I never thought four years ago I would accomplish the things I have done in high school.

Coming to Rochester as a transfer sophomore year, I knew very few kids. I had gone to elementary school with some students, but when it came to the overwhelming majority, I knew nobody. I was the new kid trying to find his own and make a name.

School was the most important part to me, as it should have been. I wanted good grades and to show I was a student who worked hard. Basketball was also key, and I knew I had goals I wanted to achieve with that. Tryouts were nerve-racking for me, but I thankfully made it. This was crucial for me as I was finally able to meet new people. It propelled me into Rochester. I was starting to find my way.

The best part about basketball sophomore year was probably meeting Edgar. In him I found someone who had the same interests. We both loved basketball and Drake. This led us to hanging out a lot more, and becoming extremely close the following summer. Edgar introduced me to more people than I could have imagined, and he showed others the type of person I was. Without him, there would be things I could not have been able to do at Rochester. I know him and I will be lifelong friends, and I could not be happier to say I found a brother.

Junior year was a great year for me in that I started to make really close friends. This could not be more evident in the Washington D.C. trip at the end of the year. The group that I went with all became so close, and we have formed a tight-knit group. As soon as this trip ended we all knew we had made invaluable friends that would support us no matter what. This same group is who I stick with today. The memories we made with each other touring one of the most historical cities in the world will never be forgotten. Years from now, I will look back on that D.C. trip and know it was one of the most important events in my life.

When senior year started, I knew I would have a good year. What happened I never could have guessed. First, I was blessed enough to be named the Homecoming king. This in itself is something I never saw coming. Then, I was named a captain of the basketball team. I am proud of this, no matter how poorly we played. Next, I was named the Sports Editor of The Talon. This was a major accomplishment because I hope to obtain a career in broadcasting. If the year ended on these notes, it would still be pretty good. However, more was to come. I was then able to commit to one of the best schools in the country: Michigan State (Go Green!). Finally, I was offered the opportunity to co-host Night with the Stars. This night was one of the most unforgettable times of my life, and something I will always be grateful I was able to be a part of.

Now that senior year is coming to a close, I look back on high school feeling proud and gracious. So many great things happened to me. I have no regrets about what I did. Each event was something that helped build me into the person I am today. For the future, I know I can accomplish what I want. I have great things in mind that I want to do, and with hard work I know I will. I will always thank Rochester for what it has done for me, and will look back being grateful for my time there.