So, this is it. The final countdown to graduation has finally begun, and many of the seniors are awaiting the day, in which we can walk across the stage in our cap and gown, shake hands with the administrators and receive our very own high school diplomas. For both Drew and I, it seems like we were just in elementary school, complaining about how far away high school was. If only our elementary school selves could see us now, all grown up and going on to our next chapters in life: for Drew, he’s going to Georgia College and State University and as for me, I’m going to Belmont University. What’s truly amazing is how far we’ve come from being five years old carrying oversized backpacks, goldfish and crayons to being 18 years old, walking these halls one last time. In just these past four years alone, our class, the Class of 2021, has gone through a journey full of amazing experiences, and not-so-great ones as well — like the COVID-19 quarantine and pandemic. However, for both of us, these past four years have been full of unforgettable experiences and friendships that will last a lifetime.

Drew: 

I owe a lot of thanks to many of my teachers. Throughout high school, I felt as though most of my teachers were supportive and truly cared for my well-being and completion of the class. Most of everyone, including the administration, really did their part in making me feel like they truly valued my presence. I wish college professors would be the same; however, I’m sure they will not, so thank you to the staff. I hope I never forget the day when I first saw this school. I figured there was no way I would learn where anything was. Four years later, underclassmen ask me where something is, and I honestly still don’t know. This school will forever be a maze in my eyes. I leave you all with this, even though the bathrooms are pretty much closed every single day, prohibiting me from using the restroom, I truly think North Forsyth was a good step in our path to our adulthood… one way or another. 

Melody: 

Some of my fondest memories from high school were through my involvement in marching band and being a part of the Raider Wire staff. While I spent over seven to 10 hours a week sweating, marching and playing my instrument in the heat of July and throughout the entirety of the fall, those experiences would be some of my best high school moments and memories. I don’t think I’ll ever forget my freshman year band camp in the middle of July in 90 to 100 degree weather. I remember everyone was absolutely miserable and sweating to no end while marching on the football field with an incredibly loud metronome ringing through our ears. However, despite the misery of being on the field from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., those days brought everyone together, and I met most of my best friends during that band camp year that I know will last a lifetime. And while you will hear most band kids say “remember that one time at band camp when” followed by a funny story or memory, those are the memories from high school that all of us will remember forever. Through being in the marching band, it helped me learn the importance of hard work and being a team player. From inside jokes and sayings the band always chants to performances on the field on Friday nights and at competitions, I’ve truly loved every minute spent at those rehearsals, competitions and football games. 

In addition to that, I’ve absolutely enjoyed my time as a Staff Writer and as the Editor-in-Chief of the Raider Wire. Through this class, I’ve found my passion for journalism and writing as well as meeting other talented writers that I know will do amazing things later on in their lives. From Mrs. Smith’s unforgettable “Christmas Crack” recipe to random conversations and jokes made every class period, I will miss writing, talking and editing all of the staff’s articles and pieces. So, thank you Mrs. Smith and all of the amazing and wonderful members of the Raider Wire staff for making my years in journalism some that I’ll never forget and for constantly encouraging me and challenging me to be the best version of myself. 

The bottom line is, as cliché as it may sound, Drew and I wouldn’t be who we are today without our time here at North Forsyth. So, we want to say thank you to all of the administrators, teachers and students here that have made our experience at North Forsyth worthwhile and one that we will never forget.