Ella Peirce

Last year, I said that I couldn’t survive the class without you, and nothing has changed since. Since I wrote that, we’ve started copy editing, become staff writers, and started a podcast. I can confidently say that if you had read that sentence to me last year, I never would have believed you; I have you to thank for the fact that I am really doing all of that now. While I’m proud of myself for these things, I’m indefinitely more proud of and grateful for you. You pushed me out of my comfort zone when you wanted us to take over the podcast, you’re one of the biggest supporters of my writing, and you encourage me every day to put all my effort into my roles on The Central Trend. You have taken every step of this journey with me, and I’ll never be able to express to you how grateful I am for your presence in my life.

Addie Woltil

For two years, we sat next to each other in band and (kind of) played the flute. We were never super close, only sharing jokes about not knowing how to play our instrument or talking about what stickers the band director had given us that day. Now, I couldn’t imagine my life without you. From struggling through writer’s block to panicking over English presentations, I would not be surviving this year without you. I’ve never once doubted your support for me, and I trust you not only with my life but also with fixing every spelling error I make. I’m so grateful for what our friendship has become over the past few years, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my high school, and probably many more, years with you. 

Ellerie Knowles

Honestly, you’re one of my favorite parts of sixth hour. Whether you’re two chairs away from me working on writing, or sitting in the podcast room while we struggle to edit, your presence is nothing sort of a constant stream of joy. I know I can always count on you for a funny story or anecdote, or just something interesting you noticed during your day. Your unending vibrance and positive outlook on life may have been taken for granted at the beginning of last year; when you left us at the end of last year, I realized just how much happiness you bring to the class every day. I’m so thankful for your impeccable writing, daily stories, and bright presence in the room. 

Andrew and Carolyn Alt

Thank you so much for the undying support you have always given me in every aspect of my life. You push me every day to be the best version of myself I possibly can, and while I may not always be happy about it in the moment, I’m (almost) always grateful for it in the long run. I’m sorry about all the messy rooms, meltdowns, and mistakes I’ve made over the years; thank you for putting up with me. I’m so grateful for both of you and everything you have done and are doing for me. 

Millie Alt

Just go read my column about you.

Aunt Maggie

I don’t know if you remember, but last year you (jokingly) told me that you only read my Countless Thanks to read what I had written about you, and you were so angry at me when you saw I hadn’t mentioned you. So, this year, I’m attempting to redeem myself with this. Aunt Maggie, you are (tied for the title of) my favorite aunt. You are genuinely one of my favorite people, there has never been a time when I’m around you that I’m not laughing, and your presence in my life is one of the brightest that I know. Knowing you will be at the family gathering makes me infinitely more excited for it, and I would stay up watching Queen’s Live Aid performance for hours with you. I’m so grateful for everything you are and everything you do. 

Mr. George

I am endlessly grateful for everything you do, for both TCT and Honors English 10. You have been such a huge inspiration and support system for me throughout the past year. The environment you have built in rooms 139/140 is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, and I’m so thankful that I’ve been able to be a part of it. The two hours a day that I spend in your room are some of my favorites and the fact that I’m so glad that I get to spend three more years. Thank you for everything you do to make your classes not feel (too much) like school.  

Minerva 

No offense to the rest of the world, but you are my favorite living creature. In the five months since you came home from the Cat Cafe with us, my life has grown indefinitely better, and I’ve decided to attribute it all to you. The scars on my knees from your teeth, when you jump out around corners and bite me, may say otherwise, but you have brought me nothing but happiness. We have the same sleep schedule, the same taste in music, and the same favorite places to sleep in my room. I love you to the ends of the earth, Minerva, you’re the best part of my life.