My family: Dylan, me, Sophie, Steve (my mom's fiance) and my Mom

My best friend Erica means a great deal to me, as well. She has been there for me throughout everything without judging me. We have encountered so much together and she is truly an incredible individual. I'm so blessed to have her as my friend and so thankful she is in my life. I know that as we grow older, we'll only strengthen our friendship. I love Erica so much and know that we'll be best friends for the rest of our lives.

My dog Reina (even though she's not a person, she still means a lot to me) is important too. My family got her in April of my sophomore year at Bellarmine. My sister used to constantly beg my mom for a dog, yet she always received the same answer: no. Finally, my mom gave in and we were able to get Reina, a miniature Australian Shepherd. I know it may seem weird for someone's dog to be of such importance to them, but Reina's my everything. As soon as we come home from school, she greets us with her tail (It's standard for her breed to get their tails removed when they're babies, so her tail's a little stub) as it wiggles at lightning speed. She is so loyal and friendly. She'll sleep on my legs at night and lick me when I say, "Reina, kiss!". She is the best dog ever and I'll be sad to leave her when college starts next year.

My grandparents are the most amazing people I know. They have encouraged me to do my best and pushed me to participate in activities such as Paging (in both the state of Washington and DC) and IYEP. Their love and support is unlike anything I could've imagined. They are so important to me and I love them to the moon and back.

Next are my
Paging friends. Two of my three roommates, Manasa and Ashley, mean a lot to me. They brought out the best in me and put up with me for five months! They are truly my sisters and I can't wait to see them again in the future.

Upper Right: Ashley from New York and Manasa from Ohio (just ignore my friend Ben, he wasn't my roommate)

My friend Kate from San Francisco is one of my best friends. I remember meeting her on the 2nd day of Paging. We walked around the capitol delivering "runs" and ate lunch together. As we walked back to our dorm rooms, I remember saying to her, "It's so cool that I we have only known each other for a day and we're already such good friends". She just smiled and said, "I know!". I love Kate so much. We are so alike. Her crazy personality is so electrifying and I can't even imagine how my life would be without her in it.

Cody, Nick, Tucker, and Ben are four boys who are extremely important to me. Cody, from Texas, is one of the nicest guys I have ever met. He is so much fun to be around and always makes me feel good about myself. Nick, from North Carolina, is so wonderful. He is very funny and has the ability to make me laugh about everything. Tucker, my prom date from Arkansas, is probably the coolest guy I have ever met. He is so charismatic and honestly cares how other people feel. He is such a sweetheart. Lastly, Ben, from Arizona, is hilarious. He has a way of over analyzing everything. He is so organized and has to have everything perfect. Whenever we would go out, he would always make an itinerary for us to follow. It was such a joy to hang out with him. I love all these boys and am so glad they came into my life.

Cody, me, Tucker, and Nick in North Carolina over this past summer

Ben and me in the computer room in our dorm

My friends Olivia and Lennard (his real name's Logan, but I call him Lennard) mean the world to me as well. Olivia, from Boston, is one of the most interesting people I know. She speaks French fluently, has friends from all over the world, and is very smart, but in an interesting way. She was there by my side throughout everything in Pageland and I can truly say she was one of my best friends there. Lennard was like someone I have never met before. He was kind, caring, generous, and actually cared what I had to say. I love Lennard so much, probably more than he will ever know.

Three girls who I have shared many memories with are Kenzie, Gabrielle, and Katie. Nothing beats a night with them because they are always so crazy and fun. They are such amazing girls and I'm so glad I've gotten to know them well over the past three years. I love them so, so much.

Kenzie, Gabrielle, me, and Katie before our friend Chance's going away dinner (he was moving to Montana)

My old friend Katie Brown has been there for me through thick and thin. I was new to St. Vincent de Paul school in 3rd grade and she came during 4th grade. My mom called Katie's mom because she wanted to welcome her to St. Vincents. My mom went on to say that she was a single mom as well, and told Mrs. Brown that if she ever needed someone to talk to, she was there for her. They've been friends ever since, and so have Katie and I. I love the fact that I can tell Katie anything and she won't tell a soul. Her happiness and kindness is what I've come to adore. She recently moved to Snohomish after Mrs. Brown got married, but we see each other often.

Miss Keating, my

work boss in DC, is so wonderful. She was such a joy to work for. I loved coming to work every day, just to see her and her smiling face and to discuss the American Idol standings (we're fanatics!). Whenever a celebrity was in the capitol, she'd allow us to go and stalk them (going unnoticed, of course). She is so remarkable and I am so grateful to her for being the best work boss I have ever had.

Of course, my basketball coach, Coach White, will be enshrined in my heart forever. He was the most amazing man I have ever known and I cannot wait to join him up in heaven someday. I will never forget him.