By Penelope Misceo
Executive Arts Editor
Penelope here! If I’ve gained any reputation at all since joining La Vista, it probably has little to do with my work on the paper and more to do with the obscure celebrity photos that have mysteriously found their way around the back editors’ room.
But there is more to my time at La Vista than just useless shenanigans, I promise!
My time in the program began in Mrs. Valbuena’s beginning journalism class, where I formed bonds with the most lovely people who would go on to make La Vista what it is now. By sophomore year, I was writing for the Arts section full time, and I would be absolutely nowhere if it weren’t for Grace Dietz, who was the executive arts editor at the time. Grace, you are a legend and I owe almost all the success I’ve had at La Vista to you!
My first year on the paper also came with some of the greatest friends I could ask for. Kimi and Mia, you made my fifth period exciting every day that year, and I’m so thankful for all the fun times (and tolerance for my in-class naps—sorry Ms. Sweeny!)
By junior year, the class of ‘21 was reunited into one class period and, thus, a year of chaos and excitement ensued. I really found my identity this year, and I will carry all of the good times with me forever. Huge shoutout to my fellow seniors Andonia, Taylor, Clare, Lauren and Kimi for carrying my serotonin levels on their backs and providing me with some of the best laughs I’ve ever had (enter Lil Perm and the John Quinones posters that are still taped to the walls around the back editors’ room).
2020 also taught me a ton about personal responsibility and how that affects others. I learned about what it means to meet a deadline and produce work that other people can count on, and if you ask me, chaotic environments are the best because some of the greatest bonds and work are formed in high-stress situations. I am so grateful for all of the unique stress and anxiety that production week has brought me (just kidding, but not really)!
As my time at Costa is coming to a close, I am so thankful to say that I had more fun than I could have ever wished for. La Vista seniors, you are fearless friends, and I am forever indebted to you for all of the good times and incredibly specific jokes. Being an Arts editor is truly one of my fondest memories of high school, and I am so proud of all the hard work we put in.
To next year’s staff, you’ve got this! Don’t stress too much (Mia, I’m looking at you!) and go crazy every once in a while. I’m sending you love always!
Making this farewell more substantial than 500 words of bad jokes was difficult, so if you’ve made it this far—thanks for reading!
Signing off with much love, from me, Penelope, to my second family, La Vista!
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