From one alumnus to another,

First of all, I’d like to personally congratulate each and every one of you. Whether or not I actually ever spoke to you, I know how hard you worked to make it to these last few days. Four long years of grueling 7+ hour school days with the addition of homework, sports, clubs, plays, other extracurricular activities, family and a social life. It’s not easy, but trust me, you ain’t seen nothing yet. (Sorry, Mrs. K., I promise I don’t actually write like that.)

You graduate this week. You finally get to walk across that stage and collect your diplomas. (Actually, your fancy diploma covers.) I know how excited you must be; I know I was. Cherish every second of graduation day. Wake up a little earlier and savor your last morning as a high school senior. Let your mom make you breakfast, listen to your dad tell you how proud he is of your accomplishments and rub it in your little sibling’s face that you never have to step foot in another Richland classroom again.

You’re going to look back of every picture you’ve taken in the last four years and realize how much has changed, and you will wonder how much is going to change. You remember the stories behind every picture and the people who made that moment special. Some of them you might never talk to after graduation night, but they will always hold a special place in your heart.

You will all report to the school and dress in your red and blue gowns. How unflattering those robes are, and how hot you will be sitting upon the stage under those bright lights. But it’s the uniform of educated men and women and the auditorium where this chapter of your lives ends.

Some of you have plans to stay close to home while others chose colleges and universities far from home. Some of you have made the commitment to become student athletes at the collegiate level. Some of you will enter the workforce, and some of you have no idea what you are going to do. No matter your choice, good luck to every single one of you. This is one of the most important transitional periods of your life, and it will not come easy, so the most important thing to remember is be happy with your decision.

I want you to know the best is yet to come. You will meet so many new people, encounter so many new experiences and fall in love with your new life. Even if high school was not your cup of tea, you will miss at least one part of it. You will miss your favorite teacher. You will miss your favorite class. You will miss the cheese stuffer sticks and mashed potato bowls. You will miss high school.

For now, enjoy your friends and this coming summer. Spend graduation night with your class, go to every graduation party, have a blast atsenior week and do not forget about spending time with family.I promise the summers to follow will consist of work and/or internships. Why? Because your new status as a broke college student is very real, and you will find yourself struggling to buy a jar of peanut butter.

Sincerely,

Dara Collins

Class of 2016