Post Welcomes Fall Intern: Camille Cornell

The Palisadian-Post has welcomed Camille Cornell—a junior at Marymount High School with “long-standing ties to the Pacific Palisades community”—as a fall intern.

I’ve always thought of the Palisades as my second home. My dad and grandmother were both born and raised Palisadians. My grandmother, Christine Cornell, grew up in Marquez Knolls and has lived in the Palisades for over 75 years before relocating after the fires.

Her home became my second home, a place where I spent countless weekends, holidays and family gatherings. My fondest memories are from running the Fourth of July race every year to Halloween nights with friends and New Year’s Eve celebrations.

The Palisades hasn’t been just a place but a community full of life that has woven me into the person that I am. Growing up, I played basketball at Palisades Recreation Center and even had the chance to win a championship there.

The longstanding tradition of running the Fourth of July Palisades Will Rogers 5K every year is the baseline of what my dad instilled in me because it is the true spirit of community. My dad has instilled in me the meaning and importance of family, and how a town can be the true definition of family.

My dad serves as a member of American Legion Ronald Reagan – Palisades Post 283 with Palisadians that he has known since he was young himself, giving me the lens that you can stay connected to your roots in various ways. These experiences instilled a strong appreciation for the Palisades and the people who make it such a special place.

I am especially drawn to journalism because I enjoy the process of storytelling. I believe in the importance of allowing everyone to share their narrative, debate issues and allow for thoughtful communication on social issues in the community. Local journalism, in particular, has the power to connect neighbors, preserve traditions and shine a light on stories that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Being given this internship opportunity, I look forward to not only sharpening my skills as a writer and reporter, but also contributing to something meaningful I deeply believe in. I plan to honor and share the stories of the Palisades. It’s my way of giving back to the community that shaped me and so many others as it rebuilds.