I can’t thank you enough for publishing that wonderful article in last week’s edition about the journalism program at Malibu High and my affiliation with it. I have thoroughly enjoyed my seven years as a teacher, coach and student newspaper advisor at MHS. I want all in the community to know that I have greatly appreciated your support over the years and thank you for backing responsible scholastic journalism. It has been an absolute thrill to watch so many students discover their passions for writing, for telling important stories, for designing pages that sing, for wanting to get that great photo and for wanting to exercise their first amendment rights. Having the opportunity to foster those passions and witnessing these students garner the accolades for their hard work has been the best reward I could have ever asked for.
Though I am returning to the east coast to once again be near my family, friends and New York pizza, I urge you to continue to support the student journalists at Malibu High by reading their work, subscribing to their publications and believing and trusting in their journalistic instincts. The press, these days, is oft-maligned. Know that I have done my best to create an environment where integrity and accuracy are not merely buzz words but ideas by which to do one’s job. You will not always agree with the editorial decisions made by these students but it is vital that we always support their rights to make these decisions as long as they are legal and responsible ones.
Once again, thank you so much. While seven years is not necessarily a long time, there are indelible memories I leave here with that will stay with me forever.
David Warshawski