Albert Gallatin High School, though certainly not without its issues and drawbacks, has been a great place to mature in. Looking back through the years, it’s hard to say what my favorite part of AG is. Maybe it’s the friendships I’ve made, with teachers and students alike, the knowledge I’ve gained, or the experiences I’ve had. Whatever it is, one thing is certain: saying goodbye is bittersweet. As I prepare to graduate and move on to the next chapter of my life, I want to take a moment to reflect on my time at AGHS and express my gratitude to everyone who has made it such a special place for me. 

To begin, many of the teachers here have an outstanding performance in their job as not only teachers, but mentors. People that fit this category are people such as Mrs. Taylor, with her encouraging and engaging yet tough teaching style, Mr. Berkshire with his personality and , Mr. Comunale with his enthusiasm and individualization, Mr. Courie with his wisdom and altruism, and many more that have not been listed. The person I and my peers have matured to be has been greatly impacted by these teachers in ways they don’t even know. They have instilled proper values in many of us and not only taught us information about the subjects they teach, but values and morals of what being a good person means.  

The rural, semi-secluded environment has fostered a close-knit group of peers where everyone knows everyone and we all get along very well. In my experience, people having issues with one another is an exception rather than a rule, and I feel lucky to have grown up in a community where kindness, respect, and inclusivity are valued highly. I have made lifelong friends at AG who have been there for me through thick and thin, wherein we have created a supportive and caring group. While it can be easy to take this sense of community for granted, I know I will look back on my time at AG with fondness and appreciation for the people who made it such a special place. 

Lastly, the knowledge and education I have gained from AG will prove useful as I continue my path of life to further my career In programming. Classes such as CHS Calculus will go on to let me make code in the most efficient manner, while classes such as CHS Computer Science from the 2021-2022 school year (that class changes a lot) will serve to give me a head start in the world of programming in addition to the exterior knowledge I have acquired. In an indirect fashion, classes such as AP Language and AP Literature have given me the ability to communicate properly and effectively, which will assist in all walks of daily life, and classes such as CHS Chemistry and Honors Physics have opened me to a lens to view the world.  

In conclusion, saying goodbye to AG is not easy. The memories, lessons, and relationships formed here have had a profound impact on who I am today and who I will become in the future. I am grateful for the outstanding teachers who have not only taught me academic subjects, but also valuable life lessons. The community at AG has been like no other, fostering a sense of belonging and support that will be hard to replicate in the future. Finally, the knowledge and education gained from AG will serve as a foundation for my future endeavors as a professional and an individual. As I prepare to leave AG behind, I will forever cherish the memories made and the lessons learned at this special place.