Written By: Amelia Chavez, Staff Writer
SCHWABE: Pierre Schwabe reflects on his four years at Poly High
Four years have gone by in a flash for senior Pierre Schwabe. Just yesterday he was assisting the production of Poly’s “Addams Family,” and now college is just around the corner. It is with great excitement that Schwabe leaps into his new chapter.
Ever since his first show, he has loved theater and the people he met through it. This has resulted in long lasting relationships. He bonded with many as they endured the drama and exhaustion of hell week, a week where they prep the upcoming show to make sure it runs smoothly. “It’s really fun to work with those kinds of people and just hang out for the whole day, even if it can be stressful sometimes,” Schwabe stated. He was first introduced to theater during Poly’s production of Addams Family. This was the last big musical before COVID, and until this year, it was also the last musical held within the theater. This year’s musical, Into The Woods, welcomed Schwabe back to the stage in the role of The Baker – one of his favorite characters.
“I’ve grown a lot emotionally, with relationships, friends, and social things,” Schwabe expressed. Schwabe came from a from a small school, so Poly was a huge change. As he attempted to navigate drama and the hardships of difficult situations, it taught him some valuable lessons. Schwabe noted, “you have to take a step back and realize that you don’t have to be a part of it all. You can take time for yourself, it’s not selfish.” It’s these lessons that he remembers and takes with him.
Throughout his years here at Poly, he’s not only done theater, but has also competed on Water Polo, and even joined a rock band. He has had fun expressing himself through music and is making a style of music he loves and appreciates. Being able to share these creations with others has been an amazing experience for him.
It’s not all lessons and fun though. As his chapter here ends, he’s been saying goodbye to those close to him. While Schwabe debates between UCLA and UCSB, he must sadly say goodbye to those he’s grown close with, along with saying goodbye to those he hasn’t. “There’s always those people that you see around campus and maybe you have a class or two with them. They’re not really your friends, but you’re taking the same class and you go through the same stuff together and it’s fun,” Schwabe recalls.
Sadly, his story is coming to an end here at Poly, but he is ecstatic for his next journey, ready for every opportunity that comes his way. He has come out of these four years with friends and experiences. All of his friends will miss him greatly, here are some things they wanted to say.
“Pierre is so so cool, he is like cherry pie, he is so cool.” – Connor Schrader
“Pierre is one of the most dynamic people I know, being able to balance being a star water polo player, a leading tech, and actor in theater. He is incredibly welcoming and kind to everyone and makes everyone feel better about themselves, and I am happy to call him one of my best friends.” – Joey Subriar
“Pierre is the kindest, funniest, and hardest working person I know. Getting to work with him over these last two years has been so amazing. When it came down to some of the most difficult moments in my last two years, I always had Pierre there to help me. This year I had the opportunity to be double casted with Pierre and I felt that it made us real closer and he is truly someone I am happy to call my best friend.” – Nick Flores
“Pierre is one of the most kind and amazing human beings I’ve come to know, no matter the person, Pierre will always greet them with open arms and a smile. Even with his busy schedule, he manages to juggle it all and strive for a trait I genuinely look up to. Pierre has genuinely been one of the people I enjoy working with and talking to the most and I’m happy to call him my close friend.” – Luis Sosa
Pierre Schwabe has made an impact on all those he’s come in contact with at Poly. It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to him. We eagerly await to see what he will accomplish in his next chapter of life.