Battling through the everyday struggles high school threw in our faces, we were each other's safe haven. Waking up every day for some or barely making it three times a week for others, we had each other's backs far longer than those eight hours we were in school. As the years in high school came to a close, we all but perfected a friendship of seven goofballs—no two exactly the same. No one really understood our friendship but us, and that was OK. To the people who helped me get through those years, helped me figure out who I am and kept me laughing—this is for you all.

Thank you for putting laughter in my life. No matter what we are doing, we always find ways to laugh—even if it is at my expense. From screaming throwback songs to mixing strange concoctions at lunch to dare one to eat, laughter always fills the air and sprints to the bathroom occasionally accompany. Laughter is the normal sound that comes from our group. If there is ever a time that it is totally inappropriate to laugh, you will hear us if we are around (several scoldings in the auditorium can prove that). I honestly think that if we were facing death, someone would crack a joke or say something ridiculous.

Thank you for never judging me. When we look back at the beginning of our friendship to now, we seem like totally different people. Whatever stage we went through or whatever hard time we faced—no matter what—we were always there for each other (even through our questionable fashion choices). We formed bonds to lift each other up, give ideas on new looks, and mentioned when we may need to change an attitude. We all made learning mistakes or went through difficult times, not always making the best choices—but we stood by each other with loving hearts, open arms and some nudges in the better direction. With all that we have been through with each other, we will always have our friendship. That is a reassuring shelter because I know we can come to one other with anything and everything with no judgement, only care.

Thank you for being my strength when I had none. When high school troubles got to us, the others were there for ice cream runs, bonfires or sleepovers to help bring happiness back. When we couldn't stand up for ourselves, there was always the others who had our backs and were never afraid to step on some toes. No one messed with one of us without messing with all (especially crazy exes). We had each other's backs, and we still do today.

Thank you for accepting my flaws. No one is perfect, and of course, we all knew that but we didn't care. Nothing held us back even if something should've. We accepted each other for exactly who we are and with all of our personalities, I'm still confused how that happened. We all differ quite a bit, even in religious background, yet still respect each other for our differences and flaws.

Thank you for showing me true friendship. We are all friends for nothing more than the company of each other. We want nothing in return than the love and care we give one other. Through the ups and downs, we stay strong to each other. We support each other in our endeavors, we cry with each other in our failures, and we celebrate with each other in our victories. It a rare thing to have true friends but to us, it's just the norm.

Thank you for the love, care and friendship you've given me. I could never express the amount of gratitude I have for all you guys do for me and have done for me—material and not. True friendship is hard to come by. I know as we grow older, we won't stay as close as we are now or were in our glory days but no matter the distance, the new friends we make or wherever life takes us—our friendship will remain strong and true. Some high school friendships end when diplomas are received, but one thing about ours—it's going to last a lifetime and so on. I love you all.

"A strong friendship doesn't need daily conversation, doesn't always need togetherness, as long as the relationship lives in the heart, true friends will never part..."