A bead of sweat rolls down the back of my shirt as I wait to step into the bus.
I could practically taste the air conditioning cooling members of The Sidekick, Round-Up yearbook and KCBY-TV students who walked in before gearing up for a weekend at Interscholastic League Press Conference State Convention
in Austin.
Before I stepped into the bus, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around to find The Sidekick executive features editor Elizabeth De Santiago holding out a fist bump.
“Ready for ILPC round two?” she says.
“Heck yeah!” I replied.
Since my time in The Sidekick, I knew I wanted to know Lizzie. This year, I realized I needed to know Lizzie.
Our friendship truly blossomed at ILPC in 2025. That trip will forever hold a special place in my heart because of the warmth she showed me.
This school year, we both managed The Sidekick’s student life section. As soon as I found out, I was both figuratively and literally jumping for joy. I was so excited to work with someone who I knew cared as deeply for The Sidekick as I do.
Prior to our trip, I always heard tales of the valiant journalist that is Elizabeth De Santiago, or as we call her: Lizzie. She is always ready to tackle any assignment, first to hop on local news and is an outstanding interviewer. During our first trip to ILPC, I learned that Lizzie is just as extraordinary a friend as she is a leader.
Since the two of us became editors, I never felt like I was walking on eggshells around her. She creates a space for me to feel like my ideas matter. With Lizzie I never felt the sense to be perfect. She simply supports me as a person.
She has also had a huge impact on me as a writer. She is the first person I show any of my work. Of all the stories I imagined and created this year, there is not one person who will tear up my story better than Lizzie. Let me make something clear: I show my work to Lizzie because she is someone who can tell if I am executing above or below my potential.
Throughout my friendship with Lizzie, I can attest she is one of the most caring people I know both in the newsroom and out. In fact, dear reader, I want you to see for yourself. If you spot Lizzie in the wild anywhere at CHS, go up and say hi. In typical Lizzie fashion, she will always greet you with a smile and an energetic wave.
Lizzie, you know I am a glass-half full kind of guy. So, no matter how much my heart hurts knowing our time as partners is ending, let’s look on the bright side. You have shown me what it means to be an outstanding mentor and friend. I cannot wait to see you shine. I promise you that wherever you go, whoever you meet and whatever dreams you chase, I will always be here cheering you on.
This is team Jay-Zie, signing out.
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