As the academic year draws to a close, schools all around the Westside are celebrating with graduations, senior farewell ceremonies, elementary school reunions, proms, awards, and other individualized festivities. My school bade us farewell in an elaborate, weeklong extravaganza, ranging from tea parties, dinner and dessert night, a senior farewell ceremony, to a very meaningful and beautiful graduation.
The senior farewell ceremony was probably the most emotional; it was impossible not to cry at the end when 60-70 little sixth graders came rushing to the stage, sobbing uncontrollably and begging us seniors to stay. I was personally able to hold strong for a few minutes, until one adorable 11-year-old whom I’d never met before jumped on me in hysterics and implored me not to graduate.
Another indelible moment was during the senior dessert night, where our parents surprised us all and broke into a very much rehearsed flash mob. Stunned, we watched as they shamelessly showed off long-lost dance moves, and manipulated the lyrics of Abba’s “Dancing Queen†to fit the Class of 2013.
On the same night, our teachers recited their own unique rendition of Dr. Seuss’ “Oh The Places You’ll Go;†full costume and Native American drum set included. Other schools have their own distinctive traditions; for example, Crossroads celebrated their last day of classes with Cuban cigars, and Windward graduates were adorned with Hawaiian leis during their graduation.
This transitional time in our lives is a very bittersweet process. I will be attending the University of Richmond in Virginia this fall, a new chapter in my life that I can’t wait to open. I’ve called myself an Archer Girl for the past six years, a number of years that seemed to fly by in blinks. I’ve also called Archer my home for that duration of time.
There’s something about an all-girls school that genuinely manifests home-like qualities; whether it was the ability to walk into a teacher’s classroom whenever I pleased just to chat, dancing to throwback songs of our youth in the courtyard every Friday, or waking up five minutes before my carpool arrived, unaccompanied by any makeup or use of a hairbrush, there is something about Archer that leaves an impact beyond academics.
I know that there’s some disagreement going on right now between Archer and our neighbors, and as an informed individual on the topic, I do respect both sides, and can empathize with those opposed to Archer’s proposal of expansion. I must say, however, that very school gave me the finest six years of my existence, and indubitably deserves full credit for molding me into the person that I am today.
Were it not for their ceaseless individual encouragement, empowerment, and emphasis on females vocalizing their opinions and cogitations, I wouldn’t be writing for Teen Talk today. Considering any alternative imaginable, Brentwood is very blessed to have Archer grow in that space. I can only hope that Archer is able to develop even more, because the young women that come out of that school are remarkable and will effect change. I can guarantee you will hear about their successes in the future. Hopefully, I’ll be the one writing about them!
On the note of starting new chapters, it is with great sadness that I must say that this will be my last Teen Talk column. I’ve had the time of my life writing for the Brentwood News, and I cannot thank Publisher, Jeff Hall, enough for giving me this position, which truly was the opportunity of a lifetime. I would also like to give thanks to Associate Publisher, Yolanda Pulakis, Art Director and Public Relations, at the Brentwood News- she was incredible, and makes the Brentwood News available online.
I also want to thank my readers; I absolutely loved the letters of appreciation, as well as the occasional free pizza at Maria’s on Barrington Court. Considering how young and self-conscious I was when I started this unforgettable job, I was truly astonished that people actually read, let alone liked, my work.
I would also like to thank (I know, it’s beginning to sound like an Academy Award speech) all of the people whom I resiliently harassed for interviews and quotes. They made my monthly reports much more interesting, and certainly made my job a lot easier.
I will continue to study journalism in college, and if I’m lucky enough to get selected, hopefully you’ll be able to catch some more of my penmanship online in The Collegian, University of Richmond’s student-run newspaper. Meanwhile, I’ll be downloading the Brentwood News from college, rooting for my successor’s success, but missing the job, no doubt.
In the words of one of my favorite authors, Oscar Wilde, “In America, the President reigns for four years, and Journalism governs forever and ever.†I hope to continue to prove this assertion accurate through my journalistic musings in the future. Thank you, Brentwood!
