As we celebrate the Class of 2026 today, we also take the time to reflect on the students who helped shape Doherty during their time here. For the Highlander’s Herald, this graduation has us saying goodbye to one of our own. Today, I want to recognize one of the students who made this publication possible: our graduating Editor-in-Chief and co-founder, Levi Kasten.
When Levi transferred to Doherty, he noticed something missing: student voice. For more than a decade, Doherty had gone without a student newspaper, meaning there was no dedicated space for students to contribute their voices to the school community. Rather than simply accepting this, Levi decided to take this on as a call-to-action. He took his vision and presented a proposal requesting that the newspaper be brought back, demonstrating just how important it is to use your voice to advocate. From this, the Highlander’s Herald was reborn for a new generation of students.
Starting a digital publication from the ground up is not easy. It requires a lot of time, organization, and a drive to solve problems no one else has encountered before. Levi embraced those challenges. Although he would probably say he isn’t a journalist, he was exactly the kind of student leader that a publication like this needed. Week after week, Levi helped keep production moving forward—from helping staff preserve their individual voice, style, and tone during the editing process, to managing logistics and the day-to-day. He did all of this thoughtfully and professionally.
Over the last two years, I have watched him with pride as he has helped turn a new publication into a weekly staple of our school community. What started as a small group of students with shared goals has grown into a publication that has been read by thousands of readers across students, staff, families, alumni, and the broader Worcester community. The Highlander’s Herald has become a consistent source of information where student voices can be heard and stories can be shared in real time. This growth most certainly did not happen overnight, and a lot of it happened because of Levi’s consistent involvement.
The Highlander’s Herald is only part of Levi’s impact during his time at Doherty. His contributions over the years have earned him recognition as a WooStar, and his technical skills have benefited countless students and staff members across the building. This year, he completed an internship with the school’s IT department, helping behind the scenes to make sure our classroom technology and student Chromebooks ran smoothly. If you checked out a show, performance, or event this year in the auditorium, then more than likely Levi was in the audiovisual booth making things happen in the background.
What stands out most about Levi is that he never does any of this for the recognition. He seems most comfortable working behind the scenes, solving problems, keeping things moving, and helping others succeed. It’s what made his work with the Highlander’s Herald so perfect. He was able to put his time and energy into building a platform to highlight other students’ voices, Doherty events, the Worcester community, and the world at large. He helped Highlanders become more aware and informed about important events happening right here inside the walls of Doherty and beyond.
As the club advisor and an educator, I am incredibly proud of everything that Levi has accomplished. He helped reestablish something our school had been missing for more than ten years, and he created a foundation for future students to continue to build upon for years to come. Long after this graduating class moves on, the legacy of the Highlander’s Herald will remain an indelible part of Doherty, and that alone is a legacy worth celebrating.
Levi, I want to thank you for your leadership, dedication, and the countless hours and sleepless nights you have invested into this paper and our school community (despite the insomnia). Thank you for helping turn this idea into a reality. It has truly been a privilege to work beside you and watch this paper grow into the successful publication it is today.
Congratulations on your graduation and all that lies ahead! Your impact on Doherty will not be forgotten, and I have no doubt that wherever you go next, you will continue building things that make a difference.
