Time to look back from atop the hill

Graduation … so close now, we can see it staring in our faces, like the glimmering sun over the mountaintop. For 13 school years we’ve been slowly climbing, step by step, year by year, up the gradual slope toward that goal.

Thirteen years ago we took our first shaky steps into kindergarten, some of us scared, some feeling perfectly at home, some shy and reluctant to let go of our mother’s hands. But we did, and we adjusted to that new world and learned and grew. Senior year in high school always seemed to me so remote and far away as I played on the playground of Sunrise Elementary, but it has finally come. And here we stand, less than a month to go until we reach the zenith, and we stop to catch our breath and turn to look back down. A view of the sprawling valley far below meets our eyes, and we marvel – how very far we have come.

Between the mileposts of our timid, ninth-grade selves – the first freshman class in the newly built Central Valley High School – and our wiser, more confident senior counterparts at the ripe old age of 18, lay unforgettable memories. Some are of times we cherished and, yes, some are of things we would rather not remember, but they are all part of the journey.

High school offers so many opportunities; most anyone can find an activity they will enjoy. Being involved with various activities has provided a lot of wonderful experiences. Sports are great to watch and to participate in. I loved going to the Greasy Pig football games and Stinky Sneaker basketball games with my friends and getting wrapped up in school spirit. My sport of choice was gymnastics, and I will always remember the fun I had with my teammates and my amazing coach. (Let me tell you, on trips when you’re in a bus for six hours with 20 girls, crazy things can happen.)

I also had the chance to dabble in music and drama and also Knowledge Bowl, which was, shall I say, a somewhat humbling experience but one I very much enjoyed.

Aside from activities, CV is strong in academics. I think seniors would agree that we have been very fortunate to have many dedicated, personable teachers. I have found the Advanced Placement classes I have taken to be challenging and engaging and I’m sure I will discover they were excellent preparation for college. Even though in the weeks prior to the AP tests mental breakdowns became a daily occurrence, it was all definitely worthwhile.

Now we struggle up the last few feet of the mountain, and when we finally reach its high peak and don our blue graduation robes and funny hats, it will be with excitement, some anxiety and great expectation that we consider what awaits each of us just over the crest of the next hill.