As the second semester ends for the senior class, graduation gowns are acquired, and students are thinking about the next chapter in their lives. But what about the friends and staff members who have had such an impact in the last 4 years?  

“I am so sad to leave all the underclassmen and the teachers at GP. I am so grateful for all the memories and friends I’ve made,” senior Gina Griffin said.  

“I feel really sad about leaving the underclassmen and teachers behind. I’ve formed a lot of really strong connections and I’m sorry to leave them,” senior Antonia Ordonez said. “I feel like these relationships have shown me that reaching out is important because you never know where you’re going to find a good friendship.” 

Not only is it hard for the seniors to leave the familiar comfort of home and high school, but it’s hard for the underclassmen to watch them go. As an underclassman, I can attest to the conflicting emotions between sadness that our role models are leaving but at the same time proud and excited about the great things they are going accomplish.  

“The seniors on track and cross country have created an amazing culture and are some of the best people I’ve ever met. They are the ones guiding us through the season and their leadership cannot be understated,” Jack Swafford saisd. “Both on and off the field they have included me in high school and been outstanding mentors. Without them I couldn’t imagine being where I am today.” 

Change is always hard. Especially when moving onto bigger and better things in life without some of the people that have shaped us. Whether you are leaving or staying behind, we can never forget the memories we’ve made in high school. These are the stories we are going tell our kids in 30 years.