TCT’s The Countless Thanks 2019: Morgan Mittlestadt
Molly Vonk and Delaney Michalski-for listening
Molly and Delaney, you two are people whom I trust with my life. You have modeled your undivided loyalty to my secrets and problems time and time again, and you both always have a laugh and effective advice to provide. I am so glad that I met you both freshman year because my high school experience would not be the same—or half as fun—without you. Thank you for always being trustworthy and not afraid of telling me to trust myself and calm down. You two have definitely helped me through some stressful times, and I cannot thank you enough for doing all that you have done for me the past three years.
Cam Roth-for adventures
Cam, from camping for four days in Interlochen over the summer, to spending a few hours in Grand Haven together until the rest of our friends got there, every day presents another adventure. Thank you for introducing me to various places in Michigan and making Michigan feel more and more like home. One of my favorite things about us is how much genuine fun we have together. You truly are my best friend. Thank you for the countless movie, dinner, ice cream, coffee, and cereal dates, and for valuing spending time with me—whatever that entails and wherever that brings you to. Thank you for your unconditional support in school, dance, and life. I always know that I have at least you on my side.
Gwen Henderson, Autumn Burns, Megan Clayton, Elisha Strawser-for friendship
Gwenny, A Burns, Meg Megs, and Leesh, I love you all entirely. Even though I don’t play the sport that you all share a passion for and talent in, you four have always been welcoming, inclusive, and a safe place. Our schedules are hectic right now, and I miss spending time with you four as frequently as we did over the summer. Although our enjoyable, amusing times are currently more spaced out than usual, I wholeheartedly look forward to hangouts when everyone’s available. Thank you for welcoming me into your friend group and lives with the most kind and open arms imaginable.
Jacob Ervin-for confiding in me
Jacob, thank you for your friendship. It’s really amazing to consider how close we’ve become over the past year, and I’m really proud to call you one of my close friends. The amount of trust you have in me is remarkable, and it’s a responsibility that I do not take lightly. Even though you refer to me as your mentor, there are many instances when you have had extremely wise words to offer. Thank you for trusting me and valuing what I have to say.
Zoe Lipke-for putting up with me
Zoe, there isn’t any other person I would want to spend every single hour of every single school day with—for two years straight. Thank you for being the one guaranteed person I know in each class on the first day of school. I’m so glad that we have each other to confide our struggles and successes in, and I know that if I ever need anything, you’re there. I’m so proud to have such a hardworking friend like you, and I’m glad that we’ve been able to go through the challenges of high school together this past year and a half.
FHC Varsity Dance Team-for working to be great
Dance team ladies, I want this season to be great. Being great enough to attend nationals is a privilege: one we should not take for granted. Thank you all for being amazing in your individual ways and bringing your uniqueness to the team. I am inspired by the passion each of you has for dance and the effort you are willing to put in at practice. I hope you all know that each of you are valued—along with what you have to say and what you add to the team. Thank you for giving me something to look forward to and work towards this school year.