I am graduating from a place where a plethora of state champions roam the halls, a 4.0 student doesn't even place in the top 10 percent of the class, and an above-average test score is only mediocre. "Where Excellence is Habit" is not only our motto, it's our entire mindset.

I am proud to be a La Cueva High School graduate of the class of 2006. My entire high school experience was one that I will cherish for the rest of my life, and it is a bittersweet ending.

I will miss the amazing teachers and the staff, who on a daily basis made my day as enjoyable as possible.

I know I'm not alone when I say that it is truly priceless to watch a bunch of middle-aged men and women dance around on a stage to the Beach Boys.

Or, ahem, excuse me for saying this, but it was even more entertaining watching the 50-somethings run up and down the court against our boys varsity team in a faculty versus student basketball game.

They have a love for their students, and it shows in their involvement inside and outside the classroom.

I will miss the normal high school environment. I will miss being in the fan group at football games, showing up with body paint and holding the LC flag.

I will miss chanting the cheers at basketball games, putting on that dreadful stage make-up for choir concerts, soccer dinners, and bus rides for out of town swim meets.

I will miss doing the stupid dances for student council and learning to face my fears by leaping off the high ropes course with my best friend.

I will miss the drama of who-kissed-who last weekend, who toilet papered my house, or who will ask me to the homecoming dance.

Most of all, I will miss being a senior: Doing the freshman wave, being crowned prom queen, receiving college acceptance letters and enjoying every single moment because I know there are only a few left.

I feel very lucky to have been so involved in high school. I made so many amazing memories and I cannot fathom making better ones. Soon, I will leave New Mexico, moving to Texas Christian University to start a new chapter of my life.

Even though I will be a TCU Horned Frog for the next four years, my high school spirit will always run in my blood and I will forever be a La Cueva Bear.