High School Principal Gets Roasted

"I really have no idea what's going to happen tonight," Larry Misel, principal of Agoura High School, said a few minutes before "The Roast of Larry Misel" commenced at the Performing Arts Education Center Friday night.

The Comedy Central-inspired program, organized by Jason Busby–student council adviser and director of activities–and four seniors, paid tribute to the beloved principal of 15 years.

"We think the best kind of roast is a back-handed complement," said senior Claire Palmer, one of the organizers. "This is a lot of fun and we wanted to honor him because he's done a lot for the school."

Donned in a tuxedo and waiting backstage, Misel, who came to Agoura from Calabasas High, spoke of his tenure.

"I've been very fortunate to have been in a position to hire some really excellent people who like kids, great teachers," he said. "My claim to fame is bringing these people together that make this high school a special place.

During his time at the campus, the school has undergone a complete renovation in addition to the completion of the PAEC. According to Misel, 14 current teachers were former students.

Board of education president Lesli Stein, who for a time was a PFC president, attended the festivities to honor the outgoing principal.

"Fifteen years is a long time to leave your fingerprint on one particular school and it's quite a fingerprint he's leaving behind," she said. "He leaves a legacy of excellence which is what we, as the board of education, pride ourselves on."

After taking the stage, Misel was teased, insulted and embarrassed by several alumni and faculty members before a packed house of mostly students.

"I've been waiting 15 years for this," Busby told the enthusiastic crowd.

In addition, humorous videos were played, some poking fun of the students' inside joke that Misel resembles Super Mario.

As parting words to her principal, senior Nick Sehap said, "You've made the last four years of my life extremely memorable, and we're going to miss you."