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...continued from p. 27 classmates, “We might be tempted to remember our sophomore year as the year we missed seeing our classmates, weren’t able to attend school events, and, most tragically, couldn’t find toilet paper anywhere,” he said. But instead, he encouraged them to remember how they persevered through the pandemic and learned “the valuable skill of resilience that we will continue to use throughout our lives, to remember all those moments we got to share with

Lauren Soukup

...continued from p. 27 there last summer that she didn’t want to leave when the school year got underway.

She was also a member of National Honor Society, and volunteered to assist teachers with grading papers and tutoring.

Of the teachers who have most profoundly impacted her, she praised her sophomore English teacher, Ms. Hutchinson, who taught the class online during the first several months of COVID.

“She had the best attitude, she would push us, wouldn’t let us get away with poor writing and wanted us to get better,” Lauren said. “She was amazing.”

In her senior year, it was her AP literature teacher, Ms. Julian, who equally impacted her.

“She always pushed us to make our families at home, and how we learned the importance of keeping in touch with each other… And of course, to remember how attending class in pajamas wasn’t all that bad.” our writing better and push the limits to think about what text could mean. But she was also there when we were having a bad day.”

In his closing remarks, he advised his classmates to focus not only on achieving goals, but on enjoying the journey while working toward them.

“Let us try to be grateful for the present moments with loved ones and the seemingly small joys, because those are the experiences that comprise the greatest portions of our lives,” he said.

To her classmates, Lauren conveyed this message: despite the size of their class, every single one had an impact.

“We were all there at the same time and forced to be interconnected. Despite how different everyone is at Northwest, we were still a community and everyone had an understanding and respect for each other,” she said. “I want them to know that I wish them well and I know they’re going to go on to do amazing things.”

In college, Lauren said she most looks forward to learning on a new level.

“Learning is one of my favorite things and driving forces,” she said. “Getting to learn about things I’m passionate about is a dream come true.”