Being able to attend Glenbrook North high school was like winning an award, and for that this is my acceptance speech. First, I would like to thank the administration for making the district lines include my house, my mom for allowing me to grow up in Northbrook and GBN for being such an amazing school.

As I prepare to leave GBN, I remember my fondest memories from high school. I’ve been fortunate enough to take part in many great things at school, like being on the lacrosse team, writing for the Torch, going on Kairos, leading freshmen in peer group and being on Student Association Executive board. I’m incredibly grateful that I have had the opportunity to participate in these activities, but what has made my high school experience special hasn’t been my activities. It has been the people I’m surrounded by who have made it special, and for that they deserve the biggest thank you.

I want to thank my school friends. Thank you for keeping me in the loop about your lives every other day. While we might not spend time outside the walls of English class, you were a big part of my high school experience. Let’s not lie, we probably won’t keep in touch. Don’t worry, I’ll still like your Instagram posts, and I really do hope things go well for you.

I want to thank my teacher friends (yes, I have teachers I consider friends). Thank you for always being there to listen to me rant, to talk about our dogs together and to celebrate my successes with me. Your kindness means a lot more than you might think.

I want to thank the girls I’ve been friends with since the beginning of high school. All of you have been my rocks, my ice cream dates and perfect Friday nights spent watching stupid TV shows. Thank you for the belly aches from laughing and for being the pieces to my puzzle of high school — it wouldn’t be complete without you.

I want to thank the friends I have made through my activities. I never could have guessed I would meet people like you. Whether it was a sport, club or event I met you through, you made my life better. If we met the first day of freshman year or a couple days ago, our shared passions allowed our friendships to grow, and you’ve made each activity more amazing than I could have ever imagined.

I want to thank the senior class. Thank you to each and every one of you. We’ve spent the last four years together, and for that I consider you my friends in some shape or form.

To the non-seniors, please take however much time you have left here at GBN to appreciate every school friend, teacher friend and best friend. There truly is no such thing as too many friends.

Finally, to wrap up my acceptance speech one last time, to all my friends, thank you.