~:[CH5 - Day 348]:~ Another Chapter to Close
It was a day full of preparation for the banquet and for some reason, it wasn't as hectic as normal. I had time to grab some last minute items for school before setting up and while I worked for 22 hours including the banquet today, it ended up being all worth it. As I stood at the podium at the end of the night, I thought, this couldn't have ended in a better way. While the video had a few missing parts due to missing footage, it went smoothly and was the first video I ever made that was edited on three continents. You read that right. I had most of the awards done early and in the end, it all worked out. As the seniors closed the night, I was deeply touched by their messages and it reminded me why we all do what we do. The value of the experience that athletes have is priceless and sometimes life-changing and for that, a 22-hour day is worth it. This senior group had been together for 3-4 years, as each senior started no later than sophomore year, which is a rare occurrence and it definitely made it tough to have this group leave. As while it's another chapter that will close, it doesn't mean that the characters of this chapter will be forgotten and boy were these seniors characters. To the alumni, parents and supporters, we couldn't have done it without you. Thank you for all of your time, energy, care and concern, your generosity that allows all athletes to compete and your compassion that allows all athletes feel welcomed. To the coaches, thanks for working for pennies an hour and sometimes paying to coach in the end. Your valuable leadership helps shape all of these athletes and to my two coaches who will be leaving this year, I will definitely miss you both. To the underclassmen, I hope you heard the seniors message of not taking these days for granted as before you know it, your time will come to say goodbye. Don't allow obstacles, challenges and small issues ruin the experience and see the bigger picture that in the end, these issues don't matter as much as the continuing to build the bonds you have forged with your ohana. Things will never be perfect, but it is up to you to ensure that in the end, you value each other more than being right or more than getting your way. Think of those around you before yourself and do more and think more about others than you do for yourself as when you do that, the rewards are far greater than when you put yourself first. To the seniors, thanks for the battle. You made it and it definitely wasn't easy, but I hope you see that it was worth it. I hope that the sweat and tears, the blood and setbacks, helped the smiles, the laughter, the cheering and all of those successful moments even sweater. It seems just like yesterday that you first joined us, but time flies and the chapters are over before you know it; however, don't be sad because this chapter is over, but smile because you've left pages of memories that others will read, legacies that others will remember, and laid footprints for those after you to follow. We've all fallen at some point, but we learned, we grew and in the end, we climbed to the highest peak, higher than any team has before, but more importantly, we did it together and that is the real storybook ending.