While summer is generally the season to relax and lay low—these young Palisadians are taking advantage of their break from school by learning the ropes of journalism at the Palisadian-Post.
The Post welcomes four new interns to garner experience in the newsroom—from proofreading to taking photos and writing pieces for the paper.
Anyone interested in an internship in the future is encouraged to visit palipost.com/internships.
Alix Levy
My name is Alix Levy and I am a rising senior at Palisades Charter High School. I have a profound interest in photography and am so excited to begin my internship with the Post.
Starting my fourth year as a high school student, I consider the Palisades to be my second home, and I am so glad to have this chance to immerse myself in the community where I spend so much time.
This past year, I was fortunate enough to take AP Photography at school, which not only taught me new skills and techniques, but also provided me with a unique perspective of the world through the lens of a camera. Through this class, I had the opportunity to curate the Studio Art Show, which highlighted amazing art created by Pali students.
On a personal level, I enjoy shooting everything—from nature, to models and events—both indoors and outdoors.
I am looking forward to being able to share my vision and passion with the greater Palisades community. I am also excited for the opportunity to gain practical work experience, tackle new assignments and obtain professional feedback.
I believe this internship will provide valuable experience that will ultimately help me to incorporate photography into my future profession.
Ryan Yashar
Hi, my name is Ryan Yashar and I am thrilled to start working with the Post this summer.
I first found my love of journalism when I started writing for my middle school newspaper, The Town Crier. As a staff writer, I got exposure to all aspects of the publishing process—from writing, to conducting interviews, to taking pictures, to laying out pages and publishing the final product.
After finishing my two-year term there as an editor in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, I continued working at Tideline at Pali High. Unlike The Town Crier, I was able to hone my abilities as a writer, with leaders focused on quality over quantity. Now an editor-in-chief, I plan to take my journalistic endeavors to the next level at the Post.
Having grown up in neighborhoods adjacent to it, Pacific Palisades has always been an important social center for me. Besides going to school there, the Palisades has been the place where I’ve met most of my closest friends, as well as the place where my family has spent the most bonding time.
Outside of the world of journalism, I’ve found the most joy through practicing karate, cooking new foods and caring for my family. A second degree black belt, I’ve practiced karate for the past 12 years and have competed in numerous tournaments. Through cooking, I’ve been able to connect with my cultural roots as well as use my creativity to provide for my family.
As an intern at the Post, I hope to use these experiences to further share stories through journalism.
Emma Nakaoka
My name is Emma Nakaoka, and I am a rising senior at Pali High. My family and I moved to the Palisades about a year and a half ago and have found a very welcoming community that we feel fortunate to be a part of.
Though I have always enjoyed reading and writing, my interest in journalism began when I joined Pali’s school newspaper, Tideline, my sophomore year. I quickly fell in love with journalism, and have enjoyed writing articles, interviewing, researching and editing ever since. I look forward to another amazing year at Tideline this coming fall.
I am thrilled to join the Post this summer and am very grateful for the opportunity to work alongside professional journalists. As an intern with the Post, I hope to gain professional experience at a working newspaper and hone my writing skills. I am beyond excited to learn more about the daily functions of the community newspaper and expand my knowledge in journalism.
Whenever I’m not writing, you’ll often find me curled up with a good book—one of my favorite ways to destress. Besides reading, I enjoy swimming on my school team, playing the alto saxophone and cuddling with my dogs. I also love to crochet, draw and paint in my free time.
As a Palisades resident and attendee of the local school, I believe the Post to be an integral part of the community, and I am very excited to join the team. I’ve always thought it is essential for community members to be knowledgeable about events that impact them and to give recognition to Palisadians’ successes.
I am very excited to work with the Post and look forward to gaining journalistic experience.
Samantha Sonnett
Proud Palisadian Samantha Sonnett, usually known as Sam, is thrilled to join the Post as a summer intern. Sam grew up on the Via Bluffs, having attended Palisades Charter Elementary School and Paul Revere Charter Middle School, and currently attending Palisades Charter High School.
In her time between dance classes and school work, Sam can be found on walks along the bluffs, appreciating the ocean views and summertime sunsets. She also loves to play guitar and make jewelry while listening to Fleetwood Mac.
Sam has taken part in countless community events, often dancing with her former troupe from Fancy Feet Dance Studio. From the Holiday Ho Ho Ho to the Fourth of July Parade, her attendance can be counted on year-round.
Aside from the dance floor, Sam can be seen sporting a white polo, representing Pali High as an Ambassador in the Palisades and greater Los Angeles community.
Sam got her start in journalism at the School of the New York Times in Manhattan. The opportunity to learn from university professors, New York Times authors and other students opened her eyes to the exciting world of news.
Following her adventures in New York, Sam began as a writer on the staff of Pali High’s student-run publication, Tideline. She wrote about topics ranging from changes in school policy to problems in society and pop culture.
Most recently, Sam got her start at the Post as a junior reporter, and now an intern. Through Sam’s internship at the Post, she is really looking forward to learning more about the unique stories within her community. This position will allow her to connect with new people and hear about their life experiences. These new stories will hopefully be accompanied by improvements in her writing and journalistic abilities, as she learns from the talented staff at the Post.
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