When senior year began, I knew that I had to brace myself for a fantastic year. I was ready to begin my job as Editor-in-Chief for the JourNoll, and I was ready to work my very best. Those who were there to help along the way were Ms. Renwald, who is a fantastic teacher and advisor, and my very talented staff, who all played their part by either writing stories, designing layouts, and taking quality photos. I knew that there would be so many great moments this year, a year where we could share our last moments with our peers and teachers. As I write this letter towards to all of you awesome readers, I took a look back in time. I remembered all of the great experiences that I shared with the senior class, the faculty and staff, and all of the Bishop Noll community. Then I had a revelation: all of these wonderful times are going to end, very soon. A sad reality, yes, but a necessary one in order for our lives to continue.

  I can’t help but remember my very first day entering Bishop Noll Institute, back in August of 2009. I just graduated from St. Stanislaus School in East Chicago, and I was eager to continue my Catholic education. During my elementary years, I was always delighted to visit Bishop Noll during one of the annual school plays. When I entered my first class period on that special day, I felt a very positive vibe from this school’s atmosphere and staff members, who were all very friendly and welcoming. The moment I entered this fantastic school, I knew that few other high schools could rival it. Perhaps what influenced me the most was the school’s motto: “Be it known…Jesus Christ is the Reason for this School. He is the unseen Teacher. He is the Model of its Faculty. He is the inspiration of its Students.” Coming from a religious background, I hold this motto with highest regard.

  I would like to give a shoutout to all of the senior class! I believe this class is a very talented, diverse, and unique group of young people. We had our happy moments, we had our sad moments, we had those moments where we struggled, and, of course, we had those moments where we hated each others’ guts. However, the thing that mattered the most was how unified we were. Even though there were plenty of times throughout the year where we struggled (with others and ourselves), the most important thing to remember is that in the end, we struggled with these obstacles together. I hope that everyone in this fantastic class continues to strive to reach their dreams, and I hope that our paths will cross again in the future.

  I owe a very special thanks to all of the teachers, faculty, and staff. The teachers who have challenged me to work my hardest every day, and there is no doubt in my mind that what I’ve learned from these outstanding educators will follow me into my college years. Added to that was the fact that these educators were some of the nicest, most kind-hearted people I have ever met I have met in my life! Thank you with all of my heart for always supporting me as I grew from a freshman into a senior. I will never be able to repay you all for the love and support throughout my years at BNI. To the wonderful people who work at the office and who have always greeted me with a smile and a positive attitude, I’d like to say keep doing what you do and how you do it. Your smiles will never be forgotten.

  I’d Iike to take this time to thank the people who love me best, my family. They are the reason that I am the person I am today, and the reason why I work my hardest every day. My mother who is a one-of-a-kind woman with such a beautiful heart and soul. She has taught me so many life lessons about kindness and generosity, and she has always taught me one of the best pieces of advice that I have ever been given: always treat people with respect and never discriminate anyone, for we are all God’s children. My father who is an incredible man. He works his hardest every day to support our family and he is a very down-to-Earth person. He has always taught me to never give up and to always strive for the best, because the “sky is the limit.” My younger brothers, Sebastian and Christopher, who look up to me as their role model, and, as the oldest brother, I feel it is my duty to fulfill that task. They both are talented and kind-hearted individuals and they both have incredibly bright futures ahead of them, so I wish the best of luck for them! And of course, I cannot forget all of my uncles, aunts, cousins, and grandparents. Without their support and love, I don’t know where I would be today. I love you all and will continue to do my very best to make you all proud of me in college.

  Lastly, I would also like to thank you, the readers of the JourNoll, for it is because of you we put all of our work and effort into our paper and thus it is because of you that we continue to strive for greatness. As you close this school year, move forward with a plan for the future. And, always make sure to make time for God. You have the power to change, to improve, to help, and most importantly to love.

  As I enter my freshman year of college, I will be reminiscing on all of the great times that I have had with my family, friends, and this school. I will cherish every person that I have met and have become acquainted with, for I will admit that every person that I have met here has taught me some sort of life lesson. Concluding this letter, I want to show all of my gratitude towards the people in my life and the people who I have worked alongside with in the JourNoll these last two years. You are all an incredible group of people and I could not have asked for better people in my life. For everyone that has always been there for me and supported me all the way, I humbly and wholeheartedly thank you! May God bless you all, always.

Editor-in-Chief

Sergio Valdes