CLOSING TIME!

MY DEAR CLASSMATES,
When you look back on all we've done I hope you're proud. When you look back and see how far we've come it was our time to shine, and nobody could hold us down. They thought they'd see us fall. We stood so tall and know we wont forget. Whenever you remember times gone by, remember how we held our heads so high.                                                                                                     (Carrie Underwood)

CLOSE YOUR EYES AND BREATHE
Just let it in, let your clarity define you, in the end we will only just remember how it feels, our lives are made from these small hours, these little wonders.                                                                                               (RobThomas)

OUR TIME TOGETHER IS LIMITED AND
As we go on, we remember all the times we had together and as our lives change, come whatever we will still be friends forever.                                                                                                    (Vitamin C)  

I BELIEVE,
I believe the world is burning to the ground. Oh well, I guess we're gonna find out.. lets see how far we've come, lets see how far we've come. Well I believe it all is coming to an end.
                                                                                                                 (Matchbox Twenty)
WHEN IT'S OVER,
I'll carry you home. Tonight, we are young so I set the world on fire we can burn brighter than the sun.                                                                                                           (Fun.)

WE WILL BE CELEBRATING THEN AS WE BEGIN OUR LIVES,
You're gonna miss this, you're gonna want this back, you're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast......                                                                                         (Trace Adkins)

THE REMINISING WILL BEGIN.
 Oh man we were livin'. We didn't waste one minute. We talked, and drank, and danced and said goodbyes. We laughed until we cried.                                                  (Jason Aldean)

THE BIG DAY IS GETTING CLOSER AND
Although we have come to the end of the road, still I can't let go.                  (Boyz 2 Men)

I ASK ONE THING FROM YOU ALL.
Don't you forget about me, don't, don't, don't...                                           (Simple Minds)

FRIENDS, IT IS ALMOST HERE.
Closing time, every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end.    (Semisonic)

LIFE IS FILLED WITH ADVENTURES AND
Time grabs you by the wrist and directs you where to go. So make the best of this test and don't ask why. It's not a question but a lesson learned in time. It's something unpredictable but in the end it' right.  I HOPE YOU HAD THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE.       (Greenday)                                                                                                     

LOVE ALWAYS, MUD ♥
P.S. Who needs one class song when we can have several? :)

Cupcakes of Love!

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”

-Leo F. Buscaglia

Our eyes lit up when we saw chocolate cupcakes sitting on Mrs. Caffey’s table Thursday morning. Food NEVER fails at winning a place in our hearts, especially sugar! Along with the delightful taste of the wonderful cupcakes, Mrs. Caffey provided our class with a small note saying “Pay it forward”.  She smiled as she hinted the small note that held those meaningful words towards our beloved peers in fourth hour. So here I am tonight writing my blog as the “Pay it Forward” cupcakes are in the oven!

How did this rivalry between Mrs. Caffey’s third hour and fourth senior English classes begin? It is a tad silly if you ask me and I am referring back to my six words from last week which stated, “I’m a lover not a fighter.” Don’t worry third hour, Mud has got your back. Not only will fourth hour be surprised by cupcakes but cupcakes on a Monday. Now if cupcakes on a Monday don’t lead to forgiveness just remember I will still have your back!

Well I would love to sit here and talk about cupcakes all night but I am aiming to get a message across rather than the loveliness of cupcakes…

When we pay a kind act forward we think of it as effortless. Truthfully, a small act of kindness has more meaning than we know it. When a kind act is performed to another individual it results with a smile and a beautiful feeling inside of us. We realize that there are people who care for us and aim to put a smile on our face which make us feel content. I have learned throughout my life that “happy” is the right place to be. There have been several times in my life where I have done things for others and not expected anything in return. Knowing that I have been able to be beneficial towards others and help out in any way is payment in itself. It is crazy to think that there are people in this world that think of this as strange. Luckily, I am surrounded by people every day that I can look up to for inspiration to perform kind acts for others. I am proud to say a majority of these people are my classmates and teachers who I admire for setting an example for me.

My family has done an unbelievable job at raising me and guiding me to practice amazing morals. Doing kind acts for others is one of the most meaningful values I have learned throughout my life. I inspire my classmates to continue “paying it forward”. Putting a smile on someone’s face is one of the best things we can do.

P.S. Fourth hour loves us! They better after these cupcakes. ;)

The Senioritis Fever...

It has reached that time of the year. All I know is that there is a severe case of senioritis going around, and I have this specific illness badly. As I have felt the effects kicking in I have witnessed classmates dragging just like the school days have been. At this rate ten weeks feels like a good distance away but I know when the glorious day of graduation is here I will be wishing that time would have dragged longer. Although it is getting tougher to stay focused in school each day I try to remember to finish the year strong.

Over the past week I have seen some of my classmates and very close friends suffer from the “fever”. Whether it has been the fever or simply just an abnormal funk it is evident that these close friends of mine have been acting strangely. If only a magical cure could be created to get rid of the illness we call senioritis but every senior experiences it the second semester of senior year. For my two buddies who have been in a funk, life is not over so finish strong.

Friend #1,

ISS is not the best place on earth. I understand that basketball ended roughly and not the way that you had hoped but there is a grand world of athletics beyond high school. Throughout the fours years that you were in involved in basketball here in high school I have seen a tremendous development in both your skill and desire. One of my best high school memories was sitting in the stands at the Jobing.com arena in 2011 with a huge smile as I watched a reflection of myself go crazy in the jumbo tron. You were a part of that state championship team and you should take pride in this grand accomplishment more often. With your superior talent, you can accomplishment even greater things. Snap out of that funk boy, your on your way to incredible adventures in life but only if you decide that there are better places than ISS...


Friend #2,
Thank goodness for Mrs. Caffey and her incredible motivation talks! It's true my dear classmates, dropping out is lame. I see a load of potential awaiting you in your future my friend. You are a talented young man with hopes of attending college in the fall and keeping contact with the next level of athletics. You played an outstanding senior season of basketball and did a great job of illustrating leadership skills on the court. Just smile and reflect on the unforgettable memory of the state championship title you helped win in your high school experience. Take that knowledge of yours and make it useful. This funk must go! I enjoy your spirit and your ability to make me laugh. Ten weeks is short so make beneficial decisions.

P.S. I wish nothing but the best for you Jalen and Rashaun. The potential is there waiting for you. One bad game is not the end of your world. Reconnect with your desire and open the doors to your future; you will be amazed by what is there.

Decisions, Decisions!

“You'll look up and down streets. Look 'em over with care. About some you will say, “I don't choose to go there.” With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet, you're too smart to go down any not-so-good street.”

-Oh the Places You'll Go!, Dr. Seuss

A year ago there were two things that I thought I knew. First of all, a university was not in mind for me and it was all about Mesa Community College. Second of all, out of all three universities in the state NAU would be my last option. It's crazy how plans change because here I am now looking forward to attending Northern Arizona University as a Lumberjack in the fall.

In the beginning of this year I suddenly gained the urge to go on to a University. I realized the expenses of a University, but I felt as if it was more than a possibility for me. I wanted to be a Sundevil more than ever and Arizona State University seemed like the ideal choice for me there for a minute. Once again the plan shifted a little and I was between the decision of ASU and NAU. I would have never thought that I would be making the decision between these two colleges. With a lot of thought between the two colleges, I finally made the decision this week and I am happily content with the decision that I have made. Although I wanted to pursue college at Arizona State next fall, NAU seemed to make more sense to me. I will not experience life in the valley like I hoped to at the beginning of the year, but I plan on a great experience in a place where I feel is right for me.

Like I said, NAU seems to be the best fit for me but there is one thing that will kill me in Flag and that is the weather. But I am sure it will be just fine. I was always told that senior year is your easiest year but is it really? I mean, we have to decide what's next after we graduate and I have learned that this is not so easy. Trying to find the college that fits you best or the life that you want to live is a pretty complicated decision! I am sure that several of us seniors have faced this already or still trying to decide the next step in life. I have also learned that the decision will come to you and everything will work out how it is meant to be. (This is coming from the girl who was anti-NAU a year ago!)

So to sum up this weeks lesson: plans change! They may not always be what we want or expect the outcome to be but we gotta know what is best for us. When you have no idea what to decide or even do, the answers will come to you and you will know. For my peers who have decided the next step after graduation whether it is college, the armed forces, or work, congratulations and good luck! To my undecided peers...good luck to you and answers are closer than you think. :)

Little Heroes. Big Hearts

“Life has many different chapters for us. One bad chapter doesn't mean the end of the book.”

-Unknown

How can someone so young who has gone through horrid experiences in her life be more alive than most of us? This is the primary thought that kept running through my mind as we met with 10-year-old leukemia hero, Amber.

First of all, I am ecstatic about our first annual Mr. Roadrunner pageant that is coming up here in March. The grand pageant is getting closer and closer and my excitement is getting bigger and bigger. It truly has been an amazing thing to see the participation and creativity that has come from our students here at Holbrook High! Through the small but significant actions that our students are performing, we are making a difference in several lives, and this is beautiful. Now for the famous eight Mr. Roadrunner contestants-I CANNOT wait to see them on that stage! As a part of this special experience, this past Monday we were honored to meet with one of the wonderful Leukemia heroes, Amber. It was a day that I will always remember.

She and her family walked into Chili's and I didn't know what to expect from this ten-year-old girl who had suffered from leukemia at such a young age. There she was as she automatically illustrated the spirit she had inside her along with a delightful smile. If it wasn't for her glass eye on her precious face that hinted me on a little of her past I would have never known that she suffered from leukemia! Amber was quite the character and her she had enough optimism there for us all. To hear her story and to come to know that she got diagnosed at the age of two was tragic but to see her so alive and complacent about life was unforgettable.

Bad days happen to us all. Sometimes we wonder if things are gonna keep getting worse. Then a situation like Amber is reminded to us and suddenly our bad day is nothing compared to the life and experiences that she has lived or is living. Many of us spent our childhood playing outside or learning in our elementary classes while many children like Amber spend their childhood in a hospital room, which in their eyes, become known as their temporary home. When I saw the hope that this young lady demonstrated to us on that day she helped me remember the significance of life and the happiness that exists in each day. When Ashley and I interviewed Amber's mom, we asked her if she would change anything about Amber's cancer. She replied with a smile, “I wouldn't change anything. This whole experience with the cancer made us who we are today.”

I am dedicating this week's blog to Miss Amber. I loved the way she dealt with her past and the way she accepted it. Most importantly, I loved her outlook on life. There may be little problems we face in life, but we must look on the optimistic side of things, just like Amber would do. Smiling never hurt anyone; it only makes the world a better place.

Thank you Amber for being someone I can look up to for strength and even a simple reminder on how precious life is. I am looking forward to seeing you at the pageant as our 8 SENIOR contestants show their beauty just like you did for us. :)

Lean On Me.

"It doesn't matter where you came from, but it matters where you are going."
-Josh Shipp

I remember us in eighth grade feelin' like we ruled the school. We were big and tough and that was a good feeling. That year in our lives came to an end as we entered the high school and we no longer ruled the school. Back when we looked at seniors differently and THEY ruled the school. I remember looking at some of those seniors and imagining what I would be like my senior year. Well not much has changed for me! I'm still 5'2, I am a little smarter, and a lot more stressed. :-) But over the years, I have seen the transformation and growing up that my classmates have experienced since freshman year.

This past weekend I attended my first and last AASC Convention down in the valley. Fifteen hundred student council members from around Arizona came together at Cactus High School to bond, discuss leadership, and PARTY! From magical sky divers to astonishing fireworks, and from extreme attire to SWAG (free stuff) , it was a great experience. Throughout the convention, we sat in the gym listening to several inspirational speakers. Several points throughout each speech stuck with me and every speaker mentioned that we, the student council members, are the leaders of our school.

But looking outside of student council I see several leaders throughout our school, many of them being seniors. (Whoot, whooot! :)) I enter my classes with nothing but leaders surrounding me. Our senior class is filled with many intelligent people who are willing to help each other succeed when they are struggling, and this is a beautiful thing. I see leaders throughout our athletics! I laugh when people say small town athletes don't get recognized as much. It doesn't matter the city or town you live in because if you are talented you will get recognized wherever you are. Our athletic programs have been doing an outstanding job this winter season and the victories have been produced by a team effort which of course, have been led by the LEADERS. The teammates who spread the good attitude are the ones their team can rely on and attitude is like wildfire; a negative attitude can tear down great talent where an optimistic attitude can be the key to winning opportunities.

I have come across the word LEADER way too many times this year, between school and scholarships. But leadership is a big deal and we are lucky to have a backbone of support through our struggles and our accomplishments as well.

This weeks blog is summed up to leadership as I take time this week to recognize the amazing leaders throughout our school. Whether it's spreading optimism to your team and to your fans or even making a simple effort to help your peers in any way, you are a leader making a difference and keep that in mind. Take pride in your good deeds and continue to do the small actions that play a big role in your life and the lives of others.

P.S.

Congratulations RJ, 2x STATE CHAMPION!!! You are a very talented young man. And for our girls and boys basketball teams...keeping working for the victories. Much love seniors.

Be Hopeful For HOPE.

"There is fun to be done,there are points to be scored, there are games to be won.
And the magical things you can do with that ball will make you the winning-est winner of all."

-Oh the Places You'll Go!, Dr. Seuss

 

Basketball Senior night was held this past Tuesday which was a night to remember for two reasons. The first reason being that I watched 25 wonderful seniors being presented on that court from the boys basketball team, girls basketball team, and the spirit line. A large amount of seniors, I think yes! The last home game for many of those gifted athletes. And for the second reason and highlight of the night, the gym stood applauding as we honored our dearly loved Mr. McNamee. A man that we all look up too and who has played a beautiful role in many of our lives. "You never realize how much you are loved", this incredible man told me as he shed some of the many tears that night. Mr. McNamee is my inspiration for this weeks blog. He is a man full of hope and has a heart of gold. Like Gage would say, "One day at a time", and this saying is dedicated to both Mr. McNamee and for our gifted athletes throughout these next couple of weeks.

Our girls and boys basketball teams are getting ready to face the end of the 2011-2012 basketball season. Another successful season completed by both teams as they prepare for the grand journey of state. Seeing all the talent and tremendous abilities that each member on both teams have, gives me butterflies in my tummy...

Our boys basketball team is currently first in the state and our girls sixth. Both teams have experienced a season that dealt with exciting victories and dreadful loses, and whether your first in the state or last, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE. I get those butterflies in my tummy when I see each talented individual come together as a team to accomplish wonders. So we must not look back at the past, but look ahead to what is to come.

"Things are going great for me", Mr. McNamee says with a smile on his face every time a pay him a visit. Words that never fail to be grand news and something that always puts a smile on my face. He wakes up each day a little more hopeful that things will keep getting better for him and this is something that I strongly admire about him. This man, which has experienced tremendous changes and extremely harmful cancers, is still hopeful! What an inspiration to us all...I am thankful for people like him in my life.

The lesson of this week's blog is summed up to one word....HOPE!  Let us all be hopeful that great things are yet to come. I wish our wrestlers good luck for those who are attending state this weekend, greats things are on your way! To our girls and boys basketball teams-one game at a time! Have hope in yourself to accomplish what needs to be done and most importantly, believe in the incredible talent your team has. To my dear seniors, be the leaders of your team. It is Your last season of either wrestling, boys basketball, or girls basketball. SOO, end on a good note :)