Walking through the hallways in the final days of high school, there’s a memory in every little corner. The lockers my friends and I stood at freshman and sophomore year, the locker room bench where my teammates and I laid on to get glitter in our hair for soccer playoffs, the bleachers where we would go crazy during a football game, and the classrooms that have some of the funniest moments.

When I started journalism my freshman year, I really didn’t know what this class was, it just sounded cool. Since then, I’ve been a part of the journalism program and the school newspaper The Lobby-O for three years now; totally wishing I took it junior year. This class is filled with people who aren’t afraid to be themselves, get work done and also have a fun time. I’ve been able to learn more about myself and what I am capable of doing on or off camera. I’ve made friendships in this class that I will cherish once I am gone and an amazing teacher who has taught me so much not only about journalism, but also about life.

I never thought my senior year of high school I would be wearing a mask during a pandemic and missing some of the most memorable parts of my teenage years. Going through the moments of missing prom and having a very unpredictable junior and senior year, it was a difficult time to make those memories. But I have made some of the best memories that I can’t wait to look back on later in life.

You’re only a teenager once and trust me, time will fly by. My advice is to do the most. There have been many times in my life where I have almost said no because I was either tired or just wasn’t feeling up to it, but I went and made some of the best memories. Those unexpected plans and nights are what create these lasting moments that will never go away. Go to the football game, tryout for a sports team, audition for that big role, go to that party, and don’t hesitate.

High school is full of unexpected things. You lose friends, you gain friends, you discover who you truly are, you make big decisions and it’s a sense of independence. If high school has taught me one thing, it would be this: enjoy it. Don’t stress out because you failed one test, don’t worry about getting into all AP classes, don’t join every possible club just so it’s on your resume. Enjoy what you are doing with your time here. Take classes you like, do clubs/sports that will benefit you and do what makes you happy.

For myself, the memories I’ve made here at WHS, I will cherish forever. I’ll miss walking to class with my friends, dressing up in spirit wear for the football or basketball game, screaming “Love Story” by Taylor Swift on our bus ride home after winning a game, and all those group celly hugs after a game in the rain. I’ll miss the little things like messing around in gym class, working in the hallway, going to McDonalds with all my friends after a sports game and jamming out to music with my friends when the final bell rings. It truly is the little things we take for granted.

When I walk across the stage in two weeks, I have to remind myself I’m growing up. It’s a hard concept knowing you actually have to do adult things. My time as a teenager, I obviously wish I could experience more to it, but I have amazing friends, family, teachers, coaches and peers who have made my time unforgettable.

To all my amazing friends, thank you for making these past four years, the best four years. I couldn’t have asked for better friends throughout our ups and downs. Thank you for the endless laughter, love and support that has created these lasting friendships. So, I thank you for making me the best person I can be. (Shoutout MF, SA, LL and NT love you ladies.)

To my bestest friend, Lucy, I don’t know how you manage to still be friends with me. I remember the first time we met in second grade on a trampoline and instantly became bffs. Since then, I wouldn’t want anyone else to be my sidekick. You’ve been there for me through heartbreaks, laughter, tears, and especially during horrible math grades. Every year we have a sleepover on the first and last day of school and it hurts knowing you won’t be there the day we leave for college. Even though we will only be 30 minutes away from each other, I can’t wait to visit you and have sleepovers all the time. I mean no wonder we got most likely to be friends in 20 years.

To my amazing parents, Mom, you’ve been my rock and best friend since the very beginning. You’ve seen me struggle and succeed and only motivated me to be my best. Without you, I don’t know where I would be and how I would achieve the things I have. Dad, I will always be your little girl no matter how old I get. Thank you for reminding me every day of how much you love and care for me and how supportive you are of me. I couldn’t ask for a better dad and best friend. You both have always pushed me to be the best version of myself and to care for others no matter the situation. For that, I’ve become the person I want to be because of you both. Thank you again for the endless love and support.

My final statement is this: Cherish every moment and be present in the moment. These memories are what will stay with you forever, only if you make the most of them. Thank you WHS for everything and making me the person I am to this day.

That’s all for now, signing off- Kayleigh McCabe.