It's Sunday evening, my usual writing time. It's a beautiful, rainy, graying day, and I'm snuggled in a comfy chair in a comfy sweater. The new wrinkle this day - I'm listening to Hamilton, and it's causing all sorts of flashes in my mind. You see, I made the mistake of admitting to my Academic Decathlon team that I'd not listened to the soundtrack start to finish... so they fixed that problem in the many hours we were trapped in a giant vehicle together last weekend at the state meet. I see my self turning into the hotel parking lot one more time as "Take a Break" plays. I hear all five of my riders singing at the top of their voices as "My Shot" plays. I laugh again as I remember them rapping the cabinet battles - edgy words and all - while watching my face!
But most of all, I am again feeling the momma-like pride about all nine of those kids. It's sometimes hard to explain just how proud I am of them. Words just don't do it. And, as their coach, I'm not sure I tell them enough how absolutely amazing they are. I'm gonna try...
Brendan,
8400. 8400. I still can't believe a sophomore scored 8400! But, you are no ordinary sophomore. You are intelligent beyond your years and super witty. And even though I know I'll repeat 8400 to myself a multitude of times over in the coming months and years, I look forward to seeing just what else you can do!
Jordan,
How did we get so lucky to have you find us in your move to Texas? If we were asked to create the perfect new addition to our team and school, I don't think we could have done better than you ourselves! You have so many fascinating, incredible stories, and you are the kindest spirit!
Karina,
Junior year is the toughest; that's what they always say. And you've persevered! In addition to simply surviving, you've brought smiles and cows and gorgeous hair to our team! Somewhere in our chaos, you also found your confidence, and it is beautiful on you. Let's continue growing it.
Emma,
I think we've all said to you that we wish we'd found you sooner, and it is absolutely true. You brought quiet strength and deep intellect to our team. Like Karina, you also found your confidence and inner voice on this Ac Dec journey, and it is equally beautiful on you! I love standing close enough to hear your stories and your brilliant quips, and I will miss you when you graduate.
Zac,
When Zuber brought you on board, I never knew I'd get a working mini fridge out of it! I also didn't realize at first just how much amazing - and often random - knowledge you carry everywhere with you. Thank you for using your knowledge with us and for all the laughs that came with it. I'll miss you when you graduate.
Brenda,
You are a strong, fierce, incredible person, and I'm thrilled you stuck with us this year! Thanks for keeping us in check when our nerdiness got a little out of hand. And thanks for being honest, particularly with your personal story. That takes guts, and you are absolutely fearless. I will miss you when you graduate.
Jasmine,
My hope and most sincere wish for you is that, through Ac Dec, you have realized your worth and your special gifts. You have so much to give - your words, your voice, your smile. I am thankful you shared it with us for as long as you did. Keep writing. Keep singing. Keep dreaming. I don't know if the world is ready for you, but it better get ready! Go and be brave. Submit to no one's unfit expectations. Achieve all that you can. And remember us when you are a famous author. Send your old teacher a signed copy, ok? I will miss you so much when you graduate.
Georgia,
Who will make smirky faces at us next year? Who will stand and dance sporadically? Who will tweet the perfect GIFs? Who will razz me about my phone and its photography skills? No one. No one will ever do these things like you. You have left your mark on Hebron Ac Dec, and it is a lasting one. You have also been a fierce competitor and leader, raising scores and motivating others and pumping us up. With sarcasm. Always sarcasm. And snark. And art genius. Be warned, Aggieland! Salty Neal is coming! I will miss you terribly when you graduate.
Claire,
I have never met a person like you, who has such an incredible capacity to learn and who loves it like you do. With it comes an immense loyalty to team and to friends and a relentless competitive spirit. It is as if Ac Dec was made for you! The most fascinating part has been watching your four year transformation, from a bit of an awkward, newborn giraffe into a regal, roaring lion. You did it all! And I am inexplicably proud of you! I know that you will rule the world one day, equipped with your endless intelligence and the Hamilton lyrics, and I can only be thankful to have been a part of the process. You've created your own Hebron legacy, and I will miss you dearly when you graduate.
Ok, ok. That's enough. Now that I've morphed into a puddle of tears and Kleenex, I guess I should halt the gushing and get back to folding laundry.
On the off chance that you have some influence in a teen's life, will you, after reading this, also tell your teens how special they are? Even if some days they are not? [Note: this team fought with me for weeks about going to the Riverwalk in San Antonio vs going to an escape room. On those days, they were rather annoying, to be honest, and not so special. But, in the end, the escape room was super fun, and it's a memory with them that I'll always cherish.] Our teens need to hear it from us, their adults. And they need specifics.
Again, thank you, 2016-2017 Ac Dec! You are truly awesome!
But most of all, I am again feeling the momma-like pride about all nine of those kids. It's sometimes hard to explain just how proud I am of them. Words just don't do it. And, as their coach, I'm not sure I tell them enough how absolutely amazing they are. I'm gonna try...
Brendan,
8400. 8400. I still can't believe a sophomore scored 8400! But, you are no ordinary sophomore. You are intelligent beyond your years and super witty. And even though I know I'll repeat 8400 to myself a multitude of times over in the coming months and years, I look forward to seeing just what else you can do!
Jordan,
How did we get so lucky to have you find us in your move to Texas? If we were asked to create the perfect new addition to our team and school, I don't think we could have done better than you ourselves! You have so many fascinating, incredible stories, and you are the kindest spirit!
Karina,Junior year is the toughest; that's what they always say. And you've persevered! In addition to simply surviving, you've brought smiles and cows and gorgeous hair to our team! Somewhere in our chaos, you also found your confidence, and it is beautiful on you. Let's continue growing it.
Emma,
I think we've all said to you that we wish we'd found you sooner, and it is absolutely true. You brought quiet strength and deep intellect to our team. Like Karina, you also found your confidence and inner voice on this Ac Dec journey, and it is equally beautiful on you! I love standing close enough to hear your stories and your brilliant quips, and I will miss you when you graduate.
Zac,
When Zuber brought you on board, I never knew I'd get a working mini fridge out of it! I also didn't realize at first just how much amazing - and often random - knowledge you carry everywhere with you. Thank you for using your knowledge with us and for all the laughs that came with it. I'll miss you when you graduate.
Brenda,
You are a strong, fierce, incredible person, and I'm thrilled you stuck with us this year! Thanks for keeping us in check when our nerdiness got a little out of hand. And thanks for being honest, particularly with your personal story. That takes guts, and you are absolutely fearless. I will miss you when you graduate.
Jasmine,
My hope and most sincere wish for you is that, through Ac Dec, you have realized your worth and your special gifts. You have so much to give - your words, your voice, your smile. I am thankful you shared it with us for as long as you did. Keep writing. Keep singing. Keep dreaming. I don't know if the world is ready for you, but it better get ready! Go and be brave. Submit to no one's unfit expectations. Achieve all that you can. And remember us when you are a famous author. Send your old teacher a signed copy, ok? I will miss you so much when you graduate.
 |
| Jasmine, Georgia, & Claire (L-R) |
Who will make smirky faces at us next year? Who will stand and dance sporadically? Who will tweet the perfect GIFs? Who will razz me about my phone and its photography skills? No one. No one will ever do these things like you. You have left your mark on Hebron Ac Dec, and it is a lasting one. You have also been a fierce competitor and leader, raising scores and motivating others and pumping us up. With sarcasm. Always sarcasm. And snark. And art genius. Be warned, Aggieland! Salty Neal is coming! I will miss you terribly when you graduate.
Claire,
I have never met a person like you, who has such an incredible capacity to learn and who loves it like you do. With it comes an immense loyalty to team and to friends and a relentless competitive spirit. It is as if Ac Dec was made for you! The most fascinating part has been watching your four year transformation, from a bit of an awkward, newborn giraffe into a regal, roaring lion. You did it all! And I am inexplicably proud of you! I know that you will rule the world one day, equipped with your endless intelligence and the Hamilton lyrics, and I can only be thankful to have been a part of the process. You've created your own Hebron legacy, and I will miss you dearly when you graduate.
Ok, ok. That's enough. Now that I've morphed into a puddle of tears and Kleenex, I guess I should halt the gushing and get back to folding laundry.
On the off chance that you have some influence in a teen's life, will you, after reading this, also tell your teens how special they are? Even if some days they are not? [Note: this team fought with me for weeks about going to the Riverwalk in San Antonio vs going to an escape room. On those days, they were rather annoying, to be honest, and not so special. But, in the end, the escape room was super fun, and it's a memory with them that I'll always cherish.] Our teens need to hear it from us, their adults. And they need specifics.Again, thank you, 2016-2017 Ac Dec! You are truly awesome!
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