SENIOR ADVICE FROM STAFF MEMBERS

“Use this time to learn about yourself, push yourself, and explore your interests. Travel. Fall in love. Eat delicious food. Have dance parties in your living room. Cry it out when you need to. Don’t take yourself too seriously.”

- Mrs. Dunn

“Dear Jaguars, YOU have a purpose in this world. YOU have something to give, something to share. YOU were created differently for a reason so celebrate that and don’t blend in. And please, never forget... YOU, every single one of y’all... YOU ARE LOVED. Go and be the one!”

- Mrs. Price

“One of the best bits of advice I can offer is to not make the mistake of comparing yourself to others. You and the members of your class will head off in many different directions and try your hand at an incredible variety of pursuits. Take risks as you navigate these next several years but know that it’s your path and no one else’s. We all grow into the best version of ourselves at a different pace, so give yourself the latitude to explore and discover— and even fail. And don’t worry about what others are doing; support them, find people that support you, and give it everything you have. You owe yourself that much.”

- Mr. Gall

“I would like to share that no matter how unprepared, scared, or doubtful you might feel about the immediate future, life will figure itself out and YOU will figure it out, too. These next few years will harbor a lot of change, and you will grow in ways you never knew you could. Relish it, learn from it, and don’t be afraid to let your voice be heard -- no matter how much it might shake. Stand up for yourself, and always defend those who need it. And, above all else, be sure to love yourself and love each other.”

- Miss Murdock

“This school year I awoke early each morning excited to drive the forty-five miles from Leavenworth to my BV West seniors. They listened, they problem-solved, they wrote first with their hearts before revising with their brains. This class has heart. I’ve seen it often by how they treat each other, how they practice random acts of kindness with unsuspecting Jaguars, and how they accept someone they don’t know well as a new member of their table group. I still get chills thinking about the four young ladies in my first hour who, having heard my wife was being tested for a possible cancer lesion, bought her a lovely orchid and created a card with inspiring personal encouragement. They demonstrated the power of kindness. I designed Contemporary Communications to prepare seniors for the life they will meet when they graduate. My encouragement to seniors as they join the military, attend vocational school, get a job, or go to college – “dare greatly.” And, above all else, remember that I will always be a support person for you and will help in any way I can. You know how to find me. Now, go and make me proud.”

- Mr. Baxter