Dear SHS,

I want to thank you for all that you have given me from the friendships that will last a lifetime, to the stories that only people would understand if they were there, to the sense of worth and purpose you have instilled within me. High school has been a time where I can explore my interests and find my path, and my relationship with you has been just that.

I am truly sorry for the seniors who do not get to experience their last quarter of their high school career because I miss you SHS, but at the same time, I am glad and thankful for this time off and the quarantine. During this time away from you, I have learned so many life lessons and have gotten to know myself even more as a person. One thing that I love about this separation is that I know who my true friends and family are because those are the people I miss and want to see again. Separation from the people I love, during this time, has strengthened our bond because seeing them again will feel like rain in a drought: exciting and unbelievable. I’ve learned more about my family than I ever have before. While being “trapped” in the house with siblings and parents seems disastrous and terrifying, I think more good than bad has come about. Sure, we fight over little things, but the family game nights, movies, dinners, and bike-rides have been well worth it.

Corona aside, I am so thankful for you, SHS, and what you have provided. I often think about how my life would be different if I went to Brownstown, Trinity, or one of the Columbus schools. Would I be involved in the same clubs? Would I have different personality traits or treat people the same? Would I be so lucky with the mascot as an owl or the school colors of purple and white? My personal answer to these questions would be a resounding “NO.”

I love the support system and the teachers who work within your walls, SHS. I would miss the humor and enjoyable time of talking to my counselor, the way my foreign language teacher makes Spanish fun and easier to learn with her hilarious songs, videos, and memes, and how all the band teachers facilitate a class of over two hundred students and somehow make everyone feel important and valued. You cannot find this at another school because these teachers and staff are irreplaceable and special. I have realized more and more that my teachers need to be valued more because they are what gives you, SHS, its value.

Lastly, I want to thank you, SHS, for helping me find myself. You have helped me figure out what is important to me and what is not so. At the beginning of freshman year, I was more afraid and unsure of a lot of things. I worked very hard in school, which sometimes got in the way of me making more friends or sharing experiences with people. You have taught me that grades are important, but not the most important thing in the world. Friends and characteristics of being a friend, such as loyalty, compassion, kindness, and understanding are things that can last a whole lifetime, while an A on a report card will give you satisfaction temporarily and then fade away. I also learned that I can make mistakes, but I do not want any regrets when high school is over. If anything, you have taught me that high school is a blink of an eye when comparing it to the timeline of life, and if I am not enjoying it or living up to my full potential am I really experiencing life?

Thank you, SHS, for all you have done. Whether it was for the time off of school, the staff, or helping me figure out who I am as a person and a friend, I know I wouldn’t be the same if I did not have you. I am so thankful for all of the memories we have shared, and I am so glad for the one more year we get. See you next year!

Your pal,
Ellie