Letters to Mac

Compiled by Seth I. Pickens, Executive Features Editor; Kit Humbarger, Features Editor; and Lucy Hansen, Assistant Features Editor

Mike, 

Our years together, almost 27 of them, were full.  Full of love, family, adventures and good times.  I know firsthand that you lived a life well lived, and beyond. I am so proud of all that you accomplished and the impact you had on so many students throughout your career. Your time was cut short, but all the cherished memories you left are infinite.  I am so profoundly grateful for the time we shared together, the life we created,  and for the two most precious gifts you gave me…our two beautiful girls.  I love you and miss you beyond measure and will forever hold you deep in my heart. 

All my love,

Amy

Amy McAvin

I worked closely with Mike in the credit recovery program that he oversaw. He was always patient, positive, and supportive. He was a great teammate and friend. I really enjoyed working with him so closely this past summer. I am so grateful that I got a chance to spend that time with him and get to know him better. He was awesome and I am really going to miss him. We love you Mac!

David Halushka, Colleague

Mac’s life on campus and mine were intertwined in so many ways! Over the last 23 years here, I spent more time with him than with anyone else. He was a nice, genuine, generous, funny, considerate, and warm person. We partnered up on many things: La Vista, WASC Coordinating, summer school gigs, the after-school peer tutoring program that we ran together for 15 years, etc. etc. I will miss him very much! 

Alan Zeoli, Colleague

Mr. McAvin loved Costa, his students, and his colleagues. During his time on campus, he took on many extra duties, like covering library supervision for the after-school tutoring program and helping with independent study and home hospital. His heart was here till the end, and he will be missed.

Nicole Wachell, Colleague

We worked together helping students in the Independent Studies Program and Credit Recovery Program. He helped me to graduate at least 50+ students who probably would not have been able to without his help. I was told he wished to work with his students as long as possible, as he enjoyed being with his students so very much. I’m so happy he got his wish. He will be missed. 

Jennifer Wildenberg, Colleague

Years and years ago, there was a counselor at Costa named Bob Fish. Bob was a very opinionated man, and Mac would actually invite Bob into La Vista to talk to the kids about how to better the paper. A lot of people wouldn’t do that. A lot of people would be territorial about their neck of the woods, but he was open to listening to people. He’s going to leave a hole in this place a mile wide.

Steve Singiser, Colleague

Mr. McAvin always held La Vista to the standards of a professional newspaper. He certainly set the bar high, but in doing so, he motivated us to become better journalists. It was Mac’s constructive criticism that not only enhanced my writing but also shaped me into the person I am today. I worked closely with Mac during my time as Executive Sports Editor. He taught me how to properly write an article and navigate InDesign, but most importantly, he showed me how journalism gives a voice to the voiceless. Mac pushed me to become more confident, assertive, and open-minded—all qualities found in a good leader. He never failed to recognize my worth and became one of my biggest supporters at Mira Costa. Mac made an impact on hundreds of students’ lives, and I am lucky to be one of them.

Lily Mitchell, Managing Editor

Mac, from the very first day I stepped into your journalism class, your unwavering support empowered me. Through your mentorship I have found a genuine passion for journalism. Thank you for being more than an advisor–for being a mentor, guide, and source of inspiration. One of the fondest memories I have with you was our La Vista New York Trip: I can vividly recall the emotional experience I shared with you after the first journalism workshop at Columbia University. When it was over, I told you how I had already known everything the workshop touched on, thanks to you. I remember how your face lit up, and how you chuckled saying, “This is why I do this job.” The impact you have had on all of us at La Vista is immeasurable. Thank you Mac, for being the person who helped me to find my purpose in life. The newsroom will never be the same without your presence.

Bella Montenegro, La Vista Editor-in-Chief 2022-23

I have many memories of Mac, but one stands out in my mind. It was the Thursday of production and my section was behind on one of our pages. So I spent several hours after school in the La Vista room starting from 3 p.m. I gave my pages to Mac throughout the night and honestly enjoyed each bit of feedback he gave me to perfect each one. Around 6 p.m., we knew it would be a while, so I ordered pizza for everyone who was still there. It was honestly such a fun night. I finally finished my page at 9:30 p.m., and of course, Mac was still there working even after I left. He even offered to walk me to my car because it was so late and most of the school lights were out. He cared about us and the paper so much, and his dedication will always stand out in my memory when I think about Mac and my time at La Vista.

McLean Grimes, Executive News Editor

Mr. Mac filled every English class with energy and life despite all that he was going through. He never shared about his struggles and created a constant positive environment and safe space for each one of his students. Mr. Mac showed compassion to everyone and made it obvious that his main teaching goal was not to be difficult but to provide a true understanding of the curriculum. Thank you, Mr. Mac.

Chandler Stone, Sophomore

Mac was one of the first people to believe in me and my writing. When I came to Costa my freshman year, I was overwhelmed and worried about my ability to make friends, be myself, and do well in the field of journalism. Working with him in Beginning Journalism was a core memory for me, as he pushed me and encouraged me to become the writer that he knew I was capable of becoming. He inspired me to be a better writer and person, and I am forever grateful for his impact on my life and future. Mac, you were a funny, smart, and one-of-a-kind advisor who will be dearly missed.

Grace Dietz, La Vista Copy Editor 2019-20

Mac taught me so much in La Vista. He gave me a space to just exist freshman year. He helped teach me about something [journalism] I never knew I would end up loving so much. I’m so grateful for him for being such a great advisor and mentor.

Lucy Hansen, Assistant Features Editor

Mac truly was one of a kind. He taught his students how to write, edit, and communicate but overall, he taught his students how to laugh and how to enjoy life. We miss you Mac.

Jane Bush, Senior

Eight years ago Mac had his beginning journalism class standing on desks and taking field trips to Mexican restaurants. Between the fun moments, Mac taught us how to be better journalists and community members. He created a space where we could be creative and passionate, and I’m forever grateful for that.

Josie Collier, La Vista Editor-in-Chief 2019-20

Your kindness knew no bounds, and your open door to all of us was a beacon of acceptance and support. You’ve touched our lives in ways that words could never capture, and the wisdom you’ve imparted will forever guide us. Rest in peace, Mac. Your legacy lives on in each and every one of us.

Amelia Ward, Opinion Editor

A lot of things which I am doing with my life now were what Mac gave me the drive to do and get on track. Not only did he help me embrace my passion for journalism and give me hope in the career, he also made my favorite sport [badminton] possible on campus. He made the team possible and stronger than ever, creating so many amazing memories for all the students who participated in the program. Neither La Vista nor the badminton team would have survived without him. I hope his family takes comfort in knowing how much he positively impacted so many people’s lives throughout the years.

Anya Gore, former student

I spent all four years of my time in high school on La Vista staff, and I was lucky enough to learn from Mac for three of those years. Mac was funny, dedicated, passionate, and committed to his students. During my senior year, our staff sent Mac a Val-gram and the band serenaded him in our class. When the band read the note of appreciation from our staff, Mac responded, “La Vista is not La Vista without the late-nights and Mac-attacks.” He was right: his dedication to us made La Vista [what it was]. Mac’s commitment to his students is the reason we have these memories to cherish. His passion for authentic journalism instilled in me the courage to take pride in my own beliefs, even when they challenged the status quo. Instead of swaying his students to shy away from controversy, he encouraged us to look to controversy to find our best story ideas. Although I am no longer on the staff of a newspaper, this courage has taught me to be bold and brave in navigating my own life, and [for that] I have Mac to thank. To Mac, thank you for helping me become the writer, student, and person I am today. Your memory lives on in the community you built and the profound impact you had on your students. You are deeply missed, and I hope we are making you proud.

Mia Murakami Cho, La Vista Editor-in-Chief 2021-22

Mac was like a father to me on campus and saw me in some of my best and worst of times. I’ll forever be grateful for the Amigos field trips and how much he pushed me to be a good writer. I have him to thank for finding a passion in journalism and now being at Syracuse to study it. The whole La Vista community will miss him dearly.

Remy Bailard, La Vista Managing Editor 2021-22

Forever in my heart, an amazing teacher who taught us so much and brought so much joy. Mr. Mac’s memory and life lessons will forever inspire and guide us for the rest of our lives.

Natasha Randeniya, Assistant News Editor

The most thoughtful and funny person I’ve met.

Brigette Dufau, Junior

We met Coach McAvin in 2020 when he stepped up to fill the void in the badminton program. Without him, there was not going to be a program. He quickly learned about the game with the guidance of coaches David, Cindy and Patty. So many good memories of Coach McAvin, he will be sorely missed.

Cindy and David Levin, Badminton Coaches

Mac taught me to never stop striving to reach perfection, that even when something seems complete, it can always be made better. Mac sat with me for hours beyond the end of school teaching me how to become a better journalist and constantly encouraged me to pursue writing. Every student that entered Mac’s classroom felt the love he had for teaching and for his students. It was always clear that his greatest pride aside from his family was La Vista. Mac never missed an opportunity to show how proud he was of his students. I will continue to use what Mac taught me for the rest of my life and will forever be grateful for the time I got to spend with him.

Lexie Blakeman, News Editor 2021-22