We have finally done it. We have finished all the terrifying finals, AP exams, and time consuming projects. We have made it to the end of the 2015 school year. To end the year, I gave Air Academy students the opportunity to write farewell messages, to friends, teachers, and younger students, as a goodbye to the 2015 school year. I’d like to take a moment here to share with you a quote from one of the most inspirational films known to man, Legally Blonde. “It is with passion, courage of conviction, and strong sense of self that we take our next steps into the world, remembering that first impressions are not always correct. You must always have faith in people. And most importantly, you must always have faith in yourself.” Speaking as a fellow senior, and in the words of the all too wise Elle Woods, congratulations class of 2015! We did it!

 Kaelyn Matthews, to the future Air Academy graduating classes – “Remember to never give up on your dreams. If you have a passion for something, then pursue it no matter what! Be who you are and never compromise.” Kaelyn will be attending Baylor University this fall, and is following her dreams of pursuing theatre. She has been accepted into the highly competitive theatre department at Baylor, and couldn’t be happier.

 Sara Sparks, to fellow AAHS students and Mrs. Westfall – “It was an okay ride. I slept and stared out the window for most of it. Mrs. Westfall, you were always my favorite. I loved coming in late every day to see your shining face.” After high school Sara will be “going with the flow, finding her purpose and the meaning of life, and hoping to become spiritually enlightened.” She said “I have the whole universe ahead of me and I won’t limit myself to plans man.” Well said, Sara.

 Rayanna Wireman, to her boyfriend Patrick Snodgrass – “Even though we get in fights and sometimes don’t talk for entire summers, if it wasn’t for you I would have given up and dropped out.” Rayanna’s post-grad plan is to join the Air Force, and she can’t wait to begin her new life.

 Devon Johnson – “Dear Ms. Austgen, You are my coach, my teacher, and inspiration for making it through this awkward and twisted life. Thank you for your help this year, the things you’ve taught me will carry me past college, into the court room. Thank you!”

 Taylor Price, to AAHS staff – “I would just like to say thank you to all the teachers and administration that have helped me along the way, and have dedicated themselves to the achievement of students.” Taylor also said that one of the main things she has to say is “BYE!!” because she has a bad case of senioritis. Taylor will be attending the Air Force Academy in the fall and is proud to be following her dreams of joining the military. She works several days a week with a personal trainer to prepare herself for basic training.

 Cade Born, to the future Air Academy graduating classes – “The true winners in life are the ones who go after it, do want you want and don’t quit.”

 Becca Huerta, to the future Air Academy graduating classes and fellow AAHS students – “Always try something new and give people a chance. Without the push from Ms. Austgen, I wouldn’t have made the best decision to join Mock Trial. My second family has encouraged me and pushed me in ways that have shaped my future. I want to thank everyone who has been a part of my three year Mock Trial experience; you all have a special place in my heart.”