As I reflect on my experiences with high school, I can’t help but think of all of the factors that made STA the place that it is today. From the millions of hours teachers dedicate to the pride that STA students have each morning when they slip on their tartan plaid skirt, I want to thank everyone for giving each star who walks these halls a opportunity to shine.

Here’s to you STA, thank you for making the past four years of high school simply amazing.

Thank you teachers and administration. Thank you for your support, hard work, and innovation. Without your time and resources this academy would never have become the place it is today. Thank you for the new use of technology. Thank you for leading us into the real world with the knowledge and resources that will be useful on a daily basis. Thank you for treating us as the young women you believe us to be. Thank you for trusting in us and allowing a right to freely speak our minds, especially in the Dart, whether critical or complimentary of our school. Thank you for your leadership.

Thank you parents. Thank you for giving us your daughters. Thank you for your sacrifices and support. Thank you for investing thousands of dollars in your daughter because trust me, it was worth every penny. Thank you for coming to the theater productions, cross country races, parent teacher conferences, and endless PASTA meetings. Thank you for investing as much of your time into this school as your girls did. Thank you for sending your daughters here because without them, well, it just wouldn’t be the same.

Thank you students. Without you, students, as I said, STA simply wouldn’t be the same. As hard as it is to believe, the campus will forever change. New cats will roam the hallway, new buildings created, and even new teachers will constantly join the STA staff. What makes STA isn’t the scheduling. It isn’t our signature tartan plaid or our school song. STA is what it is because of the girls. These young women who walk the hallways fill our school with laughter, knowledge, and a confidence in themselves that only the strongest of women can attain. With such a diverse group of women, we not only gain friendships but learn from one another. We learn from our accomplishments, our struggles, and most importantly our mistakes. We represent our school with pride because I have to say, it really is the best.

So thank you students for making my high school experience better than I could have ever expected. Thank you for giving me a second home that will always remain deep within my heart. I’ll miss you STA.