As I prepare to graduate in just a few weeks, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to the school that gave me more than just an education. It gave me a place to belong.
I started high school at a different school, and while I tried to make it work, it never felt like home. Something was missing—connection, comfort, and the freedom to be myself. Transferring to Timberlane was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Coming back to familiar faces from middle school and reconnecting with lifelong friends helped me feel grounded again. But it wasn’t just the people I already knew, it was the entire Timberlane community that welcomed me without hesitation and let me find my voice.
At Timberlane, I was able to grow not just academically, but personally. I was encouraged to push myself, and that support helped me reach goals I’m incredibly proud of, including graduating in the top 10 of my class, being a varsity athlete, and joining tons of clubs and honor societies to shine in. But what means more to me than any academic recognition is the fact that I was able to enjoy high school as my true self. I didn’t have to pretend or fit into a mold. I got to be me, and that made all the difference.
Thank you to the teachers, staff, classmates, and friends who made these past few years so meaningful. Timberlane gave me a fresh start, a strong finish, and a place I’ll always carry with me.
