TCT’s The Countless Thanks 2019: Grace Pennington
Avery Jordan: For being my other half
There are very few memories that make me smile from the past year that don’t include you. I spend more time with you than I do with anyone else, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. As our friendship has grown over the year, I have learned to laugh a little more and stress a little less. Thank you for always being there. I don’t say it enough, but I appreciate your presence each and every day. I am so grateful for you and everything we do together. Our friendship is one that deeply cherish. Thank you for being my best friend.
Alexa Parent: For being the best friend I didn’t know I needed
A few months ago, we weren’t even friends. I don’t know how. There is not one person that makes me laugh more. You understand me more than anyone else. You bring out the best version of me, and I do the same for you. Thank you for your constant support and loving nature. You have helped me through difficult situations, and your realistic advice never fails to guide me in the right direction. Thank you for making every day brighter. Your big personality stands out amongst others, and I appreciate you for your endless smiles.
Brittney Probst: For failing with me
We both try really hard— let’s be honest, almost too hard sometimes. There are concepts we can never quite grasp and sometimes never will. We’re intellectual frauds. However, our weaknesses have created an indescribable bond. We have both taught—and confused—each other on too many occasions to count. I never remember the beginning stages of friendships; although, I remember ours clearly. We had Mr. Sloop for pre-algebra in 8th grade and sat right next to each other. A forced friendship turned into a unique bond due to our endless amount of questions and corresponding confused expressions. I still cannot decide if we helped or failed one another in that class. Your presence everyday continues to reassure me that I’m not alone. Thank you for the late-night facetime study sessions. Thank you for teaching me when I can’t teach myself. Thank you for having hope that I know what I’m doing when you don’t. Thank you for failing with me.
Courtney and Joelie: For making a goodbye really difficult
I am going to be lost without my best friends next year, and that scares me. You have shaped me into the person I am and continuously push me to be my best. Thank you for making the pair of shoes too big to fill.
Courtney Collar: You’re smart. Frustratingly smart. Yes, your GPA makes me envy you; however, your intelligence reaches places far beyond education. You always know the right thing to say. You’re realistic, yet you tell me what I want to hear. You listen. Thank you for listening. I would expect my endless amount of questions to annoy you, but they don’t; although if they do, I appreciate you not showing it. Thank you for being my shoulder to cry on and being the most constant person in my life. You are so loved.
Joelie Havey: I honestly cannot put into words how much your presence every day impacts me. You are not only my best friend, but also my life coach. You have taught me to be less sensitive and stick up for myself. You continuously encourage me to show everyone I surround myself with the best and purest version of me. I value your opinion more so than anyone else’s, and our friendship is one I will treasure for a lifetime. Thank you for always being in my corner even when I don’t realize you’re there.
Lilly, Audrey, and Jacob: For making me smile
As the end of the school day approaches, I start to lose motivation; however, the thought of seeing each of your lovely faces in 5th hour gives me more than enough energy to finish the day. Thank you for the neverending laughs, continuous pick-me-ups, and ambitious attitudes.
Lilly Vanskiver: You have a heart of gold. Your constant energy and optimistic attitude makes you shine brighter than most. You glow with buoyancy and compassion. Lilly, you have the type of laugh that makes everyone laugh. Thank you for being a safe place when I needed one most. Thank you for being a constant light in not only in my life, but in everyone’s lives who you surround yourself with.
Audrey Svoboda: You never fail to impress me. The amount of dedication you have towards your academics is highly admirable. You put your personal best into everything you do, and I commend you for that. As the next semester approaches, I need you to remind yourself you will fail; though you also need to remind yourself that you tried your best. I am grateful for your genuinity as well as your generosity. You are always unapologetically you, and I hope you never lose that.
Jacob Ervin: I don’t think you’re ever in a bad mood. Your positivity never drains, and a smile never leaves your face. Thank you for being my quiz buddy. I think we both know that we’d do worse if we didn’t have each other. You have an inability to dislike anyone, and that’s what I admire most about you. I appreciate you bringing your lively personality to 5th hour every day. You are one of a kind.