As a community journalist and longtime advocate for local storytelling, few things bring me greater joy than publishing stories that highlight the success of our local youth. Over the past week, we’ve had the privilege at Folsom Times to shine the spotlight on some remarkable achievements from students across the region—from academic decathlon victories to championship performances in the arts. These are the kinds of stories that exemplify the power of positivity in local news and reinforce why we do what we do.
Students from Vista del Lago High School and Oak Ridge High School recently earned top honors in the State Academic Decathlon, standing tall against some of the top academic minds in California. Not to be outdone, the Cordova High School Winter Guard programs made history with double championship wins—an extraordinary accomplishment that blends hard work, creativity, and school spirit into a moment of well-deserved glory.
These stories are just a few of recent accomplishments our local students have made, there have been and there will be many others. These accomplishments aren’t just about trophies and titles—they’re about young people striving for excellence and succeeding with the support of their schools, families, and community. And here at Folsom Times, we believe it’s our responsibility to ensure these moments are celebrated publicly and proudly.
Since we launched this digital community platform nearly two years ago, it has been one of our top priorities to feature the incredible things happening in our local schools. Our platform was built on the belief that community news—true hyperlocal news—is essential, and nowhere is that more evident than in the stories of our young people reaching new heights.
In an era when the once-abundant pages of printed local newspapers have been reduced to mere fractions of what they once were—and with them, much of the local community engagement and presence they once offered—we’ve stepped forward to carry the torch digitally. At Folsom Times, we recognized early on that this void needed to be filled, and we’ve made it our mission to be the platform that continues to celebrate the stories that matter most to the people who live here. Hyperlocal stories, especially those that recognize the efforts and triumphs of our youth, are not just filler content—they’re the heartbeat of a connected and informed community.
I still remember being featured in my hometown newspaper—back when the ink was black and white and the pages were thick. I had placed high in a school competition, and though it was just a small mention, that little article made a big impact on me. It gave me a sense of pride, of being seen, of knowing that my efforts mattered to more than just me or my parents. That is the power of local press. And that’s exactly why we remain committed to publishing “good news” stories that help lift up our young people, balance out the tough news, and foster a positive narrative within our community.
Public recognition matters. It builds confidence. It motivates. It inspires others. And in today’s world, where negativity too often dominates headlines, giving our students this platform to be seen for their hard work and dedication is not just important—it’s necessary.
To the students from Vista del Lago, Oak Ridge, Cordova High, and every other school making strides in academics, arts, athletics, and beyond—congratulations. We see you. We’re proud of you. And we’re rooting for you every step of the way. Our region is fortunate to have such dedicated educators and school leaders helping to shape your journey, and we are even more fortunate to call you the future of our community.
Your brilliance, determination, and success deserve to be celebrated—and Folsom Times will always be here to do just that.
Bill Sullivan is the co-founder and managing publisher of Folsom Times, a digital product of All Town Media LLC operated in Folsom, California.