I was not looking forward to writing this, the last story I would ever write for the school newspaper. It feels impossible to genuinely express what I have to say about these brief four yours at Arroyo. There were good times and there were bad times, but that doesn’t really say much. The only thing I can offer to summarize my high school experience is to thank a few of the many friends and teachers who have made high school so much less of a drag than I was expecting. Actually, these people and so many others that I did not have space to name have made high school pretty damn fun.

Samuel Adler, you are unique to say the least. At times your uncompromising personality can annoy the hell out of me, and yet it’s that tenacious spirit that I admire most about you. You are intelligent, funny, and (I can’t believe I’m saying this) you are truly more mature than I give you credit. You probably already know this, but I just have to say, for my own relief, that you will move on to do great things, no matter what people tell you. I look forward to reading about your success, and throwing that damn jacket into a fire. That thing’s got to go, man.

Jacob Lopez, thank you for being there for me whenever I needed someone to talk to, whether it was about a girl or about a joke that, as you so delicately put it, was, “NOT FUNNY”! I’ve had friends before, but I’ve never had a Bro like you to hang out with. Thanks to you I’m a little less twitchy and a little more outgoing. I guess there’s not much left to say but…FROGBOX!

Tony Huynh, thank you for making senior year a fun one. I’m glad that we ended up taking many of the same classes together, because I know that I can always rely on you to make classes a lot more interesting. I’ve enjoyed hanging out with such a kind, intelligent, and loyal friend. I know that you will succeed in whatever it is that you decide to pursue in life because, as you philosophers like to say, it’s pre-determined. (And if you quote Hard Gun one more time I will break the DVD.) Take care, man.

Mrs. Hunter, thank you helping me improve my writing ability and giving me many opportunities to succeed in your class. The poetry readings at Eloise have given me a newfound enthusiasm for poetry, and I have enjoyed learning many life lessons through your passionate literary lectures. We students mature tremendously in your class, and though we may not always show our gratitude, we really do appreciate your determination to make us smarter.   

Thank you Mr. Loewen for making my essays bleed red ink. Your honest criticisms have made me a better writer, and the class has introduced me to many fascinating concepts that have changed the way I read literature and even the way I observe life. You seemed intimidating at first, but now I can see why Mrs. Hunter refers to you as a Teddy Bear.

Mr. Kunka, I almost regret not having joined Academic Decathlon because I know that, with a coach like you, I could have learned a lot. But having spent a year in your Government AP class, I want to thank you for showing us a more complex view of government and how it functions. I don’t think I’ve ever been given so many resources to help me study in one class before, nor have I heard lectures given with such skilled articulation. Like Superman, you set an altruistic example for your students, motivating us to excel both academically and as citizens.

Dear Mr. Colvin, Thank you for encouraging me to shine in Speech and Debate. Without you’re help, I would less articulate; I would be less inclined to pursue leadership opportunities; and I would probably continue to quiver in stage fright. Through Speech and Debate, I have met some of the most hard-working and intelligent students at Arroyo. To every competitor in our team, I look up to all of you for your skill and dedication.

Mr. Lopez, I promise that if I’m ever interviewed on 60 minutes I will have nothing but good things to say about you. You were a unique Spanish teacher and a fun coach. Thank you for being more lenient on me than I probably deserved, and for humoring my sad attempts to appear professional. It’s been fun running the horse trail with all of the ambitious young athletes in the Cross Country and Track team, and I wish you all the best of luck. I have faith that 2012-2013 is going to be a memorable season for our star runners.

And finally, thank you Mrs. Swanson for supporting me with enduring optimism and generosity. Thank you for encouraging my undying love of writing for over four years. You’ve always been so kind to us at the Knights Banner, and your dedication to your students is inspirational. It’s going to be hard to say good-bye to our little band of misfits, but I’m comforted by the warm memories I’ve made with every one of you in room 5. Elaine, Travis, Brian, Alvin, Millie, Ailin, Monique, Alicia, and Tony, you’ve all been good to me in ways I simply cannot summarize. Thank you.  

I apologize if this statement is too long or sentimental, but I can’t help the fact that I have so much to be grateful for, and so many people to thank. I’m glad that I was able to enjoy the fun while I could, but I am by no means dwelling in nostalgia. I don’t know what to expect in LA, but I look toward my future with optimism, pride, and anticipation. With all due respect, I’ll always be a Knight, but I just can’t wait to become a Bruin in September.