On May 22, I heard my full name called as I watched Courtney walk down the ramp on the other side, a graduate of high school. Then, I walked across the stage and accepted my diploma. I thought nothing of it at the time. Sure, I felt accomplished, like I had completed something. But it hasn't hit me until now. I'm not going to high school anymore. When the schools in our area opened up today I faced the day as a high school graduate, knowing that my time to begin anew is still 10 days away. I miss Spanish II with Mrs. Archambault. On the last day of school in the 9th, I spent an hour with her helping her take down her room. She moved to Rhode Island. I wonder where she is now. I learned more than World History with Ms. Hayes. I'll never get to go back and have a Government class with Ms. Capers. I miss sitting with my sister at lunch, and then Kim at lunch, and then Kim, Robbie, Georgia, and Angie at lunch, and then Michelle, Georgia, and Cali at lunch. And chorus. God. That has been such a big part of my life. Concert Choir all four years. Chamber Choir the last two. Chamber Choir was such an amazing experience. You really get to know those people. I'm really proud of Ty. He's done so well in chorus and I think that makes him feel good about himself. I'll miss singing with Emily and Ian at the piano. I'll only be able to experience All-State as an observer now. I have to give up my title of 8th Best Tenor and give it to someone else. Maybe John will get it next year. He would deserve it. I'll miss all the beautiful voices. Emily's. Angela's. Liz's (but I've missed her voice for ages). Marie's. Sarah's. Ty's. Catherine's. Michelle's. But it's all over now, and even though I can't have it back, I will never forget it and what it's meant to me. I just didn't realize it would take so long for it to hit me.