I’m feeling free as a bird and flying just as high North Penn, on happiness that is… Crazy public school kids. That critical paper is officially turned in and over with, and though I expected to feel sentimental over it, four hours of sleep does a real nice job of eliminating any of the feels. But I couldn’t help thinking all the way to sophomore year when I was first introduced to this behemoth of a paper. Back then, five to seven pages of analysis seemed entirely impossible to write, but after cranking out nine pages on a book that I shmooped read myself, sophomore year seems like a walk in the park. So there you go young sophs. It only gets harder from there, especially if you’ve been suffering from senioritis since fifth grade. Happy learning!

As it turns out though, all that sentimentality kicks in the morning after, and I got to reminiscing about all of the firsts and lasts I’ve experienced here within the halls of North Penn High School. I figure it’s about time to go through a rundown of that list before everyone is crying so hard so that the print gets blurry. Apparently goodbyes can do that to people, in which case I’m not necessarily looking forward to it. Like at all.

So to avoid any unnecessary emotions quite so early in the day, I’ll start by explaining my firsts, and I have a very, very recent example for all you. Take this morning for instance, Tuesday, April 19, as I’m sitting here in lovely K24 surrounded by all of my fellow Knight Crier staff members. The only difference today is that I’m also sitting here typing up the Korner for the first time since it began way back in September when I offered unsolicited commentary on all of your questionable first day of school clothing choices. Remember that? Ah, good times… Today is also the last day I will live life on the edge by trying to start an article on its deadline. Here I was thinking my critical paper was stressful, only to remember all of you were looking forward to a stellar Korner after last week’s subpar performance. There may be firsts for everything, except for being disappointed in the Korner. I’m pretty sure that’s how that rule works.

In regards to high school lasts, I would mention dances here, but just when you thought there wouldn’t be another Winter Ball, we had two in the same year. With that logic I’m holding out for two proms – I’m thinking one in August right before all of us spread out across the country would be a grand idea, even if it’s just me alone in the gym dancing to the beat of my own drum. It has already gotten me this far, but I’ll welcome anyone who wants to join me.

What’s real bittersweet is the ending of sports seasons. High school sports are an extremely important part of building community, and the same goes for play productions and concerts. And I’m not just talking about seniors. I get that senior night really makes an impact on how close seniors are to graduating, but even for the rest of the team, this is the last season they’ll play with the same group of guys or girls. This is the last year they’ll perform the same musical or play with this specific cast, and though graduation is perhaps the biggest factor in this, some kids will decide not to come back next year, or they’ll move, or they’ll pursue a different passion. That being said, it’s important to be fully present during these final games and performances because you’ll never get to be part of something quite the same ever again.

I hate to end on a somber note, but the deadline demands it. So I’ve decided to do something a little different and reach out to all of you who so faithfully read the Korner every Tuesday. Think about your own high school memories, all of those firsts and lasts that were proud or embarrassing, that you loved or hated. I’d love to read them, because this week’s article is just as much for me as it is for all you. But you don’t have to feel too sad just yet, North Penn, because we still have ways to go before this writer pens her final Korner. I’ll see you all next week.