By this time, it is constantly on the mind of every high school senior, and it's definitely on mine. While at the time of my previous article, I was thinking about the many memories that I cherished, lately I have been thinking about the people who have gotten me through the past four years, whether by being a shoulder to lean on or a smile to brighten my day. So, I decided I need to recognize these people, and the ways they have affected my life.

But, unlike my school, where we do Senior Salutes for Best Hair, Eyes, Most Likely to be a Millionaire and the like, I will be saluting people of all classes and ages, and my awards will be a little more personalized.

The Radar O'Reilly Award - Kristen Glade: This bubbly cheerleader reminds me of the lovable company clerk on M*A*S*H. She's adorably tiny, but this sophomore's heart and sense of humor is bigger than most people twice her size.

The Cool Dork Award - Mr. Faivre: Even though he's mad at me for saying I'm smarter than he is, he's still my favorite teacher. His teasing and lame jokes have always kept me laughing, but it's his sincerity that showed me it's possible to be as much a friend as much as a teacher.

The Bow-Before-My-Incredible-Sarcasm Award - Adam Alaniz & Morgan Anderson: At first glance, they seem like normal people. But a few minutes with this couple reveals two quick and quirky wits that have no rival, and amuse me to no end.

The You-Make-College-Look-Easy Award - Serena English Department: Mrs. Bauswell, Mrs. Martin, Mrs. Peters, Ms. Showers, and Ms. Eich, I think the title says it all.

The Making-Me-Smile Award-Taryn Smith, Ashley Vatland, and Emily Zemanek: Taryn and Ashley have kept me laughing since grade school, and Em joined them in high school. Their positive and fun outlook on life will always keep me laughing.

The Rocking-the-World Award - 05-06 Serena Varsity Basketball Team: Their incredible season made me wish I was a bigger sports fan than I am. Congratulations on a fantastic season, guys.

The Annoying-but-Awesome-Smart-Guy Award - Zach Nugent and Charlie Boyd: As geniuses, their insane intelligence has never ceased to frustrate me. But as guys, their friendship has never been matched.

The Great Goth Award - Alyssa Doll & Adam Strukel: Their wardrobes could not be darker, but their hearts could not be warmer.

The Angel on Earth Award - Katie Christensen: I never knew a person could be a beautiful at heart as they are in face until I met this girl. Every day I wonder where she finds the strength to be so amazing, and am inspired to be a better person.

The Sisterhood-of-the-Traveling-Orlando Award - Amber Selvig, Sam Brown, & Sara Robbins: We may not have a best-selling book series, but our little quartet is so similar and just as special thanks to artistic Sam, passionate Sara, hyper

Amber, and me, whatever I am. I have been so blessed by these girls' friendship, and cannot imagine my life without them.

The Keeping-Me-Afloat Award - Dan & Jane Vogt: It would not be right to end my article without a salute to my amazing parents. They are not just parents either, but my best friends, my ports in every storm. Their love and inspiration is unstoppable and never-ending, and have made me everything that I am. No words would appropriately express how grateful I am to them.

And, last but not least:

The Touch the Stars Award - Serena Class of 2006: Holy cow, guys! Can you believe we're here? I can still remember so many of you as timid freshmen, and now we rule the school! I wish I had this whole paper to salute every one of you, but since I don't, I'll just say this:

You have all changed my life, and I can't wait to see you change the world.

Good luck, and God bless.