To my high school friends,

I just want to start by saying thank you for everything. Through some of the craziest, happiest, quickest years of our lives, you have all been there for it all. You have helped make and mend me into who I am today without a doubt, and for that I could not be more grateful. Even though times have changed and we're all moving on in our separate ways, I am so blessed that West High gave us the chance to grow together for what I consider lifelong friendships.

High school is one of those times where you can't really trace back to where your relationships developed. There was a person/group of people you look at one day and decide they look like someone that you could probably be friends with. All of a sudden, you're sitting by these people at lunch, having bonfires in the fall and movie nights in the winter, and getting together any chance you can. You learn more and more about them, and develop friendships you never knew you needed. 4 years fly by faster than you realize, and soon enough those years filled with athletic events, dances, student council meetings, homework sessions, and seeing one another every day is over. High school is a challenge with trying to balance school, social, and family life, but it's the people you can call at any time of the day that help you get through.

You are part of what makes home, home. When I think of Sioux City, I think of all the backroads I've found, secret star gazing spots, jam sessions, movie dates, and especially West High. So many positive things have happened to me there, including finding the best people I could ask for in my life. I learned how to open up, become more adventurous, lean on others, put my heart into everything I do, and appreciate those around me. I am thankful to say I personally feel as though college and distance from my high school friends has only strengthened our friendship, and makes the time we get to spend together that much more special. I look forward to breaks and off-chance weekends where I can see some of the people who have made a big part of my life so fantastic.

You are all such incredible, talented, intelligent people- and each of you has had a part in forming who I am to both myself and my friends at college. To those still in high school, treasure your friends. Spend that extra 5 minutes with them, and make sure you ask them how they're doing- it's not the same over a phone call. Put your names out there and do something great that will help you remember the time you spend together because it truly does go by quicker than you could ever fathom.

The people I spent my high school years with are some of the people I hold closest to my heart, and I can't wait to see what they accomplish one day; I only hope I am fortunate enough to witness it firsthand. I love you all and I treasure you with every bit of me.

Always, Maggie