Foot Pedals? Check!

Drum roll please . . . . Today I played the organ with the foot pedals!!! I am so proud of myself. I practiced two songs all week with the foot pedals: #219 Because I have been given much and #140 Did you think to pray. Although I had them practiced really well, I was hesitant to play them with the foot pedals during sacrement meeting because my nerves almost always get the best of me. However, I convinced myself that I had practiced them hard and that if I were confident in them it would all work out. I guess confidence really is key. Both songs were relatively easy to play with the foot pedals (Did you think to pray had only E, B, and A) I just needed practice getting it smooth and without error.  They weren't without flaw, but I am overall very pleased with how I played them and think they sounded very well. I am so happy that I could finally reach that goal of playing the foot pedals during sacrement meeting! I feel as though it brings my organ ability to a new level. I now have a new normal, that being playing other songs with the foot pedals. In essence, I am happy because it means I am improving and developing new skills. I can by no means play any song with the pedals but with time I hope to continue to improve.

I really enjoyed Sacrement meeting today particularly the partaking of the sacrement. It has been on my mind for quite a while that I need to more fully understand the concept of the sacrement. More specifically, the symbolism and the significance. As I have studied, my appreciation and love for the Savior and his gospel has grown. The Sacrement is so sacred. As it was being blessed I paid particular attention to the words. The prayers are beautiful. Simple but packed with meaning. As I contemplate the Savior and his sacrifice for me, along with how I am personally doing, I find myself fully active in the event of the sacrement. I feel my Savior's love. By recognizing ways in which I need to improve and committing to do so, I feel the Savior blessing me in my efforts. I am so grateful for the opportunity to partake of the sacrement each week. I know as I continue to be fully engaged in the process I will be blessed and I will grow in testimony.

Looking at my pictures on iPhoto I realized I wanted to share a few of them as they show what my life has been like lately.

On June 11 at 12:00 am, I had to register for classes at BYU. It was Sunday at midnight! At first I thought it was Monday at noon but then I looked closer and saw the am and realized that it was instead that night at midnight! I kind of panicked because I had planned to get organized Monday morning now I had to get organized for that night. I also had a very important physics test that was monday morning first period. Mom had told me that when Chris registered his time was midnight as well and he ended up staying up the entire night trying to get his classes. I was nervous I would have to do the same and would be no where near wanting to write a physics test. I called Mr. Hardy and arranged to do it later that day. He was happy I called because he would have been really worried me not being there to write it because it accounts for a large portion of my grade. I planned out everything. What I wanted, when I wanted it, and the order in which I needed to pick things based on availability. The picture above is me killing time until midnight. I usually go to bed around 10 so it was kind of hard to stay up until midnight  so I took some picture to pass the time. 

This picture is of my laptop and mapped out schedule all ready to go. I had it color coated based on the order I needed to regiester. In addition, I had watched several tutorials on the registration process so I knew what I was doing. Yes I know I am very organized. It paid off though because once midnight hit I was ready to go. I started exactly at midnight it all went very quickly and without error and by the time I was done it was only 12:07 and I had gotten everything I wanted when I had wanted it! I was so thrilled and relieved! I was in bed by 12:10! Ha Ha. I guess I shouldn't have been so worried about it. I am glad though I was prepared it made the whole process a lot easier. 

I have now pretty much done everything I can to prepare for BYU. Now all just get to sit and wait! I am scared to death but excited all at the same time. 

I know this picture is random, but I like it because it represents what my life has been like lately. Having a desire to eat more healthy and exercise more regularly, have been consistant goals in my day to day life. This is a lunch that I took to school one day and it just looked so good I had to share. Whole wheat tortilla, almonds, cucumbers, carrots, and cheese. (Yes it was good!) I may not good everyday, nor do I exercise everyday, but I am improving and that is all that matters. 

You can't see it real well but in the center of the heart is says "Love You". I don't remember where I was but one night Katelyn and I were with friends and got home late. When I went into my room I found this on my pillow from my Mom. Happy and loved, is how I was left feeling. I am so grateful for my Mom and the little things she does each day to make me feel loved. 

Well I only have one more diploma left on Wednesday--Physics. It will be the hardest one, but the most rewarding. I have studied hard for it and hope to do well. Summer is almost here and I am excited to work to make money for school as well as making the most out of this summer with both my family and my friends. I am so grateful for life and the wonderful opportunities I have. 

Lost: Melissa's Motivation

Dear Motivation,

Where did you disappear to? I have a physics diploma, piano songs that must be learned, nursery lesson to prepare, pictures to scrapbook, books to read, and goals to meet. Without you it is to easy to be both lazy and unproductive. Please come back. I haven't gone anywhere. In case you for got I am right here in little ol' Aetna. Eager and hopeful, I anticipate your return.

Sincerely,
Melissa

Family Fun Run/Walk

Yesterday was the Family Fun Run/Walk. I participated in the 5 mile run! I am so happy that I did it. Though I didn't prepare as well as I should have, I was able to complete the race. My goal was under one hour. My finishing time was 54:30! While other people finished it in the lower 40s, I was still proud that I met my goal. 

It felt so good and rewarding. Doing this race made me want to train even harder so that when I do it again I can beat my time! 

Jennie Bennett, my good friend, did it with me as well. Dedicatedly, Jennie runs 5 miles almost everyday in her bare feet! She finished the race in 41 minutes! They give out medals to the top three finishers in every age group. Since Jennie and I were the only ones in our age group, we each got a medal. I am glad that Jennie could do it with me! I look forward to doing it again. 

Quote of the Day

"You can be a leader, you must be a leader . . ." 

                

                        President Gordon B. Hinckley 

Tomorrow . . .

English Diploma tomorrow. Yup I am pretty much TERRIFIED! 

Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.

I've prepared. I need not fear. 

New Bishopric

A new bishopric was organized in my ward today. Before I reveal who they are I want to first say a few things about the old bishopric.

Bishop Darryl Anderson: Bishop Anderson is famously known for his award winning smile. He is always smiling; it is contagious. I know he was called of God to serve as Bishop during this time. He has been such an influence on me. Many of his lessons have been on dating and getting to the temple. He definitely focused on the youth. I will never forget being at ward parties and seeing him interact with the young kids anywhere from dancing in the middle of the gym with the sunbeams, or riding the train with the older kids. He was there every step of the way. He was a wonderful bishop and I grew to love and appreciate him. As my mom is relief society president, she dealt with Bishop Anderson a lot. Through this I was able to observe first hand just how much a bishop does and the importance of their calling. I'm grateful for Bishop Anderson and all that he has done for me and my family. He has helped my testimony to grow and become strong. I also love how close him and his wife are. They faithfully have a date night each week. I also admire his relationship with his kids. Bishop Anderson will be greatly missed and I am grateful that through his faithful service I could grow in testimony. 

1st Counselor Kendall Bevans: First off let me just say that I WILL marry a man just like Kendall! Kendall is amazing. He was over the youth and came to young womens quite regularly. His thoughts always touched my heart and made me feel the spirit. He is so sincere and humble. Truly full of humility. He made any moment a spiritual moment. He always stopped Katelyn and I in the hallway and we always had good meaningful chats. I can not remember a time when talking to him didn't make me want to be a better person. I had many interviews with him for class presidency callings, the organ, as well as numerous temple recommends. During these interviews he always sincerely asked how I  was doing, what my goals were, and how I planned to accomplish them. He always gave me advice in these interviews, advice that I will hold close to me forever. He counsels often of temple marriage, the importance of choosing a worthy man, and making sure he honors the priesthood and faithfully attends all of his priesthood meetings. Having babysat for Kendall and Jennie-Rae thousands of times I have had the opportunity to see that side of him as well. I admire Kendall and Jennie-Rae so much. They are the true definition of humility. They are great with there kids, and have a strong relationship with each other as well. I have no doubt that Peter, Mark, and Joseph will grow up to be amazing young man just like their parents. Kendall has great respect for women. In his thoughts in young womens he always talked about his mother and how she is the reason he is who he is and the strength she was to him and how she taught him, he also always pays tribute to his wife. Kendall has a strong sure testimony which I hope to one day emulate. I truly believe that Kendall was called for this time to serve the young women he served. He was a great strength to me and because of him my testimony grew. In essence, I hope to find somebody as worthy, humble, and dedicated as Kendall is. 

2nd Counselor Dick Wilde: I have had little experience with Bro. Wilde but enough to know and feel that he was called of God to serve our ward. His testimony never ceases to strengthen and touch me. I also admire his love of family. His family is very close. He is very personal and always strives to make conversation and let you know you are loved. 

In Summary, I truly loved the old bishopric. They hold a special place in my heart. I truly felt that if I ever had a problem or just needed to talk I could go to any of them. With no doubt I can say that they are who I needed at this time to grow spiritually and set goals for this choice centered time of my life. 

And with no further ado. . . The new bishopric is . . . 

Bishop: Carrie Quinton

1st Counselor: Ricks Smith 

2nd Counselor: Randy Russell

I am excited to have the summer to get to better know and appreciate these man as they serve our ward. I love and sustain each one of them. I know they are called of God and are what our ward needs at this time. They are all great man whom I can learn from. Hearing both their's and their wife's testimonies this morning was a touching experience. I look up to each of the ladies and hope I can strive to be a strong as them and have a strong solid relationship with my spouse. I know these man will do their best and I support them every step of the way. 

I love this gospel. I know God call's who he needs to help further his work. I know the men he calls are the ones needed to bless our lives at this time and to help us grow in faith, testimony, and love. I have no doubt that this new bishopric will serve God with all their might, mind and strength. 

3 Excellences?! Say what?

So i'll admit it right away: I am a nerd! Yup I said it and am proud of it! I absolutely love Mr. Heninger's class. I love writing and I am constantly working hard in attempt to impress him. I think it is because I know how hard he is to impress; therefore, it is very rewarding to write something he likes. Lately, I have been looking at what he calls "The Little Black Books of English". They contain both students papers, and projects that have impressed him as well as earned a excellence. I have dreamed about excellence! To write a paper that he not only gives an E to but also wants to put into his little black book was my ideal accomplishment. In the black book I read papers by lots of people that I know and look up to such as Katelyn Bevans, Melissa Bevans, Tim Taylor, and Travis Prete. Reading these papers made me realize just how hard I had to work, for they are amazing and demonstrate a higher level of thinking and skill. However, I took the challenge and over the past couple of days I have seen my work rewarded.

The first was a personal response to text. The topic was how ones ambition affects themselves and others. I wrote it in letter format and was shocked when I received it back. A 95%!! Proving to be the highest mark I have ever gotten on an English essay ever!!!! The mark's were broken down into a Pf+ and an E! AN E!!! I was thrilled!

Melissa Hartley

English 30-1

PRT #2

May 24, 2012

Dear Sophia,

My dear sister, I wish I could be writing to tell you of something concerning happiness, joy or peace; however, I write out of solemn regret. As you well know, when we were in our youth I had a dream. I need not say more; you can well recall. With tragic joy I want to tell you that now in my prime adult years I have accomplished this dream. Heading down a long narrow road with destination finally in sight, I have looked back. I thought when I reached my goal I would feel happiness, joy and contentment, but instead my joy kindles with overpowering regret. Looking back down the road that got me here, I realize that I missed out on so much. Though we were sisters, our childhood was hardly ever spent together. Not only that but I have few memories with friends and doing fun activities. I don’t remember being happy. Sadly, I have realized why. I was so focused on my goal. It didn’t bother me then perhaps because I couldn’t see it until now. I see the hurt it caused not only me, but the family as well. I had one goal in mind and I wouldn’t let anything in my way. I thought my ambition was my stronghold, now I see its destructive nature. I spent my teenage years so driven that everything I did was only done in thought to accomplish my dream. I thought nothing of it at the time; however, I am beginning to see just how much I missed.

 I realize that all I have done so far is complain and talk about my failure and your probably wondering why I am writing you to admit my unhappiness. The reason is this: I want you to never make the mistake that I did. Ambition, when unmonitored, can overtake your soul. Studying and working are the only memories I have of my teenage years. Everything I did was in pursuit of my goal. I realize now that I thought my goal was the only thing that would bring me happiness; therefore, I was so determined in doing everything I could to bring my goal closer. O ambition! Why did I let you rule my life? I never spent time with family or friends, and I always shrugged away any opportunity to have fun. At the time I didn’t think anything of it. Instead, I rewarded myself for being so determined and ambitious saying that I was two steps ahead of everybody else. My determination shut out the world around me. Friendships were ignored, and my family stopped trying to have a relationship with me. Now looking back I realize how silly it all was. If I would have harnessed my ambition by not putting it into one thing, I would have been happy. I would have had time for friends, family, and myself.

What I am trying to say Sophia is that I am sorry. Sorry for not taking the time to do stuff with you. I am sorry for being so determined and failing to develop a relationship with you. I realize now that by channeling my ambition into various things and taking the time to enjoy life I am becoming happy. My ambition robbed myself of present happiness because I was only focused on what I thought would bring me happiness. Not only that, but it robbed me a relationship with my family. Sophia please know that by turning back and coming to this realization has not been easy since it is brought much heartache and pain. Through this pain and heartache, however I feel my determination once again taking over—only this time—for good. I look ahead and see that although I have reached my goal, there is still a long promising road ahead of me. I only hope that it is not to late to repair the relationships I have ruined. Perhaps that is why I chose to write. Sophia please give me a chance.

Love,

Julie

Yup I I even took a picture of the grading paper! But hey I said I was a nerd didn't I?

 The next one was a Les Miserables response. Not only did I receive an E on this assignment, but also Mr. Heninger took me out into the hallway to tell me that it was the best piece of writing I have ever written! "Flawless writing" is how he described it! This wasn't the best part however. He also said that he wanted to keep it as an example of excellence! In other words, he is going to put it in the Little Black Book of English! Yup my dream came true! 

Melissa Hartley

Les Miserables

Response #2

How does the protagonist find meaning to carry on despite adversity?

The Road to Redemption

Clinging to the Bishop of Digne’s request to “become an honest man” (33), Jean Valjean, despite adversity, finds meaning and a will to endure. Valjean finds himself evolving into a decent, loving, and passionate person as he tends for Cosette. Moreover, his love for Cosette gives him motivation, meaning, and a desire to live. Valjean summarizes it perfectly in a thought: “This was the second white vision he had seen. The bishop had caused the dawn of virtue on his horizon; Cosette evoked the dawn of love” (123).  Valjean speaks on the meaningful impact that Cosette has had on his life, “The basis of his life henceforth, that so long as [Cosette] should be alive, so long as he should have her with him, he should need nothing except for her, and fear nothing save on her account” (139). Jean Valjean means to say that his entire life now revolves around Cosette. Once Jean Valjean learns to love Cosette, we see him beginning to change. But how does Cossette’s love cause him to overcome his adversity? What is his adversity? In short, Valjean’s adversity is mainly the struggle to leave behind his former convict life and attempt to start again. He faces one significant set back. More specifically, Javert’s obsession for justice constantly haunts Valjean. However, he is able to propel past his worrisome thoughts and continue on the road to redemption. Through loving Cosette, Valjean begins to do things he didn’t think were possible. He is able to turn what was once bad in to something good. Hugo describes a particular example to illustrate this point: “Jean Valjean had begun to teach [Cosette] to read. Sometimes, while teaching [her] to spell, he would remember that it was with the intention of accomplishing evil that he had learned to read, in the galleys. This intention had now been changed into teaching [her] to read” (124).  Through this prominent example it is evident that Valjean slowly begins to fulfill the Bishop’s request, for he has become a virtuous man. Using words such as “prop” and “staff” (125) to describe Cosette, Victor Hugo establishes the support she is to Valjean. Not only is she Valjean’s support, but also she encompasses his entire meaning in life. Triumphantly, Valjean is able to conquer his adversity and begin to fulfill the Bishop’s request by clinging to the love of a child—Cosette.

The last one was a found poem. A found poem is several lines out of a text in no particular order to create a meaningful poem. I did mine on Les Miserables. I was very happy with the end result. On this paper I also received an E as well as Mr. Heninger wanting to keep it as well! Yup did I mention that the response from Les Miserables and the poem on Les Miserables all happened today! Moreover, today was a great day in English! :D

Through His Eyes

Found by Melissa Hartley

You would have said that he knew who I was (16)

 I am a convict (16)

A poor man evidently (31)

The silver . . . gone . . . stolen (31)

I am a robber (37)

 A wretch (38)

The thoughts of a . . . convict (134)

All [I] had done up to this day was only a hole

To bury [my] name (73)

               The thoughts of a saint (134)

Good natured (50)

Ambitious (50)

[My] language . . . more polished, choicer, and more gentle (53)

[I] . . . kept the bishop’s candlesticks (73)

A man who saves people (307)

Who is this man? (307)

No name can be read (400)

What need have I to know? (19)

Before you told me I knew (19)

Your name is my brother (19)

 Source: Hugo, Victor, Les Miserables.

Fawcett Books


So there you have it. My three works of excellence! The diploma is this coming tuesday. The day of what it all boils down to. I plan to keep consistently work hard so that I can do my best come diploma day. After English today I was talking to Mr. Heninger and he acknowledged how hard I had worked this semester and how much I had improved. That made me feel good to have him recognize my efforts and commend me for them. He also said that no matter what happens on the diploma it doesn't matter because I have become a good writer and that translates into everything. That was good to hear as well but I still really want to do good on the diploma! I hope my hard work will continue to pay off! I still can't believe I finally earned an excellant! 

Class of 2012

Well this past weekend was Graduation. The ceremony was on thursday May 31, 2012 and the banquet on friday June 1, 2012. However, the fun started long before then. 

This is what we woke up to on monday morning!

 The kitchen was all decked out with decorations. . .

Mom called it a "Countdown to Grad" and each day up until thursday we received gifts that would help us get ready for College and University. 

Monday: a recipe book filled with all of my Mom's recipe's as well as some of my Grandma Neilson and Hartley's famous recipes. 

Monday: a recipe book filled with all of my Mom's recipe's as well as some of my Grandma Neilson and Hartley's famous recipes. 

Tuesday: a "Bragging Book". . . a book full of pictures of myself, family, and home to take to school to show my friends and to look at when I get homesick. 

Wednesday: was a basket full of toiletries and some candy. 

Thursday: Dieter F. Uchtdorf's book "Forget Me Not" and a willow tree baring the same name.

And in the very end I received my very own camera that I had picked out. 

Here are some pictures from the Ceremonies. I was SO nervous! I felt sick the entire day but by the time it started I felt relieved and better. Our Valedictorian this year was Dallin Low, but I am proud to say that I was the runner up! Eric Brooks was the quest speaker. He was recently made a judge. He gave a great talk giving us advice to get an education, learn to laugh, learn how to work, learn to learn (stressed being street smart so to speak in addition to scholarly smart),  and to find someone to enjoy life with. Scholarships and special awards were then given out. Both Katelyn and I worked really hard at applying for scholarship, perhaps that is why I was so nervous I was curious if I would get any. Unfortunately for me, to receive many of the scholarships you had to be going to a Canadian or Alberta college/university; however, I am still proud of the scholarships I was awarded. 

I received a $225 dollar award for having the highest mark in Chemistry 30. You don't apply for this it is just based on grade Sorry the picture is kind of blurry and fuzzy.

I received the Blue and White Alumni Association Scholarship. It was $500 dollars. To apply you had to write a brief paragraph describing your high school achievements and activities as well as your future academic goals. 

Katelyn and I were privileged to both receive the Cardston Lions Club Scholarship. We each got $500 dollars. It was neat to hear Mr. Gibbings announce the recipients of this award "Melissa. . . and Katelyn Hartley!" For each scholarship Mr. Gibbings also posts pictures of the recipient that he has gotten off of Facebook, so he had gotten pictures that Ashley Bennet took of us together to post. It was special. To apply for this scholarship you had to submit 4 letters of reference as well as a essay describing your involvement in both the school and community. I am very proud of Katelyn. She applied for 12 scholarships and received 8 of them! She did amazing! She truly Owned the Night! Here name was called over and over again. In fact one time she had just received two in a row when Mr. Gibbings told her just to stay on stage and sure enough she received the next one as well! She is amazing and I am so proud of her. She worked so hard in applying and truly went the extra mile. It really paid off for her. She made  $4300 dollars in just that night!

And lastly, I received awards of $100 dollars each for having the highest marks in both Chemistry 30 and Biology 30. I work very hard in my school work and it was great to see some of that hard work pay off. 

We invited Sister Tillman and Sister Pitcher (the chorister and head organist in our ward that we both serve with) and Brother Berry (a good family friend) to come to the ceremonies. My grandma and grandpa neilson, my grandma hartley, and my aunt Ginny and Jamie were also able to come. Mom, Dad, and Travis were there as well. Chris and Echo weren't able to come home for school in Rexburg but they called us and told us congratulations. My Grandpa Hartley's back has been causing him immense pain lately and he was unable to come but Katelyn and I went and showed him pictures of everything so he felt like he still participated. 

Katelyn and I in line to receive our Diplomas! 

Yet another picture with our favorite man D-Lev to receive our Diploma. 

(Left to Right) Christian Burton, me, Shaun Quinton. These boys are in my Physics Class. We have a very small class of only 8 people and we have quite a good time in it! 

Katelyn, Valedictorian Dallin Low, Me. 

This kid is definitely going to be a force for good in the world. He was MVP of the basketball league, Valedictorian, a really good Volleyball player, he won the Ping Pong tournament, not to mention he is a really good piano player and organist, and as if he needed anything else. . . he is also the stake presidents son and has a really strong testimony of the Gospel. His Dad is doctor, all of his brothers are doctors and yes he is going to be a doctor to! 

Good friends and lunch buddies! Jennie Bennet, Katelyn, Dayna Purnell, Natalie Bevans, Me

Best friends! Katelyn, Liz Broadhead, Me, Charlie Weston (I did STATS with her) 

Katelyn, Travis, Me 

The Family minus Chris and Echo. Dad, Me, Mom, Katelyn, Travis 

Aunt Ginny made Katelyn and I each a blanket! She is the best aunt a girl could ask for. 

All in all the ceremonies were amazing. It was great to walk in and out in those cap and gowns with your family, friends, members of your ward, and community members cheering you on and having such pride your accomplishments. I don't want to be cocky but I was so proud to have people  come up to me including ward members, and just people I  know hug Katelyn and I and tell them how we really owned the night because our names were read out constantly. To go up and receive my scholarships and shake the prestigious peoples hands only to have them tell me how good of girls Katelyn and I were, coming from them it meant a lot. I just felt proud to be a Hartley. I was proud of my sister because she was the one who stole the night! I was proud of myself because of my diligence and hard work that I put into my school work. I just felt really happy and I hope I can always strive to do my best in everything I do and alway work hard to make my family and community proud. 

The next day was the Graduation Banquet. We didn't have to go to school that day instead I spent the day painting my nails, getting my hair done, and writing my speech for the Teacher Tribute. My hair was done by April Wilde and I absolutely loved it! It turned out exactly how I wanted it to! My makeup was done by a Angela Vegtar a good friend of Katelyn and I from the Handicapped center it also turned out really good. My hair was supposed to be done by around 3:30 instead it was done just after 4:00 so I kind of had to hurry, but it still all turned out good. Kalina Hunsberger a good friend of katelyn's and also a photography took our pictures before our date's came to pick us up. She has some good pictures of my hair and of Katelyn and I that I will show when I get them. Until then I will just show pictures of the actual banquet. 

Since I had to do the teacher tribute I got to sit at the head table, and my entire family and our date's families got reserved seating. My poor date Clayton Craig was really sick right up until grad and he wasn't feeling to good the entire night either. 

I had to give the tribute to the teachers. I was very nervous! I talked about the influence of a teacher, followed by highlighting each teacher at CHS. My speech was about 7 and a half minutes in length. Mr. Hardy, the physics teacher, gave the reply. He did such a good job. I really like Mr. Hardy, he is a great teacher. Me and Clayton got to sit beside him and his wife. His wife is so nice, I really enjoyed sitting by them. You could feel there connection and sense there love for each other. Sounds cheesy I know but I really enjoyed talking with them and enjoying there company. Mr. Hardy's speech primarily talked about us graduates becoming our best self and discovering what we do well and doing it. 

Dad, Katelyn, Mom, and I just before leaving with our dates to the banquet. I absolutely loved my dress and hair. I felt very elegant and lots of people told me that both my dress and hair suited me very well. I thought that was a good compliment to receive. I also loved the color it really made my eyes pop. Marge Bevans made my dress for me. Becky Quinton had a similar dress a few years ago that I really liked. So I took what I liked about that dress and added some of my own ideas to design a dress all my own which Marge made for me. It turned out exactly how I envisioned it. 

The meal was chicken cordon blue, mini baked potatoes, baked vegetables, spinach salad, corn, and buns. For dessert we had cheesecake. After the program, a grand march is done around the gym. 

This is Katelyn and her date Rory Barfuss doing the Grand March. 

After the Banquet everyone goes out onto the Temple lawn to take pictures. These are some of the pictures that my mom took. 

Clayton Craig, Me, Haley Brooks, Christian Burton 

Kenzie Quinton and Me

We were on the student council together and were known for being very opinionated and speaking our minds. We both put our heads together to come up with and carry out good ideas for spirit week which made it a success. Kenzie is one of the hardest working people I know. She put many hours into doing things for the school when others failed to help. She planned the Grad after party, and along with Lindi Russell headed up the decorating committee. She know's how to work.

Me, Dayna Purnell, Natalie Bevans, Jennie Bennet, Katelyn.

It was cool to see Natalie all dressed up. She is a cowgirl and never has her hair done or makeup on. She looked beautiful. 

Tarren Gregson (T-Greg), his date (girlfriend from Calgary not sure of name), Braydon Tanner, Kasha Baldwin, Clayton Craig, Me

Me, Katie Hartley, Katelyn

The Hartleys! Kole Anderson asked Katie to Grad and we were all so excited she could come down from Utah to come to our Grad!

Bethany Sugden, Me, Mackae Pawlenchuck 

I've spent many hours with these two beauties. Me and Charlie trained Bethany to take over STATS next year and Mackae was a cheerleader. The four of us roomed together on almost every basketball trip.

Katelyn, Lindi Russell, Me

There is a lot of history right here! Her Mom made her dress! Isn't it gorgeous! I think we represented Aetna ward well!

Katelyn, Katrina Sommerfeld, Me 

This is the funniest and most elegant girl you will EVER meet! Isn't she just beautiful! 

Love this picture! All of the Provincial Champion Seniors and STATS girls.

Me, Austin Leavitt, Aaron Kennard, Brady Olsen, Shaun Quinton, Dallin Low, Colton Quinton, Tarren Gregson, Riley Walburger, Royce Olsen, Charlie Weston.

Kole Anderson, Katie Hartley, Shaun Quinton, Liz Broadhead, Rory Barfuss, Katelyn, Clayton Craig, Me, Charlie Weston, Spencer Miller. 

All of my favorite girls in one picture! 

Kiara Marsh, Katelyn, Mackenzie Marsh, Me

Meet the Marsh twins. Did I mention they have the same birthday as us?! 

Katelyn, Leya Johnson, Me, Ashley Meservy, Whitney Smith 

Some of the beautiful girls from Mountain and Hill spring. They are among the nicest girls you'll ever meet! 

Me and Katelyn 

It was a beautiful night to have the pictures out on the Temple lawn. Perfect temperature and not a speck a wind in the air. After the dance we went down to the Silk Purse for the dance. 

These are the decorations that were at the dance. The theme was Today is the tomorrow we dreamed about yesterday. 

After the dance Clayton dropped me off at Liz's house where Katelyn and I got changed. Liz, Katelyn, and I then went to the Grad Party which was held at Matt Zemp's house. They had board games, movies, King of the Hill, Hamster Balls, an air blown up obstacle course thing, basketball court, bomb fire, and tons and tons of good food. The party was a lot of fun. We stayed until about 5:30 in the morning then headed home to sleep. I made it the entire time without sleeping though. 

I can't believe that Grad is already over! I waited forever and ever for it to come and now it has come and gone. I had such a good time and truly have no regrets. I can't wait to finish Diploma's and be done High School and move on to the next phase in life. It is only the beginning.