Senior Spotlight: JoceLynn McFarland

Paige Jones, Staff Writer

May 20, 2026

Inspiration is often best spotted where one is not looking, namely, on the couch in room 215, where JoceLynn McFarland is sitting.

She’s a third-year member of the Press, as well as Director of Design. JoceLynn has made a profound impact on the Press, and the Press has made a similar impact on her.

“I’d say probably work ethic and responsibility are the biggest things I’ve learned. Especially being a designer, you have a lot on your shoulders to make the print at a certain time, and you have people you have to bring together to make sure they have their stuff done as well,” said JoceLynn.

JoceLynn’s ethic can be affirmed through her best friends, Will Medovic and Claire McFadden, seniors at Wheeling Park High School, who both highlight what they love about JoceLynn.

JoceLynn McFarland is going to West Liberty University next year. (Jo Gilbert)

“The biggest impact JoceLynn has on people is that she is just the kind of person you always want to have around. She makes everyone feel included; she’s always making everyone laugh, but she’s really just the type of person you want to be around,” said Will.

“I admire her work ethic the most. Her dedication to the print, especially, she always has it done; her articles are in on time. She’s definitely awesome in that aspect. She just always shows up, no matter the circumstance,” said Claire. “She can light up a room so easily and always has something to say to lighten the mood. She is always hilarious, every comment. If I need advice, JoceLynn is definitely the person I am going to.”

JoceLynn is able to apply these same qualities to her studies. Dr. Romick, an English teacher here at Wheeling Park. He stated how her traits helped her along in her high school career.

“JoceLynn was my student in CP English 11 last year, and she is a wonderful student! I was able to watch her grow as a student and as an individual. Her quiet intelligence and wisdom, paired with a good sense of humor, make her a positive influence. She is a wonderful young woman who will go on to do great things!” said Dr. Romick.

During JoceLynn’s time in the press, she and her best friends can agree that she has broken out of her shell.

“I wish I had taken the Press freshman year. It’s allowed me to connect with so many people that I wouldn’t have without it, and it has made me put myself out there more. Even Droginske has taught me to push myself more, which is really hard for me to do. It’s an important skill I have learned,” said JoceLynn. “Journalism overall has helped my high school career to get me to be more outgoing. Even through internships, it has helped me to connect to real-world situations and problems that I may not have been prepared for if not for The Park Press.”

Will agreed he has enjoyed the last four years watching JoceLynn grow and use her voice more and more.

“I think from the time we both went from shy freshmen to seniors who are about to graduate, she has become a very outgoing person. That’s the biggest thing I’ve seen from her. She’s just grown more kind and more passionate, especially in journalism, and it truly is amazing,” said Will.

Throughout time, JoceLynn has found her people, voice, and niche on The Park Press. Though her senior year is sadly coming to an end, we wish her the best of luck on her journey ahead.

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About the Contributors

Paige Jones, Staff Writer

Paige is a junior at Wheeling Park High School, and is a new staff writer on the media team. This is her first year writing for The Park Press. Along with other activities, she is a two year member of the WPHS Speech & Debate team. When she is not arguing competitively, she also partakes in Youth Leadership Academy (YLA), Judicial Scholars, Health Sciences & Technology Academy (HSTA), Orchestra, Freshmen Mentor, and REAP Counselor. In company with all of her extracurriculars, she is dual enrolled at Northern Community College, working on an associates degree in Psychology, and taking multiple CP classes at WPHS. After high school, she plans to be a prosecutor.

JoceLynn McFarland, Director of Design

JoceLynn is the Director of Design for the Park Press, and this is her third year working for the press as a senior. JoceLynn enjoys stories about her favorite things such as books and films. She also likes writing deeper topics about mental health because she believes these topics are important and deserve to be talked about. Call, text, or chat: 1-844-HELP4WV or www.help4wv.com if you or anyone you know is struggling. You are not alone. Outside of the Park Press, JoceLynn is a decade-long Swiftie and an avid book reader. Her favorite albums are 1989, Reputation, and Evermore. Her favorite books to recommend are “Better Than the Movies” by Lynn Painter and “The Shatter Me” series by Tahereh Mafi. The lyric “And if you never bleed, you’re never gonna grow,” from the song “the 1” from Folklore, is her favorite.

Jo Gilbert, Sports Editor

Jo is a senior and the Sports Editor for The Park Press. She has an interest in pursuing screenwriting with an English degree after high school. She is an expert in argumentative writing thanks to her work on the WPHS Speech and Debate Team and specializes in Public Forum debate. On the team, she is the President of Debate and the Public Forum Squad Captain, and she is part of the 2025 Public Forum Debate State Championship team. She showcases expertise in a lot of different interests, ranging from WWE to fantasy novels such as A Court of Thorns and Roses and Crescent City. She loves numerous TV shows and movies, such as (but definitely not limited to) Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Umbrella Academy, Bridgerton, Back to the Future, Scream, Jurassic Park, and many more. She loves all things Disney, Marvel, and DC; her interests are extremely vast and nerdy, but it is one of her best traits.