To Madison Southern High School,

It's been 2 months and 2 days since I walked across the stage at graduation. It was that night I walked into Alumni Colosseum as an MSHS Eagle and walked out of there an EKU Colonel. Since I'm now an alum, I wish to say a few things to the teachers and staff who made my high school years what they were.

A majority of my teachers at Madison Southern were people of faith, and they expressed that clearly in their teachings. They never forced their beliefs upon their students. But the students always knew. If I needed someone to pray with or someone to give sound, Christ-like advice, I knew who I could go to. And for a student like me, who struggled with self-esteem and anxiety, that meant the world.

Now, while Southern was overall a very safe school, the choir room was my safe haven. I was in choir for 5 years (starting my 8th grade year). Our choir director, Mrs. Hembree, was so amazing. She was like a second mom to me. She cared deeply about all of her students and pushed all of us to our vocal limits so we could be better each and every year. I never felt more comfortable than in her room. For the most part, everyone in that room was kind and respectful. Not to mention, we were award-winning.

The one thing I disliked about Southern was its deep devotion to football. Now, I understand. Nothing says Southern Pride like Friday night high school football. But what's so amazing about high schoolers gaining concussions? When you spend money on a new weight room when your auditorium is falling apart, that's when it gets irritating. When your choir has risers that are the equivalent of death traps yet you spend money on new jerseys every year, it gets frustrating. Your choir, band, and theater perform at the national level annually, yet you choose to throw hundreds of thousands at the sports teams. All I ask is that in the coming years, you focus on your arts programs.

Last but not least, I want to say thank you. Thank you to all the teachers, student teachers, TAs, faculty, librarians, and everyone in between who made my four years at Madison Southern memorable. Thank you for helping me through tough times. Thank you for giving me an amazing high school experience, one I will never forget. Through the tears, laughter, and stress, Madison Southern was a family. A home. I'm proud to be an alum of Madison Southern High School. Even though I go on to become a Colonel at Eastern, my heart still bleeds MSHS orange and blue.

Today, and everyday, is a great day to be an Eagle.

Autumn Robinson, class of 2018