To the students who made me a real, official teacher: thank you and I am so proud of you!

You were the first students I got to watch from beginning to end. You came to me short, awkward, stubborn, and nervous. I got to watch you grow into mature, young adults, going off into the big world to make your own way and leave your own mark. I could not be more excited and proud.

When you came to me, I was also awkward and nervous. It was my first year teaching- it was horrible…I was horrible, but  you created a spot in my heart. You taught me what it meant to be a teacher- to be united, have compassion and patience, that sometimes it’s okay to chill, and to work hard. You tried me and I tried you, but we all learned and grew together.

Today is a bittersweet day because I am excited and proud of you, but I will miss your sweet, precious smiles, our jokes, and I’ll miss seeing you in the halls and between classes. In exchange, though, you are entering a new stage in your life. You have more freedom, now, to decide for yourselves the type of people you will be and what you will do with your lives. No matter what, be the best people you can be. Be confident. Don’t let anyone put you down because you are young. Expect more of yourselves than those around you and prove to the world that you are an incredible generation. Continue to have a heart for others, like I’ve seen you all do throughout the 4 incredible years you’ve been in my life. Blaze a path in front of you that you can be proud of and don’t let anyone stop you.

To the class of 2016- I love you, I’m proud of you, and I’m praying for you!

HHS Class of 2016 Class Song: “See You Again”