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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Saxon seniors share in the joys of achievement

Andrea Marshall Ferris High School

After watching Ferris’ last three graduations from the orchestra pit, it’s difficult to fathom that this year my seating arrangement will be upgraded to the stage, along with my fellow friends and classmates.

All of my classmates have their own collection of memories, but as a whole, we have experienced both triumph and tribulation, victory and defeat.

The shocking events of 9/11 marked our freshman year, and from that a new perspective has evolved among our class. It is a rejuvenated sense of compassion in pursuit of a better world.

Times like these have brought forth our perseverance, strength and courage.

We have also had the opportunity to share the joy of each other’s accomplishments.

At Ferris, the rings of our courtyard victory bell represent the tradition of excellence that fellow Saxons pursue on a multitude of levels. It has boasted the achievements of the skilled debate team and victories of the wrestling team after a King of the Hill match.

Likewise, music students often receive the chance to ring the coveted bell after placing at prestigious festivals.

For me, I most vividly remember ringing that bell after we won our senior year Rubber Chicken game, the boldest display of Saxon spirit during our four years at Ferris. As I rang the bell, my mom, of course, came running over from the class she was teaching with a camera in hand, prepared not to miss a single moment.

We all will cherish the significant achievements that have involved the collective efforts of our student body. Perhaps even more, however, we will remember the little things that happened every day – a day in the life of a Saxon.

A day at Ferris always begins with the same competition – the quest for a parking spot, oddly enough an issue with such a stigma that it makes for a hot discussion topic throughout the halls. Bottom line: An easily found parking spot equals a guaranteed first-rate day.

But if that’s not working, there’s always the chance to catch up with friends during passing periods or lunch. Some of my greatest memories from the past four years are of sitting around a table in the cafeteria, laughing with my best friends over inside jokes or coming up with fun ways to ask people to dances.

These seemingly trivial incidents are the keys to making life exciting.

I have been told many times that the purpose of high school is simply to prepare students for the real world with rigorous classes and new opportunities. I believe those intentions are somewhat lacking.

If students are to be qualified for success in the real world, high school should be more than just preparation; it must be an experience that can be enjoyed in the moment. Ringing the victory bell and spending time with my friends are part of a vast collection of memories from the class of 2005.

As we move on and look back at our high school years, the memories and events we learn from will no doubt be those that we took time to appreciate. That is a lesson truly worth learning.