It feels like just yesterday that the senior class first entered the main gym with bright blue folders tucked under their arms or in their hands. It’s hard to believe that the past four years have passed with the blink of an eye, and that soon we will be leaving these halls and going our separate ways.
As the seniors prepare to take the next step of their lives, a few of the teachers have advice and a few goodbyes for the class of 2021.
“Find something that you are passionate about. It makes the endless hours of homework easier to handle. Be open to new experiences and don’t forget to have fun. You have the rest of your life to work,” says Mr. Tyler Decker.
“Foster gratitude. It will increase your happiness, cultivate compassion, and make the world a better place for everyone. Be your unique self – recognize that your gifts: personal, academic, athletic, artistic… are your calling to make a positive difference for others and create personal joy,” adds Ms. Barbara Ressler.
Mr. Ralph Rollins, Jr., was able to get to know the senior class while teaching them last year, and he wishes to offer his congratulations to the seniors.
“I would like to congratulate you all on all the things you were able to accomplish during this trying year. In the years to come, they will teach about the pandemic and talk about the sacrifices you made, just like all generations in our history. I think they will say that you did your part and for that, you should be proud. May God bless you all,” said Mr. Rollins.
In addition to Mr. Decker, Ms. Ressler, and Mr. Rollins, Mr. Peter Scott had some words of parting for the graduating seniors.
“Class of 2021, it’s been a joy to be your teacher. Y’all were the first class I ever had, and regardless of how long I teach for, I’m betting that I’ll remember your class perhaps the most. It makes me happy to think about the good memories and moments along the way –convincing a bunch of you that I was colorblind, playing the ‘slide game’ during lectures, and having you recommend new music to me at the end of my Anatomy quizzes. As you leave Wahlert and embark on your new adventure, a piece of advice from me would be: Where you invest your love, you invest your life – how you spend each individual day will become how you spend your weeks, your months, and your years,” he says.
As this final year for the seniors draws to its close, Mr. James Kuhl has words to offer the graduates.
“Seniors: I will miss you! We will miss you! Go forward now and be a Golden Eagle, soar to great heights and lead this world in being a loving person. When times are stormy, fly above the mess and show people the way. When times are good, soar with others by bringing life and joy to them with your presence! I love you. Stay cool!!” concludes Kuhl.