Photo Courtesy of Health and Sports Editor Sonia McSwain
San Luis Obispo High School senior Sonia McSwain is graduating this year. McSwain has worked on the SLOHS yearbook the last four years and has become the editor-in-chief. As well as that, McSwain has also been the health and sports editor for Expressions the last two trimesters. Expressions wanted to reflect on the time with this hardworking writer.
Expressions: When and why did you get a leadership position within the yearbook?
Senior Sonia McSwain: I started the yearbook my first trimester and I’ve been in the class almost every trimester of my high school career. When I started the class, it was run by former Yearbook adviser Scott Nairne. Since then we’ve had former Yearbook adviser Craig Stewart, and currently we have Adviser Jason Heimerdinger, who’s been taking care of the class the past two years. I’ve been in an editing position that whole time. I started off as a sports editor, to co-editor in chief and just editor-in-chief. I got the position when the class first started, and Nairne asked for someone to fill a leadership position. And I’m so happy that I did that. I got to learn how to delegate a team and work with others.
Expressions: What was your favorite thing to write?
McSwain: I just thoroughly enjoy capturing important moments. A lot of people start in a yearbook just focusing on statistical parts of it, and they don’t really add a lot of soul to it. So when I try to write my write ups for sports, or rallies, or whatever, I just like to add a personal touch to whatever I’m writing.
Expressions: Who will be filling your role?
McSwain: Junior Allison Cadena will be taking over. I’ve been working with her for the past year and I feel so comfortable with her taking over the position. She’s driven, she’s passionate. She’s always wanted to help others and that’s exactly what I want to see reflected in whoever takes over.
Expressions was also able to talk to another yearbook editor, senior Ana Escalera. When asked about McSwain, Escalaera responded, “I love Sonia with all my heart. She’s the best editor I’ve ever had. She makes my day every day”.
Expressions wishes nothing but the best for McSwain,s future work, and are so thankful for all she has done for us as well as the yearbook.