By: Grace Green

At the end of my sophomore year I remember complaining about how I still had two years left to my friend who was about to graduate. All they said was “Don’t take it for granted. You have no idea how fast it will go by”. And they were right.

Sure there were days, sometimes weeks, when it felt like it might never end, but as I look back now I realize how quickly high school ended. I went from having four years of high school left to four days in the blink of an eye.

I feel more overwhelmed than I thought I would about leaving. Everyday feels different from the last. Somedays I feel sad about saying goodbye, other days I’m excited about what’s to come, and some days I feel everything.

It’s hard to think about the classmates you might not see after you graduate, the acquaintances that you might not keep up with, never walking down the main staircase again, and all the other people and places at WHS. There are so many people I’ve met and so many memories I’ve made in these classrooms that I know I will never forget.

And as much as I liked to complain about high school a lot over the last four years, I’ve come to realize that I actually enjoyed high school. I had a lot of great teachers, made a lot of friends, and took part in many activities that I loved and was proud of. I’m happy to say that I have no regrets.

With that said, my biggest piece of advice is to try everything: take a class you wouldn’t usually take, join a new club or team, get involved with a school production. There are a million ways to leave your mark at WHS, you just have to look around. I started enjoying high school more the second I started branching out and trying things on my own. I found out what my hobbies and interests were by taking electives and joining groups that I had never thought about.

Another important part of high school is the people you surround yourself with. It took me awhile to find people that shared similar interests as me and made me a better person, but once I found them I’ve felt happy and supported. Stay close to people who bring out the best of you and encourage you to make good decisions.

My advice for any upcoming seniors is to make your last year count. Go to games, events, and breakfast with your friends. Do everything you can to make the most of high school because you will never have something like it again.

I’d like to thank my friends for making high school so special, the Latimers for letting me practically live at your house, many of my teachers for being so supportive, and my parents for always keeping me on track. To the many art teachers I was lucky to have- thank you for showing me how important art and expression is and helping me discover my true passion. I also have to shoutout Mrs. Stoker for being there for me throughout the last few years. I will never forget everything you have done for me and all of the valuable lessons you have taught me.

Thanks for the memories, WHS.