Photo/Special to The Source Newspaper
Congratulations to Source staffers Lanie Hopkins and Levi Kuiper on their graduations (Lanie from JHS, Levi from ISVI). Congratulations to all of the area seniors. Lanie will be attending Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in the fall and Levi is hoping to go to work on the family farm near Fairbury, IL.
Levi: “I started at The Source near the beginning of the year and have learned a lot while I was there. I also have had a lot of fun working there and I think that it will help me in the future with other jobs I hope more students take advantage of this opportunity. The more I worked here the more looked forward to coming in each week. Now that I am leaving I wish that I could stay and keep working here.
Lanie’s senior speech: I was always told that high school goes by so fast and I never believed it until my senior year. One day it’s your first freshman class, the next you’re graduating. I’m ready to go into the next chapter of my life, but like any other incoming college freshman, there are a few things I cannot leave behind.
The first thing I am taking with me to college is a cheer bow. Six years and countless hours I have put into this sport. Cheer has been a major part in my life and I will miss the feeling I got when I stepped onto a competition mat. Since I will not be cheering in college I will still take a bow with me to remind myself of all the amazing times I had growing up and the sport that made me who I am today.
I will also be taking friendship. Three major friends in my life are Hannah, Skylar, and Bianca. Hannah and Skylar are juniors so they will not be leaving JHS with me but I know our friendship will continue to grow even if we are miles apart. On the other hand Bianca will be continuing her journey with me at SIUe and I can’t wait to continue making memories with her as our future continues.
The last thing I will be taking with me is family. Family is a huge part in my life and always will be. As I go off to SIUe in the fall I will continue to be near part of my family considering my brother also attends college there. Even though I don’t act like it or say it a lot I am extremely happy to have my big brother there with me.
My bags are packed and I am ready to go and I can’t imagine my life without a cheer bow, friendship, and family. All these have a huge part in my life and I am grateful for each and every one of them.
The exact quote I put on my senior block and the quote I will continue to live by is “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” High school will now only be a memory to me.
