I’m Finally DONE with High School! 

...well sort of, I do still have to walk across stage to get that one piece of paper that signifies so much. It has took thirteen  L O N G years to get to this day. And after four years of extreme stress, a little panic, a lot of studying (well, until senioritis kicked in), and some much need prayers...I did it. I conquered the goal I had set for myself when I was in the fifth grade...on Sunday, May 29th at 2 p.m. I will be graduating the valedictorian of the Lynchburg-Clay Senior Class of 2011.  I am so very excited! 

It has been a goal of mine since I was ten..to be just like my grandparents who are my role models, see my grandpa Jack was valedictorian too, and grandma Kay salutatorian. (that’s where  the brains are from) . I had a lot of expectations to live up to if you could imagine that, and I didn’t always like that pressure. I would much rather be at a hog show, at home on the farm or working (aka talking or writing, what I do best) on something that I can do within the agriculture industry. Now that high school is over, I can get a somewhat start on that. I can begin my college life with meeting new people that share the same passion for agriculture as I do. I am looking forward to that without a doubt. As this chapter closes, I am ready to start the next one. I will never forget Allensburg Church of Christ where I attended pre-school, “the greatest days” or Buford days where I attend kindergarten and first grade, and the final transition to the Lynchburg-Clay School District, where I finished from second grade to twelfth grade. I went back to LCHS the day after seniors got out...it already doesn’t feel the same. I am no longer sheltered in high school..I will be starting big girl school (aka COLLEGE) on August 22nd and making the move to Illinois ( 5 hours from home) on the 15th. It is right after I get home from the state fair and right before my county fair, where I will be showing for the last time as a junior swine exhibitor. So, as I look at it...August is the month of major change for me and things around  Fender Farms-- first time for someone to move out of Ohio, leave the home farm, attend college and pursue a college degree. But as I remind them...I am only a short car ride away from home, it will be okay. After all, I am chasing my dreams. 

The education, support and memories made over the past 13 years will never be forgotten... and as we step out into the world outside of high school..may all our dreams and goals come true.

The FFA Chapter at State Convention

The Senior girls in DC

The Senior Ag. Trip to Chicago