The end of the school year is a thought-provoking time for students, parents, and teachers. Most of us are getting excited about vacation and summertime; however, many of us are also feeling emotional and sentimental about the end of another school year. Summer vacation symbolizes a bridge for emotional and physical changes and beginnings and endings. For all of us teenagers, we realize we are another step closer to adulthood. It is also a good time to reflect about our friendships, sports, jobs, mistakes and successes we've experienced over the last nine months.

 

For seniors, the end of the school year must really be intense. Their futures are still somewhat of a mystery and they have to prepare themselves for big changes.

 

Senior Jerri Hayden, is going through all those mixed emotions. "I'm scared, but excited too about getting my career started. High school has been a fun experience I will never forget. I'm a smarter and stronger person now and I've loved every year even though there were some rough times." Jerri was active in choir and CSU (Christian Students United) and some of her best memories involved choir contests, spirit week, prom, and hanging out with friends. "I'll really miss my friends, and all my teachers, and all the activities we got to do here." Jerri plans on attending college and working full time this summer.

 

For Junior Kelly Thompson this school year went pretty fast and she feels her class has finally reached the moment when the reality of becoming a senior has hit. "We're at that point when we know our senior year is pretty much here. After all these years, I think I'm ready." Kelly's best memories over her high school years have been getting to hang out with her friends every day, spirit week, homecoming, and prom. She plans on staying involved in STUCO and sports over the summer break.

 

Junior Kyle Smith is also thinking about the reality of being a senior next year. "I'm a little nervous, but we've been waiting for this year for a long time. I want to take school a little more seriously next year," he said. Kyle's best memories are meeting new friends, playing school basketball, and spirit week. He plans on working all summer, hanging out with friends, and attending a couple of basketball camps over break.

 

Sophomore Kerry O'connor still has some time before she gets sentimental about leaving high school; however, she will be sad when the seniors next year go. "I'll miss that class, but it will be great to be one of the upperclassmen. It was a lot of fun being a cheerleader, playing volleyball, and seeing my friends all the time." Kerry will stay busy with volleyball and cheer leading camps this summer and hanging out with friends. Her favorite memories this school year were homecoming week and cheering at the games.

 

Many of us have families who are preserving our high school memories by storing our pictures, artwork, school paper, awards, etc. This means we can look forward to reminiscing about our school days for years to come, and maybe tell stories about the good ol' days to the next generation. Fond memories, embarrassing moments, and funny tales are important to remember and will be part of our histories.