As graduation gets closer, everyday gets a little more bittersweet. High school has been full of new friendships, late nights studying, and life lessons that have shaped who I am today.

To the underclassmen: enjoy the little things while you can. Laughing with friends in class, making bonds with your favorite teachers, and the satisfaction you feel after turning in a big assignment. Take in the football games, spirit weeks, dances, fairs, and clubs that our school offers. Don’t spend all your time worrying about your next test or having a perfect GPA.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to step out of your comfort zone. Join clubs, go to sports games and events, compliment someone, and try things that scare you a little bit. Some of my favorite memories from high school have been the ones I never expected from myself.

Most importantly, appreciate the people around you. Your teachers, friends, coaches, and family members play a huge role in your character development, even when you do not realize it at the time.

To my fellow seniors, thank you for all the memories over the past four years. No matter what your post-high school plans are, we’ll always share this part of our lives together.

Goodbye, and good luck to everyone in the years ahead.