MCHS Valedictorians: Russell Sperberg

Russell Sperberg will never forget the fun he had while on Mira Costa's production set of "The Wiz." He thanks the school and the community for preparing him to attend Whitman College and study the arts.

Patch: What college are you going to?

RS: This fall, I will be attending Whitman College in Walla Walla, Wash.

Patch: Why did you choose that university?

RS: I had several other schools to choose from, including USC and Williams, but I chose Whitman because I loved the atmosphere and the people there.  I will be studying theatre and music, and I felt like both the theatre and music departments wanted me to be there.  They both saw something special in me and I felt like they both wanted to nurture that.

Patch: Where did your passion for the arts come from?

RS: My parents are actors and I guess it's just in my blood.  When I look at my life, music and theatre are the only two things that make sense, the only things I would be happy doing.  

Patch: What are you looking forward to in college?

RS: I'm really looking forward to all the different things I'll get to do in college. Obviously, I will be participating in theatre and music, but I also want to get involved in the school's radio station. The school is surrounded by mountains, and I'm looking forward to trips with friends out to explore that wilderness. Intramural sports would also be quite fun.

Patch: What activities were you involved in at Mira Costa?

RS: I was heavily involved in the drama department for all four years at Mira Costa. This was probably my favorite activity just because I was doing something I loved with people I loved. Who could ask for anything more?

Patch: Did you play sports?

RS: I was on the varsity swim team my freshman and sophomore year. I was a team captain my sophomore year, and I helped set a school record in the 4 x 100 freestyle relay.  This also holds a special place in my heart because I have swam for the school, clubs, and myself for quite sometime. I really enjoyed the company and brotherhood swimming offered me.

Patch: Tell me about the awards and honors you've received.

RS: I have been on the school's honor roll for every semester here at Costa.  Obviously, becoming a valedictorian was a great honor, as was receiving the Dartmouth Book Award my junior year.  I was also a finalist for student of the year this year. I received a Varsity letter both years I was a member of the swim team and also received the Scholar-Athlete award both freshman and sophomore year.  I have received many awards in drama and was secretary of the school's drama board my junior year and was vice-president my senior year.  I am also a National Honor Thespian in the International Thespian Society, which means I have logged more than 1200 hours working for Mira Costa's drama department.  

Patch: Looking back on your high school years, what was the best thing about Mira Costa? Do you have a favorite memory?

RS: The best thing about Mira Costa is the people.  I have met so many people that have affected me, and the way I look at the world.  My favorite memory is when I was working on set crew for this year's production of "The Wiz."  After a particularly long Saturday rehearsal, I stayed with my friends to work on finishing the set. We were there until well into the early hours of the morning. I remember that, even though there was a tremendous amount of work to be done, I was having the most fun I had had in quite some time.  

Patch: What will you be glad to leave behind, either about Costa or about high school in general?

RS: I'll be glad to leave behind all the obligations that high school sort of necessitates. In college, I will have freedom, hopefully. I'll get to take courses that interest me and make new friends with new interests. I guess I'm also glad to leave behind the beach culture, not because I hate the beach culture, but because I look forward to living in a different part of the world and being immersed in an entirely different way of life.  

Patch: Any advice for students at Mira Costa, especially incoming seniors?

RS: My advice for Costa students, especially incoming seniors, is to cherish and take part in everything you can. Go to sports games. Watch music and theatre shows. Join clubs that you wouldn't normally join. Take advantage of everything Costa has to offer. I only really started doing this my senior year and I haven't regretted it at all. Something about knowing you only have one more year in this town makes you feel nostalgic. You look at everything through a new set of eyes. Enjoy every experience this school and this town have to offer because those experiences won't be there when you're in college.  

Patch: Anyone who inspired you or mentored you during high school? What did they teach you?

RS: There have been quite a few teachers that have inspired me during my time at Costa. They are Shannon Vaughan, Nancy Geczi, Dan Bartlett, William Brown, Bill Fauver, Jonathan Westerberg, Alan Zeoli, and Carol Mathews. Not only were these teachers entertaining and great at their jobs, but they also made me realize what I was capable of.

Patch: Last thoughts?

RS:  I am really going to miss this city and this school a lot.  But I am never going to forget all the people and experiences that have touched my life. They have molded me into something that I am very proud of. I know that, as I go off to college, I couldn't be more prepared. That is all, thanks to this place