Nikolas Samuels, 27, a Moorpark College journalism alumni and former reporter for the Santa Clarita Valley Signal, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 23 due to undetermined causes. Samuels was born in West Hills, CA on Sept. 27, 1992. He is remembered by many for his caring personality and commitment to journalism.

Samuels attended De Toledo High School in West Hills, CA and graduated in 2010 alongside his friend Andrew Cohen. Cohen described themselves as the “Conejo Bros” since both Samuels and Cohen both lived in the Conejo Valley during their time at De Toledo High School while most other students lived in the San Fernando Valley.

“No one ever had a bad thing to say about him,” Cohen stated. “He had his wolf pack, his close friends, but also people who hadn’t spoken to him in years. They all felt he had a positive impact on them.”

Cohen is hoping to set up a journalism scholarship at Moorpark College in honor of Samuels.

After high school, Samuels spent some time at UC Irvine studying journalism before transferring to Moorpark College where he joined the Student Voice, now known as the Moorpark Reporter. Samuels worked as the news editor for the Student Voice but also specialized in multimedia, often helping other students with camera equipment and filming.

Joanna Miller, the advisor of the Student News Media Staff at the time, spoke highly of his talent and optimism.

“He was one of those students who was there to learn and eager to participate,” Miller said. “Whether it was his writing or his photography, he worked hard to make it as good as it could be.” Miller also added that “we miss his work, his humanity and his willingness to help others.”

Mike Hoffman, a journalism professor at Moorpark College and former advisor of the Student Voice, remembered Samuels’ ability to help others, as well as his abilities as a journalist.

“Nick consistently used his skills to help others do their jobs and to do it better,” Hoffman reminisced. “That’s one of the things we appreciate about a student – when he can understand it sufficiently enough to help others. Our community lost a talented journalist. We will miss Nick’s energy and enthusiasm.”

After Samuels graduated from Moorpark College, he continued his education at California State University Northridge where he joined The Sundial, CSUN’s student newspaper. During that time, Samuels’ skill and dedication resulted in an internship with The Santa Clarita Valley Signal as a writer and a photographer which ultimately led to him being hired by the Signal.

Chuck Champion, former publisher of the Santa Clarita Valley Signal, spoke very highly of Samuels.

“He was dedicated to his profession and he was clear sighted for his age,” Champion explained. “Everyone enjoyed his time and company. He was a very enthusiastic and full of life guy.”

Bridget Fornaro, worked with Samuels at the Student Voice and is the former social media editor for the Student Voice, found inspiration in Samuels’ success in the Santa Clarita Valley Signal and the Sundial.

“He was a jack of all trades. He was everything a multi platform journalist would be in today’s newsrooms,” explained Fornaro. “I’ve seen his articles from time to time in the paper. It was always cool to see his name and know that he was doing what he loved.”

Samuels was also know for his caring nature and interest in anything news related. With subscriptions to many newspapers and magazines, Samuels was determined to stay current in his knowledge of the world. His friend, Aaron Schwartz, summarized who Samuels was.

“You hear about people who are truly just good, kind, caring people. He just was a stand up guy. He had this huge infectious smile and you knew he was a non-judgmental, inclusive person,” Schwartz said. “He was really just all about seeing what was out there in the world and sharing it with people.”

Samuels is survived by his parents, Janet Arnold and Andrew Samuels, his step parents, Bob Arnold and Deborah Samuels, sister Natalie Samuels, stepbrother Evan Davis and his long time girlfriend, Adriana Zuniga. His family mourned his death in the Pierce Brothers Memorial obituary.

“Nik was adored by everyone who was lucky enough to know him,” the obituary stated. “He had a giving heart.”