Commentary by Anna Skinner
“Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the class of 2013!”
After hearing these words and tossing my cap into the air alongside the other members of my graduating senior class, an overwhelming array of emotions crashed over me. Pride, for myself and for the class of 2013, and for the accomplishments – both academic and athletic – we have made these past four years of our lives. Jubilation, for the fact that college looms a mere 70 something days ahead of me, and I have never been more eager to attend Indiana University than I am at this exact moment. Sadness, for the younger classmates and the fantastic teachers and memories I will be leaving behind the moment I step out of those front doors for the last time. And a final peace, because for the next 70 days I don’t have to worry about passing calculus or debating which Spanish class to take next year. For the next 70 days, I can spend time with my family and friends for one last summer before I head off to start the best years of my life.
I would like to acknowledge five certain individuals who have helped me through my high school years. Mrs. Nikki Davis, Mr. Andrew Schaaf, Mrs. Jennifer Hasler-Troutman, Mr. Kyle Messmore and Mr. Mark Ewing have gone above and beyond what it means to be a teacher and a mentor. I give all of them my sincerest and deepest thanks. They deserve all the admiration this world has to offer.
For my last parting words as a student of Westfield High School, I would like to wish my fellow seniors the best of luck while they pursue college, the workforce or the military. I am so proud to call you my classmates, and you have truly made this high school experience the best I could ever wish to have. I ask that you look back on these years with pride and joy, and that you realize what a great school we are now graduates of.
Anna Skinner is an intern at Current in Westfield. She will be attending Indiana University in the fall to study journalism. She can be contacted at [email protected].