As I stand on the brink of graduation, I can’t help but feel a mix of emotions – excitement, nostalgia, and a tinge of apprehension about what lies beyond Prep’s campus.

While my interactions with many of you may have been limited, I am so grateful for the privilege of sharing these halls with you and being part of this exceptional community. I can confirm though that your time here does indeed pass you by, so do not take one precious moment for granted! Your favorite memories and most notable experiences may not have even occurred yet – and the best part is that they can come out of the most unexpected things, people, and places.

Learn from passionate teachers like Mr. Kiehn and Mr. Mitchell about the deeper meaning behind text on a page, and you may just discover that the messages between the lines are applicable to your own life. High five Mr. Chism on the plaza and pause for a conversation that will make you realize just how much he cares for and is interested in each individual student at Prep. Join a team and the people who were once just your classmates will become a second family. Join a club and unveil one of your new interests, like writing and designing the newspaper. Stop by the Student Life office to see Ms. Haywood and have one of the funniest and most genuine interactions you’ve ever had before. Smile and say hello to Ms. Lovejoy and Ms. Borgen in the library who would drop anything they are doing just to help you out.

Jump up from your seat during Roll Call and stomp your feet in unison with the Pulse chant. Talk to people you hadn’t considered before because you’ll find that you have more in common than you anticipated – and they may even become some of your closest friends. Set an example and be kind to the people in grades below you because you remember what it was like to be in their position. Go on retreats and come back with a clearer vision of the kind of person you want to be.

Take a deep breath when making your notecards for UN or studying for a Calculus test. And when things get hard – and trust me, they will – know that you’re not alone.

As soon as you know it, these four years will be gone in the blink of an eye. So, be ambitious, empathetic, and open to growth. I am confident that each of you will continue to contribute to the community that is the foundation of Seattle Prep itself. Bye!