To the Class of 2022: I am not a valedictorian, nor do I fit the description of a typical honor roll student. As we wind down to the final days of high school, it is easy to look back and see some of the reasons I never achieved the valedictorian status; however, the Latin word that valedictorian derives from, valedīciere, which simply means to say goodbyes, and I think I am perfectly qualified to give a meaningful farewell.

As elementary students, we looked forward to our time in high school and onwards as something that seemed centuries away. Then, without warning, we were freshmen wandering the halls. 

While it was nothing like the movies, it was still scary, awkward and challenging, and that is why I want to express my utmost gratitude to you, my fellow seniors, for displaying excellence even through the hardships of high school.

We all achieved feats we didn’t think possible, like Tynan Numkena making numerous acrobatic catches and dishing out ankle-breaking moves to score six. Macie Zimmerman and Julia Fiedler were the much-needed comic relief as their totally-not-corny jokes sent waves of relief over the masses during morning announcements. Lauren Vaughn and her drumline associates shot pride throughout the halls and TouVelle stadium with their swagged-out rhythms. While Preston Martens amazed us with his wits, Bradley Hill doled out spine-breaking pins on the mat. Landon Butler put on a defensive showcase every basketball game while Avery Horner and Autumn Skahill scored what seemed like hundreds of goals during soccer season. 

As sophomores, we went on spring break, time seemed to slow down, and we were told our spring break would be extended because of a global pandemic. It was unprecedented to say the least. Years of regulations went by swiftly, and suddenly we were seniors.

I would also like to thank the staff who worked through the absurd and difficult situations we found ourselves in. Whether it was Mrs. Farmer teaching us logarithmic functions or Mr. Jacobs teaching us how to get out of a ticket, they always displayed their appreciation and devotion for us. 

Finally, I’d like to take a moment to remember our classmates and staff who are no longer with us. Tyler Hurd passed peacefully in his sleep while celebrating his 17th birthday with friends. He was and will be remembered for his passion for baseball and his intellect. Additionally, Kieth Bonnstetter of the Spanish department, passed from natural causes while on a jog. He will be remembered and admired for his deep love for his students and the beautiful snowflakes he made. 

As a final thought, I’d like to quote the teacher who gave me the opportunity to write this farewell, Mr. Staber. He always says, “High school is one of the first, great transformative periods of your life, but it won’t be the best, and it won’t be the last; things will only get better from here if you work at them.”