Dear John W. Hallahan,

Well this it. It is time for me to say my final goodbye. Time for me to put away my saddle shoes, store away my navy opaque stockings, donate my jumper and blouses, put my student council ribbon and colored emblems away for memory.

I jumped in the Swann Memorial fountain for the last time, danced for the final time at Hallahan day, took the pictures at prom, received my class ring, and I rapped my last "Dreams and Nightmares" with my classmates.

Red is the color for seniors. Shown here are the traditional saddle shoes worn by Hallahan students for over one hundred years.

I'll never forget how you embraced me in freshman year and provided the type of environment where I felt comfortable enough to break out of my shell and run for student council and start two clubs. Your teachers not only cared about my academics but my well-being and many times they were friends.

Yes, it's as fun as it looks. Every end of the school year HH girls "jump" into the next year. Read more about it here.

You helped me find who I am and how to stay true to myself. You showed me to embrace my natural talents and helped me form long-lasting connections. The community of girls from diverse backgrounds helped me forge friendships that last a lifetime.

You reminded me of the vast world of opportunity and said: “It’s yours.” You taught me science and made me fall in love. You helped me form my moral compass and made me realize my vocation.

Hallahan is the only school to officially have Mickey Mouse as a mascot! Legend goes that Hallahan students wrote to Walt Disney asking permission to use Mickey Mouse as a mascot and he himself wrote a letter back giving us his word.

Because of you, I have become a confident leader, equipped with the knowledge that makes me ready to take on the world. I know it isn’t going to be easy but I feel prepared because of what you gave me.

The last four years were a wild ride. There were a lot of ups and downs and I probably cried enough tears to sustain an ecosystem. But I want to thank you for giving me the oil lamp and lighting it to make my future bright.

Sincerely,

One of your seniors