Senior Tributes

Elize Cardona, staff illustrator


June 13, 2023

As the final days of high school are upon me, I reminisce about my time at LHS, which flew by faster than I could have ever imagined. 

I’ve evolved over the years, and I’ve loved being a member of organizations including the Future Business Leaders of America Club and National Honor Society that helped me become the person I am today. However, it did not end there. 

I have devoted my four years to playing volleyball. Even though the pandemic made games and practices difficult during my sophomore year, I persevered and had a fantastic season. I worked my way up to being a co-captain on junior varsity last year and varsity this year. Taking on this leadership role was an honor and a privilege.

Last year, when I was enrolled in Mr. Petruzziello’s graphic design class, I realized how much I loved digital design. I initially believed I was in the wrong class since the software seemed so complex, but Mr. Petruzziello guided me every step of the way. 

Mr. Petruzziello begins his classes by saying, “Hello, future designers of America,” and as my high school career comes to a close, I can confidently say I have earned this title.

Being comfortable with failure has been an eye-opener for my personal development. My enthusiasm and confidence in my design work got stronger throughout the year, which caught Mr. Petruzziello’s attention. That is why he suggested I join The Lighthouse. 

I am so glad I followed his recommendation, as being part of this year’s journalism program has been an amazing experience.

Mr. Petruzziello begins his classes by saying, “Hello, future designers of America,” and as my high school career comes to a close, I can confidently say I have earned this title.

In the fall, I will be attending Rochester Institute of Technology in New York where I intend to flourish as a new media designer.  

I would like to thank Mr. Petruzziello for helping me discover my passion and for allowing me to use class time to work on other design projects. I would also like to thank my friends in the journalism program for supporting me throughout my senior year.

If there is one takeaway I want my readers to remember, it is to never pigeonhole yourself to the opportunities that seem attainable. High school has taught me that you never know what you are capable of unless you go for it. 

This lesson will stick with me forever, and I will always appreciate the people who have led me to this realization.

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