Emma Brainard – for caring about everyone

Not many people would choose to go out of their way to find love for someone who is lonely. It doesn’t benefit them anything. When I thought that nobody cared, you showed me I was completely wrong. You gave me amazing friends and made sure we all knew we were special. Although I’m awful at expressing my feelings, you made me feel like what I had to say was important. Without you Emma, I wouldn’t have known how important other people are, and you built my confidence to be myself around others. Although we don’t see each other anymore, what you did was important and has had a big impact on me.

Steve Rowan – for being my small group leader

Although you did not choose me, you did choose to mentor us rambunctious high school students and for that I applaud you. I did not come to small group expecting to find anything special. Even when us students have given up on ourselves, you stayed with us. Your seventy-five something years of wisdom have shown me how important I am. Thank you for picking me up every Thursday to talk about how things are going in life. You’ve taught me what direction I want to go in my life, and I don’t deserve to have someone like you in my life.

Fanshan Yang – for teaching me what I have

Fanshan you’ve been through so much for being so young. Despite your age, you have experienced a lot about the world. I can’t imagine the things you have gone through, and I know you are strong enough to get through these tough times. I’m glad that you are my cousin, and I hope you know my family and I love everything about you.

Emily Hessler – for being a big sister

Emily, you were and will always be our best waitress. You were our hardest worker and cared so much for my family. At the time, I didn’t see I had little time with you, and I wish I cherished the things you did more. We thought of you as a second family, and I hope you felt the same as well. My youngest sister Izzie even called you her favorite sibling. I know that you are resting in peace in Heaven and getting all of the blessings you deserve.

Donald Alm – for telling me I’m smart

I know we don’t talk much anymore but sometimes the littlest things make the difference. That compliment may have started a spark and given me more confidence. When you told me I was one of the smartest people you knew on the Senior Retreat, it gave me more motivation to do my best. I’m not going to worry whether or not if I fail anymore. All I can do is try my hardest and be the best me I can be.

Gabe Plescher – for being my third annoying little brother

You and my brother Ben are so similar and both know how to tick me off. I’ve learned you both only do it for attention. The impact I had on you and my brother was not apparent to me until you told me I was one of your best friends. Helping you and my brother grow up are a part of my purpose now. Seeing you get baptized was a great joy to me and my family, and I hope you hold on to your beliefs.