From August 13, 2015 to May 13, 2018, it’s been 1004 days since I started high school. From running around all of Cody Park and feeling like I was going to throw up on the first day of tennis practice to being told I couldn’t be signed out of high school if I was wearing a shirt that raised money for the canned food drive, it’s safe to say that high school has been a crazy experience. Although it is finally coming to an end, I can genuinely say that I have enjoyed high school and wish I could have more time here. That being said, I’d like to take the opportunity to thank the people who have made my high school experience great.

Coach Dale Hall and Coach John Lehmer: Thank you for always pushing me to do my best and for being role models in my life. I’ve enjoyed every single game I’ve played, drill I’ve done, and ball I’ve hit because of you guys. Dale, thank you for always beating me in tennis and pickleball, even though I did beat you in UFC that one time. John, thank you for taking us to Kansas City and for being willing to spend extra time after practice to help me get better. Also, I’m still really sorry for hitting you in the head with that ball at the Rec Center. Without you two, my high school experience would not be the same as it is today and I would have missed out on doing my favorite activity throughout high school.

Coach Jahnke: Thank you for teaching me to find joy in swimming, no matter how much I might dislike it. Seriously, I can think of a lot better ways to spend my time than swimming back and forth for hours on end, but you made me want to do it. Thank you for always pushing me and believing in me. I will always remember and appreciate the joy, care, and enthusiasm that you showed towards me.

Ms. Larson: We’ve came a long ways since giving me fake detention on my second day of high school. You’ve taught me a lot about myself, about others, and about the world. Thank you for teaching me to be a leader, preparing me for the future, and helping me become a better person. You are one of the strongest, nicest, and all around coolest people I have ever met. I’m sorry for jumping on tables, being too loud, and some other things you don’t know about. I have had a lot of fun and learned a ton in journalism, and that is mostly because of you.

Mrs. Welch: I wish all teachers were like you. Thank you for helping me catch up when I was gone at Disney World. (In case you didn’t know, I went there.) I will miss all the $5 toasty deal of the days, super cool kids with chains, and winning HQ. Thank you for not only caring about what I have going on in my life, but for also telling me about what is going on in yours. The connection that we have developed has helped me enjoy what is by far the hardest class I’ve ever taken. Although it might not always seem like it, the hard work and late nights that you put in really do make a difference and the love you show towards all of your students, not only make our days a lot better, but will stick with us for the rest of our lives.

James Friedrich: ever since I stepped foot into the Berean youth group freshman year, you made it obvious that you care about me. I’m going to miss all of the good times that you, me, Ben, Jamon, Will, and everyone else have had. From an absurd amount of KFC meals to the long talk at the ski retreat, you have made a very big impact in my life. Thank you for all of the advice, hugs, and laughs. Thank you for showing me that I don’t have to be perfect for God to love me, that it’s usually better to apologize than to be right, and most importantly, thank you for teaching me how to be a man after God’s own heart.

Mom and Dad: I take a lot of things for granted. Not a lot of kids have parents as great as you two. Thank you Dad for always being there to talk and calm me down when I get frustrated and for showing up to every sporting event that you possibly could; I always do better with my #1 fan in the crowd. Mom, thank you for showing me what it looks like to trust that God has a plan, even when it doesn’t always seem like it, and for praying for me, especially when I need it most. Although I might not miss the reminders that I need to clean my room, my hair is too long, and that I need to be home by a certain time, I love you both very much, and I’ll miss you more than I can ever imagine.

Taya: I’m going to miss you so much. No more going into you room to use your mirror, no more “bro-talks”, and no more songs to wake you up. Even though it doesn’t always seem like it, I love you and appreciate you always being there for me. Seeing you grow into the smart, funny, and super-freakin’ jacked woman that you are today has made me the proudest brother that I could possibly be. I wouldn’t trade you for the world and I will always be there for you. Thank you for being the best little baby sister ever.

Without all of you, I would not be the person I am today. I’d like to give a big thanks to all my friends for the good times. You guys have made high school great. I’d also like to thank God, because without Him, none of us would be here. And before I go, I would like to apologize to anyone who I’ve wronged. There’s been multiple times when I have been upset and said or done hurtful things, and I don’t want anyone to remember me like that.

Although I am sad that this chapter of my life is coming to a close, but I’m excited to see what plans God has for my life. As of now, I will attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and study Business Administration. After completing college, I am unsure of what I want to do, but am considering becoming a banker or working in marketing. With that being said, I’d like to thank everyone again for their role in making my high school experience great.