Mira Costa Saddened by Principal's Departure

It was announced to Mira Costa students last Friday that we would be losing our highly esteemed principal at the end of the school year. Julie Ruisinger is leaving Costa to work as a principal in the Texas school system.

Although I am happy that Mrs. Ruisinger can continue to be a principal for other schools and return to her native state of Texas, I am deeply saddened she will be leaving Costa, and so are many of my fellow students.

Even though I have only been at Costa for one year, I have already gotten to know Mrs. Ruisinger very well. We met at a Manhattan Beach Coordinating Council meeting when I was in eighth grade, and since then she has been an extremely accessible and receptive principal. During lunch, it is not uncommon to run into Mrs. Ruisinger walking the halls or the area in front of the office, always eager to discuss problems (or successes) with any staff or students.

I have discussed many of my Patch column ideas with Principal Ruisinger, and I always receive constructive and sincere feedback, not to mention the recognition Mrs. Ruisinger has given to me for my involvement in the community.

I am not the only person at the high school sad to see Principal Ruisinger go. It seems almost all Mira Costa students will miss her and will have big expectations for whoever is set to take her place.

Costa students have had an opportunity to relate to their principal on many different levels. One reason for this is because she paved the way for more students to be able to take more academically challenging classes, creating a better school for many Mustangs.

Principal Ruisinger has also been a huge advocate for the Mira Costa Mustang spirit. She is almost always clad in green and gold as she walks the hallways of the school. And whenever a sports team has a big event coming up, (CIF Championships, Bay League Finals, etc.) Mrs. Ruisinger will sport that team's gear.

This enthusiasm for her job—demonstrated through her personal involvement in campus life—help make Mira Costa students get more involved in their community and school as well. Her contributions make students just a little more willing, perhaps, to complete the always difficult Monday morning ritual of waking up early, and getting to school following a weekend full of sleeping in.

Ultimately, Principal Ruisinger has left a positive mark on Mira Costa, and I am sad to see a great educator, great person, and of course great principal leave our school. I wish her luck in her future endeavors in the Texas school system.

Adam Gerard is a freshman at Mira Costa High School and the only student member of the city's Environmental Task Force. His student columns appear semi-regularly at Manhattan Beach Patch.