Everyone has heard that quote about not recognizing a great time until it's too late, and I'd think it's safe to say that every high school graduate can relate to this. Those four years fly by and it's so easy to just go through the motions. Before you know it, you're facing your last day of grade school, saying goodbye to life-long friends and great memories. At a school like Parkland, it's easy to make those four years worth it, if you take advantage of all it has to offer. So, from a Parkland alum to a Parkland student, here's what I would recommend doing before that cap and gown goes on in June:

1. See a Play or Musical

When people say Parkland is good at everything, it's true. Our theater department never fails to execute not only one, but two, Broadway-worthy performances each year. Take advantage of such incredible talent being so easily available to you and be amazed at what some of your classmates can do.

2. Go to Float Building Day

This seems self-explanatory. You get excused from a full day of school to go hang out with your friends, paint and tape things to a trailer. A lot of times, donuts are involved and teachers are pretty lax, then you get to be in a parade at night. A pretty good excuse to not be in class if you ask me.

3. Go to a Homecoming

It might seem overrated to some, but it's a staple of a class high school experience. Yes, it is ridiculously crowded and crazy hot in the cafeteria, and yes, it could be awkward having every Vice Principle watching you.

5. Make it on the STARS List

Students That Are Really Special. The award is as cheesy as the name, but you instantly have bragging rights if your name comes up on the list during the scrolling announcements. For a whole week, every day dreamer in the school reads that list a dozen times a day with your name right there.

6. Senior Skip Day

Parkland is a lot of work and stress builds up easily. After 13 years or so, you'll need a break. Wait for a sunny day, hit "snooze," and take a day off. Go hiking, go shopping, throw a little party or just lay out and tan, but whatever you do, don't worry about school - trust me, one day won't kill you.

7. Eat on the Patio

I don't know exactly what it is, but having any senior privilege over underclassmen is great. It is nice to get out in the sun for a little during lunch, but it's even nicer to flaunt your upperclassmen status. To really make this great, be like the table I sat next to and bring a waffle iron and batter for Waffle Wednesdays - you're seniors, so why not?

8. Go to Prom

It's up to you whether or not to go full-blown promposal or not, but either way you need to go to a prom at least once during your high school experience. There will be very few times in your life when you can get that dressed up, receive that much attention, and do it all with some of your best friends. Everyone's Prom Night ends up being different, but it'll be something you remember forever.

9. Volunteer at Special Olympics

You may never have been involved with events like this before at Parkland, but the Lehigh Valley Special Olympics is something to definitely experience at least once. The energy is contagious, the athletes are a blast and literally hundreds of Parkland students are scattered around the campus volunteering. Again, you get excused from class to go out and have fun - not to mention help someone who needs it too.

10. Go Full-Out for the Trojan Pak

There's almost no better way to flaunt your Parkland pride than in the Trojan Pak. Present at nearly any sport, the Trojan Pak is guaranteed to get you pumped up for any game. At least once, get your friends together, dress head-to-toe according to theme, squish together on the bleachers and let your Parkland spirit show.

There are hundreds, even thousands of ways, to take full advantage of your years at Parkland. Believe me, you'll regret it if you don't. These will be four of the greatest years of your life, so live it up, have fun and Go Trojans!