record has always been an open dialectic forum, for the boys and by the boys, to share their experiences and opinions, an open and free plain to cultivate a love for writing and introspection. And if Shore truly cares about education in the most holistic sense and the ability of boys to articulately convey complex and diverse ideas, I daresay it should remain that way.
As verified by numerous reliable sources, (namely ourselves) the Shore Weekly Record is the oldest continually-running student publication in the world, having commenced in 1939. But the SWR’s legacy transcends mere historical enormity; its legacy is that of a deeply personal and intimate nature. Memories and emotions have gone into its pages, its life sustained by unwavering dedication and a timeless love and passion for writing. Hundreds of Old Boys have contributed to the Record, some of whom have gone on to find incredible success as writers, journalists, graphic designers and comedians.
Yet, as I trawled through some prior publications, I realised that every year’s committee captured a unique style and approach; some with their brazen humour and witty sarcasm targeted towards the school itself, others with a more journalistic and opinionated focus of the world at large. And I think that’s why the SWR has resonated with boys for so long.
Thus, I along with Assistant Editor and Secretary Braden Dent and the rest of our Senior Committee will endeavour to honour this newspaper’s legacy by walking the fine line between respecting age-old traditions and daring to innovate and adapt with the times.
As readers of the SWR, you’re not limited to just reading. I encourage any boy from Year 7 to 12 to take inspiration from what you read and submit articles of their own (along with any feedback and suggestions for the Record) by emailing me or messaging me via Teams. Articles can be the traditional informative or discursive piece but any medium is welcome, whether it be a short story, poem or illustration. We’ve also decided to trial a revival of the Letter to the Editor feature, so feel free to submit your burning questions, desires and (sensible) rants concerning the School. The best (and of course adequately appropriate) ones will be published.
So for the next year or so, I’ll be here – alongside you – whether it be in the lows of exam season or the highs of sporting and co-curricular victories. And I endeavour to offer some entertainment, provoke some reflection and above all, create a newspaper for the boys and by the boys.
