As I approach graduation from Hope Christian school, allow me to express some thoughts. Thirty years ago, some incredible people got together to start a school with a wide range of influence.

Many know about the sports program, but not about the incredible academic programs. Hope has programs for preschool through the 12th grade.

The range of grade levels means that the mentoring of my old teachers did not stop when I transitioned to middle and high school. I still have good relationships and opportunity for daily interaction with nearly all of the teachers and administrators I first met 13 years ago. How many schools can make that claim?

I am what is called a "lifer," because I have been at Hope for 13 years. I have a close friend who is truly a "lifer," because he started in preschool and has been at Hope for 15 years. This length of time has allowed me to form strong, lasting friendships.

Each of these relationships has become stronger every year. There are 14 of us out of my graduating class who have attended Hope for 13 years or more.

Hope offers a part of education that not all schools offer, an education for eternity. Hope gives a spiritual education that sets it apart from other schools, because it teaches you how to honor God. Each of the teachers has been an example of honoring God, so it isn't just a discussion-based education. By their example, all of these teachers have made me want to serve God daily. I have also been able to see them deal with situations in their own lives and it has helped my education greatly.

This year brought some additional opportunities to augment my education. Hope added a philosophy class and robotics club this year.

I was able to take the philosophy class and thoroughly enjoyed it. It taught me how to think more in-depth and become more analytical concerning both secular and Christian reasoning. It helped me in other areas via the mental discipline we learned from formal logic. It also tied into calculus when we started focussing on concepts rather than processes. I have seen how Hope is more than academically challenging.

Our class of '06 is not a mass of students but a singular body that has to support and encourage each other. We can also celebrate in each other's victories, because we are such a close group. The combination of all of these aspects of Hope has made me a better student, with more depth of character and breadth of experience.

As a result of the academics and additional training, I have received many scholarships and offers from colleges. I chose not to accept them but will attend the University of New Mexico on the Presidential Scholarship. I plan to become a doctor and work in bionics. I plan to, one day, send any kids I have to enjoy the same experience I have been so blessed to enjoy at Hope.

Hope Christian has been my home for the past 14 years. I know there are many good schools in Albuquerque and many can be considered great schools. Hope Christian is one of these great schools.

Hope Christian might not ever be on the cover of People magazine. I doubt if the teachers and staff would even care. But to me, they should be honored for what they do.

You see, this is a school with a heart. They have not only offered many opportunities for intellectual growth, they have given spiritual counsel as well. Many times, I have been prayed for and been encouraged when I did not feel like it.

My teachers are my heroes. They have challenged me but never criticized. They praised my successes but never pointed out my failures. They listened with an open ear and have taught me to do the same. They have helped me see my goals, especially for the past three years and worked with me to accomplish these goals.

In January of my junior year, I broke my back while sledding with my youth group. School at this point could have become difficult, but everyone pitched in to help me. The staff was patient with me, my teachers helped me keep my workload up, and special friends carried my books. Hope Christian had two choices they could have given to me. The one they chose was compassion. I will always remember this year as one of grace.

Graduating is exciting, and I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds. Hope Christian High School will have a part in my future for they have helped shaped my life! Thank you all, for a wonderful 14 years.