When I cast my eyes on the rolling hills on which Skyline High School rests, I am reminded of the dynamic relationship that we have shared over the past three years. This proud brick building was illuminated by the shimmering colors of the morning sunrise, filled with the unmistakable promise of opportunity, and I was its next child, sauntering up to those red double doors, full of knowledge, ready to be transformed from a little girl into a woman. This relationship, I soon realized, was not free, but came at a significant price. Skyline offered to enrich my life, but only if I chose to fill its halls with laughter, its concerts with symphonies, its classrooms with knowledge.

Looking back, I realize the impact, the experiences I have had were mutual, for everything Skyline gave to me, I had to return to Skyline. It was this school that taught me to play and, more importantly, to feel music. I have serenaded the walls of Skyline, allowing them to hear my soul expressed through my flute. Skyline has taught me the Spanish I use to communicate with its students, the joy of humor I use to entertain its stark, staid personality. Skyline has taught me to write, but only if I agreed to use this skill to its glory.

As I walk toward the double doors, out into the world, I see a brilliant sunset. The sherbet oranges and kindergarten pinks remind me that as I leave, the opportunities that shimmered before me upon my entrance have been transformed into experiences that I will cherish. Step by step, my feet impact the grounds of this school. I am returning to the world that sent me to Skyline to be transformed into a dynamic adult. I know I am leaving a friend, we have helped each other, The impact was nothing less than life-altering and, more importantly, the impact was mutual.

Elizabeth Nemeth, ‘03
17 May 2002