To the graduating class of 2021, our class has had some of the most complicated school years we have ever seen. From Hurricane Harvey during our freshman year to a global pandemic consuming our junior and senior year, we have managed to stick together and grow as individuals. Something we thought was going to last a couple of weeks turned into months of online meetings. From the lesson plan videos to the attempts of zoom collaborations, we have grown to appreciate all the efforts our teachers have put into our learning. Although competition seasons got cut short and we had limitations on basically everything, we have managed to make every moment memorable.
“There’s no formula. Keep busy with your work and your life. Replay the good times. Be grateful for the years you had.” – Betty White
My years here are filled with people and memories I will never forget. Some of my good times consist of weekend practices with my UIL team, competitions in Galveston for FCCLA, and afternoons spent creating my legacy here at Porter High School. Surrounding myself with people who pushed me to be the best version of myself possible.
To Eli- Thank you for an unexpected friendship. You are truly one of the most mature teenagers I have ever met and I respect you for that. Thank you for the encouraging messages throughout the year and for choosing me to work with you on the Oracle, it has truly been an honor. You have a bright future ahead of you and I can’t wait to see where you go, keep doing what you’re doing kid!
To Mrs. Cargill – Thank you for inspiring me to do my best work. Thank you for providing me with a safe place to go whenever I needed a little boost of encouragement. You have been like another mom to me and for that, I am extremely grateful.
To Mrs. Miles – You never fail to bring a smile to my face. Your positive aura brings light to any room you step into, and that alone is a true blessing. You and Mrs. Cargill have mentored me for the past few years and I’m glad to say I have never had a dull moment. Thank you for sharing your joy with me.
To Ms. Key – Thank you for being you. I didn’t get the chance to have you as a teacher but you have been one of my UIL advisors for the past couple of years and treat me as if I was one of your own students. You have supported me and my writing career from the beginning and I want to thank you for that. You constantly show me I am capable of doing things, even if they seem impossible, you remind me they can be done.
And of course, the best for last.
To Mr. Willke – Thank you for everything you do. I am beyond blessed to have had such an amazing teacher like you in my life. They say you’ll get that one really good teacher in life, that one teacher that inspires and guides you to the best of their ability, one that you can trust and talk to about pretty much anything. For me, that teacher is you. There has never been a day where I couldn’t depend on you. You have shown me that I have so much potential and that I shouldn’t let the fear of failure hold me back from achieving some truly great things. Thanks to you, I plan to pursue a career in journalism and become Co-Editor of a hot-shot newspaper like The New York Times. Most importantly, thank you for being by my side.
Remember Spartans, don’t count the days, make the days count.
