I just want to start off by saying thank you. Thank you for always being there for me. Thank you for always believing in me. Thank you for never giving up on me, even when I thought all hope was lost. Thank you for helping me realize my potential and what I want in my life. Even though you were just supposed to be my teachers, you were so much more than that. You were my mentors, my friends, my advisers and the anchors that helped keep me grounded.
Some of my teachers were just teachers. They didn't really reach out to me or really anyone, which is fine by me. But to those teachers who didn't let anyone hang out to dry, you're the reason I loved high school. If I could go back for a day, I would definitely want to come visit each and every one of you. All of you made a huge impact on my life, even if it seems like you didn't.
To my sophomore teachers, you guys made my first year in the high school building a year that helped me adjust to what would be my school for the next three years. When I had my little episode in biology class, Coach Buchanan was calm and helped everyone in the class calm down while he sent another student to get Mrs. Williams. Mrs. Williams then helped me calm down and walked me to the office. She didn't leave my side until I was sent home. These small actions made such an impact on my life and she wasn't even my own teacher! And to Mr. Ferguson, who helped me to handle being the only sophomore in a class full of juniors and one senior.
To my junior teachers, this was probably my most stressful year. Not only did you keep me calm, you taught me not to procrastinate and to get my work done on time so I could relax later rather than doing nothing beforehand and stressing more at the last minute. To my English teacher, the one who would throw out crazy, random words to get our attention and helped us know how to write lots and lots of essays, thanks for all the laughs. To my pre-chem teacher, I didn't really understand everything the first time you taught me, but thank you for coming to my seat and helping to explain it until I understood.
To my senior teachers, you guys probably made the biggest impact on my life. You helped to prepare me for what was to come next year at college. My English teacher, who I had for senior and sophomore year, was the one who encouraged us to push through to the end, to not give up and definitely made our class very interesting, especially with that encouraging countdown to graduation. Thanks Mrs. Davis, you always made me smile. Mr. Gainer showed us that science can be interesting if you just pay attention during class, do your quests on time, and don't take the bonus for granted.
I wanted to save this group for last because they are the most important. My fine arts teachers. To my art teacher, who I also go to church with, you were exactly what I needed at the end of the day. Your class was a de-stressor for me. You not only made an impact on my high school life, but are still continuing to be a role model for me. To my drama teacher, who I had all three years of my high school career, I don't even know where to start. You were the person I came to with my problems. The skills you taught me are ones I use every day. And you let me sleep in your office when I was having a really, really bad day.
To my band directors, where do I even begin? You guys have been there for me for seven years. I spent the most time with you guys, going to football games, marching competitions, contests, concerts, all-region tryouts and so much more. I can proudly say I am a better person because of you guys. Mrs. Wells, Mrs. Church, and Mrs. Harkrider. Thank you for never giving up on me, for letting me know that just a little more effort can make a big difference. And if I've learned anything from y'all, it's the number one rule of marching band. And for my life. Don't look left, don't look right, and don't stop for anything.
