Dear Lee-Scott Academy,

You were the best thing that could have happened to me.

When I transferred in seventh grade, I thought my life was ending. I didn't expect to find a place where I could truly be myself. I didn't expect to find a family. I didn't expect my life to be changed for the better all because I decided to go to a small private school. I didn't expect to miss it.

I miss the little things the most: hearing the announcements end with "Stay classy," seeing Chuck Norris roam the halls, and sitting at the senior table at lunch. I miss the painted ceiling tiles and not having to put locks on the lockers. I miss the homecoming dress-up days and the band concerts. I miss the worn out path on the grass from the gym to the classrooms and sitting outside around the cross. I miss the break, a lot. I miss the morning devotions and the late night football games. But I miss the big things too.

I miss the irreplaceable friends I made. We danced the line dance during pep rallies and joked while we walked down the halls. We prayed for each other while holding hands around the cross. We ran to class to avoid being late after off campus lunch. The flat days, football games and study sessions are memories I would never part with. I will never forget the stories we shared and the fun we had. The friends I made became my family. I know they will always be there for me.

I miss the teachers. I had the best teachers and the best classes. I remember my first class with Ms. Jaudon and my last class with Ms. Watson. I can still hear Coach Darden say "Well, crap!" and Coach Liz say "On the line!" I remember the first Fletcher paper and the last physics test. I remember the teachers encouraging me to achieve greatness. The constant pushing to give my very best helped me grow as a student and a person. I was academically challenged in a way that better prepared me for college.

I miss being challenged to grow spiritually. My faith grew because of the resources made available to me. The great spiritual leaders whose talks were common occurrences during my years at LSA helped me to see how God had transformed people's lives. The Bible classes and FCA meetings helped me learn more about my faith. The Christian principles, teachers, and friends encouraged me to stay strong and trust God.

I miss being pushed to be a better person. I changed from being afraid of what people thought of me to being myself no matter what others thought. I became involved in several activities, sports, and clubs that helped me define who I was. I was given opportunity after opportunity to participate in things that shaped who I am today. The drama and choral programs taught me to be comfortable in my own shoes. The sports programs taught me to work hard and rely on teammates. The various academic clubs taught me to put pride in my work and achieve greatness. These lessons helped form the person I am today.

So, thank you Lee-Scott for being one of the best parts of my life. Thank you for the goat pen. Thank you for loud coaches and even louder fans. Thank you for the assemblies and meetings. Thank you for the boring schoolwork. Thank you for the exciting football games. Thank you for the great people. Thank you for helping me become a better student, worker, Christian, friend, and person. Thank you for never giving up on me. Thank you for giving me a family of great people. Thank you for giving me the tools to succeed. Thank you for the memories I wouldn't give up. Most of all, thank you for the best years of my life.