No matter how hard it was waking up in the morning and getting through a long school day consisting of lectures, tests and quizzes, it was all worth it in the end getting to spend countless amounts of time with our best friends and teachers who inspired us to become better. Throughout my four years at East, I have made many friendships and shared a myriad of memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Although time is now winding down in my high school career, I take with me experiences that have helped shape me into the person that I am today.

To some, the thought of graduating high school may scare them as ahead comes many changes and a step closer to reaching “the real world.” While others can’t wait to leave this so called “prison,” it is certain that the time spent here will truly be missed in one aspect or another. Whether it was athletics, theater, art, or even the chess club, everyone possessed his or her own niche and molded East into the unique community that it is. Personally, I found mine on the athletic field leading and assisting my teammates as well as standing before hundreds of screaming students in a sea of red cheering on our Cougar basketball team.

Although I’m looking forward to what the future holds, I sure do wish time would slow down, as four years go by quickly. Cherish the time you have, make the most out of it and leave having no regrets. Through the good times and the bad, East will always have a special place in my heart.