As my last semester of high school began, everything  got all real. I am about to graduate and go out into the world to begin new adventures and learn so many new things. While I am excited, it does make me a little sad to leave behind the things I have been involved in during high school.

I firmly believe that the foundation of any successful high school career is to be involved in extra-curricular activities. Two of my favorites were FCCLA and being a member of the newspaper staff.

I became a member of FCCLA my freshman year, and have competed in STAR Events all throughout. I could not have been as successful as I have been in the past and are currently without the help of my advisors. They are always willing to help with whatever is needed to complete any project or idea. I am so thankful Mrs. Jackson spent so many years building  the FCCLA chapter here at Devine, and for Mrs. Steubing and Mrs. Paige for continuing to build that success. FCCLA teaches leadership and presentation skills along with public speaking and how to be a contributing member of society overall. It has been a blessing to be a part of such an amazing organization. I have learned so much about others, and more importantly myself.

I have also been lucky enough to be a part of the newspaper staff. There are so many things learned when being on a staff. For one, organizational skills are everything. There are deadlines that need to be met and stories to publish. It is all about working as a team to produce the best product for our audience. Mrs. Petty does so much to help her different publication staffs produce quality work. The kids are the ones seen and who get the credit, but none of this would be possible without her. She has helped so many to become better at what they do, including me. I am so grateful for all of the time she has put into the high school newspaper, and that I get to be a part of it.

Any advisor or sponsor deserves more credit than they are getting because they put so much time and effort into helping each student become successful in what they are doing and becoming the best version of themselves. I can’t tell you how many times I have been up at the school working on a project or the next issue of the newspaper on the weekend or a day off of school because my advisor(s) gave up their personal time to help complete whatever it is we’re working on or have to finish.

There are so many clubs and activities to join with so many willing advisors/sponsors right here at our school. That is just one big part of what makes our town and school amazing.

I have been so incredibly lucky to be a part of these organizations, and I will be sad to leave them in May, but I know there are so many great things ahead for me. A big part of the person I am today has a lot to do with being involved in these organizations. My biggest piece of advice for those in high school or about to be, is to get involved, go to club meetings, sign up for a project. You never know what kind of impact it could have on you.