As senior high school students getting ready to leave the halls where I also once roamed, it will ultimately come down to the individual whether or not he or she succeeds.

After you leave high school, no one will hand you anything; no one will tell you when to get to class and what notes to take that are important for the upcoming test.

The challenge is yours now.

When you dream, dream big.  That’s the only way you’ll ever taste the level of success you’ve set out to accomplish.

Do me a favor: when you walk into your first college class and sit down, look to the left and right and notice the person sitting at each side.  Then tell yourself, “You are my competition.  Whether I ever see you again, I have to know that you want my job; my career.  From this point, I have to do everything in my power to make sure I am the one who secures the position years from now when I graduate and I’m applying for the position.  I wish you luck because, when you’re going up against me, you’re going to need it.”

The end is always bittersweet.  I know the time has come to cleave from me.  I always wish I had more time with everyone.

Kat, Kyle, Kyle and Rosalie, the challenge is now yours.  Every year, the graduating members of Scriptoria tell me that they are irreplaceable.   However, every year, new and existing members step up to the challenge and make Hanks Media the success it continues to be.

Be strong.  The challenge is coming.

To my seniors, this group is about the funniest, and most procrastinating, group of students I’ve ever had.  Remember, people like funny; they like timeliness more.  I have so many memories with this group that I can honestly say I don’t believe I’ll ever have another group quite like this.

Eddie, you have the potential to be a really good writer.  Keep working on your craft.  Focus your energy on sports writing.  You can become the next Peter King.

Denisse, I still don’t know why you were in my freshman  journalism class.  I’m glad I found you and moved you into my advanced class.  You took it all in stride and exceeded my expectations.  Good luck in the future.

Cynthia, I won’t hold it against you that you chose Mr. Collete and B over me.  You are very talented.  Continue to work on your craft.

Robert, have you had your coffee today?  You are an effective writer.  Don’t wait until the last second to come up with brilliant work.  Apply yourself early.

Carlos (AD), you raised the bar this year with your designs and eye for photography.  Keep working at your craft.  I know one day you will be considered an expert in your field.

Evee, April H, Dom and Jenna, thanks for taking this journey of expanding the photography department within Scriptoria.  Because of the lessons learned with you, the quality of photography will only get better.

Jarrett and Derek, I can’t separate you in class, why try now?  You two are amazingly talented individuals.  Jarrett, continue being everyone’s best friend.  You’re always going to be needed.  Derek, stop having a man crush on me.  Thank you for taking Scriptoria your senior year.  The memories will last a lifetime.

Rudy, I wish I had you for four years.  I’m glad I had the pleasure of getting to know you the final semester of your high school career.  Get ready to compete.  You’re an exceptional writer.

Rachel, Matt, April and Jordanne. My four babies.  I came into this profession because I wanted to see long-term growth.  You four are the first set of students whom I’ve had for four years.  Thank you for trusting me to do right by you.

Rachel, your talent is beyond measure.  One day, you’re going to wake up and understand that the reason you are stronger is because of the challenges you faced.  Remember to always hold your head high and don’t let anyone, including me, deter you from accomplishing what you are sure to accomplish.

Matt, you were a photojournalism student!  You eventually became one of my strongest writers.  Your growth as a writer confirms that what I do works.  Thank you for your effort…and your baked goods.

April, you and I share the same belief in that people will always know where they stand with us.   It’s okay to let people know you are hurting.  They know you care.

Jordanne, I honestly believe that when my Isabella gets older, she will have the same character traits as you.  Sometimes when I look at you I see my Blue.  That’s the best way to describe it.

You two will forever be a part of my life.  I can’t thank God enough for allowing Him to trust me with the two of you.  As a teacher, my hope is that, at one point, you’ve mastered the curriculum within a classroom setting.  In other words, I hope you learned enough from me.  In this case, I have learned a lot from the both of you.

Thank you all for allowing me to come into your life and become a part of it, whether it was big or small.  I take my job as an educator seriously in the hopes that one day you will become the leaders in this community.

If you know me by now, you know that a movie quote wasn’t too far away.  I’ve used this one in the past and will continue to use it.  In the last scene in “Dead Poet’s Society,” Robin Williams turns to his class after a profound gesture of respect and says to his class, “Thank you boys.  Thank you.”

You have my most humbling and deepest thanks.  Thank you all.  Thank you.