Last Round of It All

            With only two weeks left as a St. Mary's student, the last events of the year pass by as quickly as ever. Our last SADD (students against destructive decisions) assembly, which consisted of the awe-inspiring Jake French telling us his story. After a playful incident with an intoxicated friend, Jake left the situation a quadriplegic. His motivational speech about making good choices reminded the student body of how precious life is. That weekend was prom, where girls were decked out in beautiful dresses and dancing the night away at the Scottish Rite Center. After all of the stress the schoolwork had brought this year, we celebrated our accomplishments on the dance floor with our closest friends. Next was the lovely National Honors Society induction ceremony where I received my golden stole for the special day (graduation!). And this past week has been the SMA arts or SMArts celebration. Dance club had its annual Dancing with the SMArs charity event where we raised money for p:ear, an organization that builds positive relationships with homeless and transitional youth through education, art and recreation. We held a very successful bake sale in the morning and had a lunch time event to see SMA students perform self choreographed pieces for admission of $1. Collectively we raised $155 throughout the day, celebrating the power of the arts in making a difference in our local community. And lastly there is the spring concerts this week, the dance and orchestra concert featuring our brilliant dancers and musicians and the choir concert featuring the talented Marian's, concert choir, and the show choir and a capella class. It has been a busy time, filled with "lasts" of all kinds. Last time performing in front of the school, last school dance, last SMAD.co practice, last charity event and so forth. I have been incredibly lucky to be involved with such amazing programs, and I would never have dreamed of the opportunities of leadership I have been provided. It's a  bittersweet time of lasts - with firsts to look forward to in the future.