Dear Slidell High Class of 2015:

How has it been two years since we walked across that stage? I find it hard to believe that it's been two years since we last sat together, as a class, on that beloved football field.

You know, when I sat down to write this article, I was unsure of how to address it. "As a class" seems strange now that most of us are about to be juniors in college. But the phrase "as a class" also seems strange due to the fact that every person who we graduated with is no longer physically here.

When we found out that we lost Freddie Richardson in a tragic car accident, I know that many of you were at a loss of what to do. I know that from a former officer standpoint, Sarah, Czarina and I each struggled to put into words of how to be there for you all. The question of "what do we do to help" when we were so far in distance both puzzled and hurt us.

We have accomplished so much since graduating from high school. I mean, from a personal standpoint, I am closer to being in a high school classroom with students than I was to being a high school student. Life seems to be moving by so fast, and yet it really does not hit until we look back on it. While looking back, there are a few thngs, however, that we cannot forget.

We can't forget who we were, but we have to remember the strong people we have become. We can't forget about the memories we made, but must realize that moving on is essential for growth. We can't forget the people who left us too soon, but must remember that their leaving will forever be missed.

Moving on is nothing new anymore. When we were in high school, the concept seemed so strange. Now, however, it truly is something that is a part of life. And you know what? It can still suck. Growth, though, has allowed us to plant seeds in gardens that we may never get to see come to fruition. While moving on is not the greatest thing in the world, it allows us to experience growth.

Our lives have changed. Whether that be for the better, worse, or with something new and unexpected differs for everyone. However, when we look back on two years ago today, I hope that the vivid memories never lose their vibrance and color. That color can be quite hard to find in an emotional, grey void right now, but we must find it.

As many of you know, I was and still am, obsessed with musicals. In the 1996 musical RENT, Maureen, the feisty nonconformist, says, in Angel's funeral scene:

"You always used to say how lucky you were to have us as friends. But it was us, baby, who were the lucky ones."

It was me, 2015. I was the lucky one to have had you guys by my side. From now and forever, "if you ain't one five, get on your side." I love you guys forever and always.

You are always in my heart,

Emily Rasch, Secretary Treasurer.