These past four years have flown by, yet it feels as if my entire life has been encapsulated within them. My time at Prep is marked by the “milestones”. My first homecoming, Kairos, publishing my first article in The Panther. These pivotal moments have formed me. I can recall the feeling of anticipation, joy, anxiety. Amidst these grand memories, are the small moments that I am eternally grateful for. These fleeting instances have unknowingly shaped me. Moments that no one else remembers. I was born on Thanksgiving so as I leave Prep, I want to leave a message of thanks.

I am thankful for the unexpected friendships that were forged during my freshman year. Freshman year online had a lot of uncertainty, but nothing was more surprising than the importance of an awkward text. What began as a tentative outreach to a classmate turned into the most amazing friendships I could possibly imagine. Thank you to the incredible people I met my freshman year and throughout my time at Prep. For having the courage to branch out and start something new. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome.

I am thankful for the baby shower that my junior year Collegio planned for Mr. Meyer. Coming in for lunch to decorate, buying baby Bert a hand-picked gift, the anticipation of hiding and waiting for him to walk in the door. What could’ve been just another school day, transformed into a testament of our class’s companionship and care. In that moment, the classroom was somewhere that not only knowledge, but love was shared. This moment is the essence of Prep.

I am thankful for Junior year Olympic Week. Beyond its usual significance, this certain week holds a special place in my heart. Our junior class dominated. We came together, cheered, rallied, and celebrated, forging a bond that would set us up for an amazing senior year.

As we prepare to jump out of the bleachers during roll call for a final time, the feeling is more than bittersweet. As I move into the next chapter, I want to thank everyone who said hi in the hallways, shared laughter, and eye contact in class over something we definitely weren’t supposed to laugh at, and every small moment that contributed to the mosaic of my high school experience. Sometimes the most unassuming moments leave the biggest mark. Thank you Prep!