The blank page mocks me. All the familiar faces dissipate into the urine-colored walls. Everything that I remember about high school transforms into the beginnings of a Rorschach test. I’m trapped in a Salvador Dali painting. Time is intangible; the days hang in the gallows. I see the melting clocks on the walls as each period’s end is one step closer to graduation. But The Persistence of my Wantagh High School Memories overwhelms.

I’ve spent sleepless weeks wondering how to construct an archaic goodbye. I created jumbled thoughts. This will be my last issue of The Warrior, this will be my last week as a Wantagh High School student, and this, right here, is my mockery of an Ode to Wantagh High School.

I’m surrounded by the comfort of suburbia. The deafening cries of solitude are muffled by the panicked ringing in my ears, and reality looming overhead. Finally, I won’t have to stay here for 9 periods; finally I won’t have to sign my life away just to take a germ-infested pass to go to the decrepit, rotting bathrooms. FINALLY, I won’t have to worry that I’m in a zombie apocalypse after seeing you lovebirds eat and suck at each other’s faces.

Finally, I will have graduated from Wantagh High School.

This may begin to seem like a tribute to my deep-rooted contempt for everything this institution is. It’s not; it’s a thank you to Wantagh for instilling life, character, and originality into a bag of bones – making me who I am.

Upon entering as a freshman, I was half-made. Driven by an artificial heart, I was eager to make a difference in this school. What I hadn’t realized was that throughout this destination-less journey, I would have found not only a passion, but myself. That’s what high school is, it’s a place to build yourself.

The tectonic plates that I call emotions begin to collide, and aside from happiness – I feel hollow. I will no longer find my name on the front page of the newspaper, I won’t be meeting with the Class of 2012 Board with my Co-President and the rest of the board of talented, intelligent, and dedicated seniors.

I won’t miss the prepubescent students who should shower in bleach, and I won’t miss sitting for 40 minutes in classes that ultimately bore a hatred into my very core. I certainly won’t miss the late desk, or the ear-shattering drone of the bell. I won’t miss the time 7:37, and I certainly won’t miss near anything tangible from this school.

I’ll miss Mr. Haruthunian booming down the halls, towering over students. Maybe I’ll miss knowing when Mr. Brown was nearby because you could smell his signature-scent. I’ll miss room 117, and the four times a year that we printed The Warrior.

I’ll always have my diploma to remember my time here, the endless pictures, my awards from Adelphi. I won’t be able to let go of the immense feeling that overcame me as I walked up to the stage for a second year in a row receiving an award, “Most Outstanding Reporter” -the only person to win it consecutively. Then walking up to win the most prestigious award at Press Day, “Best News Story”. I can’t let go of my reign as Editor-in-Chief.

I’m going on to Hofstra University, after changing my mind at the last second. I had already deposited at New York University, my dream school. Things change, I realized. Everything here changed as we completed the four years. The dean (three times,) the paint, the lockers, the bleachers, us.

We hinder our growth with our own insecurities and we lose sight of what truly matters. Each day it’s important to ask: Is this going to matter a year from now? Certain things are not worth the stress – but one thing is. Happiness. Things may change, but one thing should not waiver and that is your happiness. Throughout the process of growing it’s important to remember that you’re not going to truly achieve and succeed if you’re not absolutely content with yourself.

I can’t let go of my reign, but also, double entendre intended – I won’t let go of my reins. The reins Wantagh High School has given me to put me in control of my future.

Believe and act as if it were impossible to fail. Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle. Keep dreaming, Wantagh High School.

As I wrap this up, there are a few people who truly deserve special recognition.

Lindsey Cohen,
My little prodigy! This is my way of formally passing you the torch. I’m leaving you with the responsibility of caring for what was once my child. I know you always joke about how you are going to take my articles and put your name on them, but really – don’t. You’re an extremely talented writer. Don’t stop being yourself. By that I mean: an extremely intelligent, spunky, and beautiful young lady! Never let anyone get you down. Keep writing about anti-Semitism, Justin Bieber, and whatever else you want! People are going to find anything to insult, because they’re jealous they’re not as talented as you are. There’s always something negative to say, and that’s because no one is able to appreciate all the hard work. Next March you better kill it at Adelphi Press Day! I’ll be there screaming your name when you walk up and make me proud. Good luck! And don’t give up on the college search!

My Co-Editor-in-Chief, and my best friend, Katie,
A feeling of nausea is overwhelming me as I type this thank you. I can’t believe I won’t be spending 4 to 5 periods a day with you next year. I was so excited when you came into my journalism class last year, and this year we are Co-Editors. You’re an amazingly intelligent, and talented person. What I’ll truly miss most about Wantagh High School is our fifth period Starbucks trips, and our compulsive eating. Although our friendship will continue when I drive 7 grueling hours to visit you at the University of Pittsburgh, I’ll miss you endlessly in between the visits. That aside, I was so proud of you at Adelphi, I think I ruptured a vocal chord screaming your name. You deserved it, you’re going to succeed in whatever you do, and thank you for making my high school experience one filled with: Starbucks, food, and a true friend.
PS: Don’t make friends at Pittsburgh until I do a full background check. Kidding, just keep being the awesome person that you are and don’t give up on anything, ever! HAIL TO PITT!

Most important, this last thank you is to Mr. Kravitz,
Thank you for, well…everything. Above all, thank you for allowing me to find a passion in writing. Thank you for inspiring me to write. And thank you for always putting up with my stubbornness and my not allowing you to even THINK about changing a single word in any of my articles… For allowing me to write fornication in an article too, I blame myself for the tachycardia you experienced. You truly inspired me to explore my talents. My proudest moments in high school include those at Adelphi, and seeing people reading something we worked so hard on. I’ll miss seeing you pop your head into my AP classes, “Sorry! We have a deadline… K. Fitz can we talk for a second?!” I know how much advising the paper stresses you out, but that, in its entirety, aside, you ultimately have been the biggest influence on my high school experience. Your support is what I’ll miss most about it here. I won’t forget how many times I made you cry, (four times to date and there are pictures, don’t deny it). You impact your students whether you believe it or not. Thank you for always believing in me.