Blue Pride Forever

23. There was this feeling in my chest that I had never felt before- like I was on the edge of a cliff looking down. But I wasn't. I was looking out at my classmates as the little boy, the man, that I had gone to preschool with addressed us, spoke for the last time to us as a whole- as one thing. The Senior Class of 2010. How could it be this time already, when I still remember the exact moment I entered this school as a senior? How can I move forward when everything I am is tied up in these halls? We will never be these people again, we will leave behind us all the titles we gained from THS. But hopefully, the lessons we learned, from our teachers, from each other, will follow us no matter where we go. I will carry this place in my heart for the rest of my life.

Ready, set, go.

Senior Rush

22. Before I even knew what was happening I was being rushed towards the lobby with 245 other seniors. Cameras in the air, tears in our eyes, voices blending together- emotions drowning us. There was nothing I could say, no words to describe what I was feeling. The end? The beginning? Maybe it's just the middle. But it's Tuesday, and it will never be Tuesday again- not like this. The end of life as we know it. The middle of who we will be.

Ready, set, go.

This Sort Of Thing I Write About

21. I felt like I was wearing a costume. Work clothes were words that described what I wore to clean the house, not this. Black on black on black, and even the pink headband in my hair couldn't make it better. Couldn't make it me. 'Welcome to the real world.' My mother said to me. Somewhere inside of me, I think she wants me to fail. But you know me- I hit the ground running. Things just work out.

Ready, set, go.

Senior Skipping

20. I took a plunge into darkness, I didn't know what was coming- what turns I would hit, but I gripped Christie Chaput's hand and Nick Spark's shoulder like I would fall off the ride if I so much as let go. What I didn't expect in the first turn into darkness, was that this, unexpectedly, was fun.

Ready, Set, Go.

The First Bridge I Never Burned

19. I couldn't bring myself to cry. Karrah could, but the tears just couldn't come. I was almost embarrassed at my own relief making that final drive back across the bridge. Final drive- final run. No more Cadet. What have I learned?

Ready, set, go.

We'll Waste Away The Day With Perfect Regard

18. They were adorable. You could tell by the smile on their faces that they meant every note, every word of appreciation and I suddenly missed the days when music was just music and It didn't mean a lot of work and a competition. Back when music was synonymous with joy. Back when this was still my school.

Ready, set, go.

Awards & Earning The Life I Want

17. My heart raced as I took center stage, my thoughts swirling in a rush of graduation announcements and tickets, college acceptance letters, the money I don't have, and the education I want. We were hot and sweaty and uncomfortable in our Sunday best, but I came back to my seat a thousand dollars richer, and I wasn't so hot anymore.

Ready, set, go.