Elise Tran: 19-20 Editor-in-Chief

By Jennifer Trend, Lifestyle Editor

(Elise Tran was co-Editor-in-chief during the 2019-2020 school year)

Whether you find her interviewing someone for an article she’s working on, strumming “Sunflower” by Paddy Sun on the guitar, holding a club meeting or simply hanging out with her friends during lunch, you can tell there’s something warm and welcoming under Elise Tran’s smile. 

Right off the bat, you’re drawn to her. There’s something about her that makes you want to know more about her, and it seems that she isn’t afraid to get to know you– not the you that you let everyone else see at a first glance, but who you are deep down. Elise will match your vibe, your energy, your spirit, and yet somehow compliment it with her own. So when you say bye to her, you’re left with the remnant of wanting to talk again and feeling welcomed, no matter what kind of person you are. 

That is Elise Tran. But who exactly, is she? 

This is Elise’s fourth year in Baron Banner, this year taking the role of Co Editor in Chief with Aminah Khan. The two have this incredible bond that anyone can see– four years of working together in and out of Baron Banner does help. 

Elise has come to love Baron Banner and the art of journalism through the years. It’s helped her realize that her voice, and the voices of many does have a great importance and impact. 

“We have the opportunity to speak up for others who don’t have a voice. I’ve learned the importance of freedom of speech and the press in this class, something I would’ve taken for granted if I wasn’t.”

Baron Banner isn’t the only form of self expression for Elise though. From the guitar, piano, artistic roller skating to designing, there’s always something creative whizzing through her head. It could be a song played on an instrument, a jump in quads, or a flyer that has all the right colors and designs– you may never know what she’s thinking or doing, but rest assured, it’ll be to her best ability.

Elise is also a people person and loves children– evident from volunteering at a learning center for blind children and being the president of Illumination Foundation and Peer Assistance & Leadership (PAL), clubs on campus. She loves helping people and doing what she can to make this world and community a better place for all. 

This is who Elise Tran is. A guitarist learner, 80s and late 70s music lover, a journalism writer, leader, Luna Lovegood admirer, outgoing, social, creative, helpful, kind, passionate, extraordinary. 

Oh, and you can’t forget penguin enthusiast.