I’m standing there, decked out in blue, white and a Viking helmet, screaming Guilfords’ school song with the hundreds of students at a Friday night football game. I’m suiting up in my Viking uniform as I prepare to battle it out with my team on the Guilford basketball court.  I’m sitting in class with my fellow classmates making countless memories and soaking in information from some of the greatest teachers. Guilford has been my home for the past four years now, and it’s something I have to say goodbye to soon. It is a place that allows me to be successful as a student, but also as a singer, an athlete, a writer, a leader, and much more. Though many of us seniors are ready to pack our bags and move on, it is hard not to look back and appreciate all the memories we’ve made in this building. Though there are many other amazing schools in the Rockford area, none compare to Guilford. To the teachers, clubs and organizations, the community, athletics, and the pride of being a Viking, Guilford is by far the best.

One of my greatest memories I have with a teacher is when I was interviewing Mr. Mike Lantz because it was his last year teaching at Guilford. I remember sitting there for the whole hour just crying, laughing, and recalling how Guilford had impacted his life. It was a moment I will never forget. Guilford teachers and staff are uncomparable and they have impacted my life more than they may know it. They strive not only to push you hard in academics, but also through your life. Even though they can give you a bad grade or give you a lot of homework, they do it because they care for you and want all students to become hard workers. The teachers here value what it means to be an all-around Viking, and without their dedication to the student body the Guilford community wouldn’t be complete.

Nothing compares to Guilford’s community. With many clubs, like the Fashion Club or Key Club, students can find and be anything here. One of the impressive things is that our clubs are student-run. Allowing students to be in charge of clubs and organizations makes our community stronger. The clubs offer students excellent opportunities to take charge and show off their talents.  Also, our amazing arts departments like band, choir, and theatre are something really special.

Something near and dear to my Viking heart is the athletics program Even though Guilford doesn’t pull in the impressive statistics, we are winners. Guilford athletics teaches student athletes to push themselves to be better and to play for the name on your chest. Being on the girls basketball and track team during high school has taught me not to focus so much on being the best, but to develop a family and get better in your sport. Athletes here play for the Viking family and to become better people, something hard to find at other schools.

The most important thing that makes Guilford so special is our pride. Pride is what comes to mind when I look back at what Guilford has taught me as an athlete, student, and person. We bleed blue and there is nothing like our spirit. To our football games, events, and dances, you can tell that being a Viking means something to the students.

It is hard to put my emotions into words about this place. I am going to miss Guilford and all the memories I made. I challenge all Vikings to take a moment and be grateful for this place. Whoever you may be or whatever you do, remember that your four years will fly by and that you are a Viking.