Classmates Top List Of Her ‘Greatest Hits’

Despite four years of honors and Advanced Placement courses, rarely have I faced a task as challenging as this: to write an essay about my class as a whole; our shared experiences, highs and lows, ins and outs.

I am only one person and my perspective on the high school experience is unique to me. I cannot pretend to assume that I understand everything that has happened to me in the past four years, let alone my 300 or so classmates.

Like most high school students, I have mixed feelings about the experience. Many were the times I felt alone, yet this year especially there have been occasions upon which I felt incredible and valuable.

Now, as I sit in this position, it seems to me that the best way for me to write this essay is to create a sort of “greatest hits.” These are the classmates who fill my life with joy; the ones who will bring me back to these hallowed halls in 10 years. They are each as unique and varied as snowflakes.

There is Holly, my skiing and horseback riding friend, who, because of our similar size, features and length of hair, could easily be my sister. She has been a member of our cross country team for all four years and thus has been a vital part of East Valley’s three-in-a-row state championships.

There is Sean, whose goatee and moustache have earned him comparisons to my father. Sean is an incredibly accomplished pianist and clarinet player, and has often inspired me to strive in my own musical pursuits.

Melissa, a friend since childhood, has long been an example of strength of character and kindness. She is an amazing, gentle soul and I am proud to call her my friend.

Renee is a soccer player and comedienne extraordinaire who has frequently reminded me to “live your own life, Megan! Don’t compare yourself to anyone else.” There is Chuck, a fierce, funny and bulldoggish sort of defensive lineman. I have taped his ankles countless times as the student trainer for the football team these last three years, and in the process have developed a unique, bantering friendship. He is one of the football players whose victorious joys have been my joys and whose disappointed tears I wanted to cry.

And there was Dawn, whose physical absence has been grieved over and missed for more than two years now, but her vivaciousness and bright smile remain vivid in my memory and those of my classmates. Her life was an adventure of riding horses to school and competing with her Shetland pony, Bub, and hotheaded Arabian mares. Her death was a startling reminder to us of the brevity of life and the importance of making every moment count.

Oh, there are so many, many more of whom I could speak, but unfortunately I am running out of room. They have touched my heart and the hearts of those around me. They have created an environment at East Valley High School that has prepared me to meet the future head-on with enthusiasm and hope. As we venture on together, I hope that I have done the same for others.

Megan Brannan plans to attend the University of Portland on a four-year scholarship and major in civil engineering.