I honestly never saw this day coming. And I still cannot believe this year is over, let alone high school.  I won’t be going far for now, so I hope to see the Hawkview staff grow into its potential right before my eyes. I feel like my time here has ended so prematurely, but I know you are in the most capable hands ever.

The highlight of this year was the transformation of the Humans of LQHS project, which went from a concept to a $3,000 check to an exhibit for all of La Quinta to see. We did that. And the timing to do so couldn’t have been more perfect.

I want to truly thank Hannah, who I have always known, but never like this. We are two peas in a pod, #HAMM4LIFE. I could not ask for a better person to understand me and push me through this journey. I would also like to pay tribute to Diego, who let me call him at any time of the day when I needed it and was my absolute rock. Finally, thank you to Ms. Jennifer Cortez for literally never giving up and always moving us forward, I honestly don’t know how it’s humanly possible to be so motivated and kind. I am convinced she is an android.

Thank you all for pushing through the stress, exhaustion, and loss. Thank you for holding your hands out through screens and the distance. My favorite part to play in this class was the possibility of bringing us together. And this is the moment where I can finally say my dream outcome has been fulfilled. And once again, did I say thank you? This class has brought me friendships that I will carry out of high school, and has allowed me to become the person I am today.

Samm Robledo served as the co-editor-in-chief during the 2020-2021 school year of La Quinta High School’s student-run newspaper, the Hawkview.