Dear Class of 2017,

Well you finally made it! You have survived years of homework, tests, and God-awful group projects. Now in less than ten months you will be walking across that stage with a diploma in hand and a bright future ahead of you. You have worked so hard for this year so savor it, but continue to work hard because your grades senior year do matter. Below is a list of advice for the amazing senior year that is ahead of you.

1. Apply for scholarships.

College is not cheap and trust me the bill will hit you like a ton of bricks. Any kind of scholarship, no matter how small, will make a difference.

2. Do your work.

As much as it is tempting to slack off, do your homework. Grades still matter your senior year even if you have already been accepted to college. A merit scholarship can and will be dropped if your grades plummet.

3. Take classes that you wouldn’t think of taking, or that class that you have always wanted to take.

Remember that ceramics class that interested you freshman year -- take it!

4. Spend time with your friends!

By this time you probably know who your true friends are, so spend as much time as you can with them before you all head off to college.

5. Participate in senior skip day.

It only happens once (or at least it's only supposed to happen once.)

6. Go to all the events that you can!

It’s your last chance for them, so embrace your inner school spirit and go to that soccer game or theater performance.

7. Go on your senior trip.

If you can afford it, go. Senior trips make memories that last a lifetime and bring you and your class closer than ever before.

8. Go to your senior prom.

Chances are you won’t be wearing a long gown again anytime soon.

9. Thank your teachers.

Seriously, no matter how much you complained, they helped you a lot and you will recognize this in college.

10. Thank your parents.

No matter how much you hate them sometimes, they have done so much for you over the course of your life. From helping at the bake sales to supporting you in all of your dreams, they have always stood beside you and supported you.

11. Thank the friends that have stuck by you through thick and thin.

They're the ones that matter.

12. Sit back and enjoy your fleeting moments in high school.

Be thankful for the opportunities you were given and look forward to what’s in store for your future.

Congratulations, class of 2017. Good luck with your final year of high school and all of your future endeavors.

Sincerely,