The 12th grade year can be a real fork in the road. There will be lots of "last times" that can be emotional on students and their families....the last exam, the last concert, the last practice, the last game, the last dance, the last meet, the last performance. While this is inevitable, I hope our York Dukes push it to the very end and continue to make more positive memories.
Too many high school seniors enter "coast mode" too soon. They begin to spend mental and emotional equity on things they can't control instead of finishing strong. You can't dwell on 'this' or 'that' being the last game or meet....you have to practice and play harder than ever. You have to prepare for the final ACT exam, the farewell concert, the last speech meet, the final play production, and final exam week with purpose, tenacity, and pride.
I've learned this the hard way....and that is that "Father Time" is undefeated. He always wins. Graduation is going to come. The "lasts" are going to come. They always do. They always will. YOU control how they will be remembered.
I remember my last year of high school well even though it was WAY back in 1989-90. I remember the sadness I felt on "Senior Night" of my final high school football season. I remember the butterflies I had thinking about graduation and being away from my family. That is NORMAL. Don't worry about that....almost all of us go through that.
I promise the Class of 2019 that all of the "lasts" they will encounter between now and graduation on May 12th can help lead to lots of "firsts" and "opportunities" that can set you up for the rest of your lives. Enjoy your families a little more this year. Don't be afraid to talk to them about your feelings about "the lasts" you're encountering. Hang with your friends. Be excellent role models for our younger students. Leave a legacy. Enjoy your time!
I hope the York Duke Class of 2019 enters August with a determination to enjoy every little thing about 2018-19....to embrace each other, the opportunities they have in our classrooms, within our many activities and programs, and throughout our awesome community. Don't miss one little chance to make this year full of memories that can last you a lifetime.
This year will go by quickly....they all do. Before you know it, you'll be a 45-year old dude blogging about "lasts." Make sure your "lasts" are memorable. Make sure you give 12th grade every ounce you have!
YOU control how this year will be remembered.
