More than a Teacher

As many of you already know, Ms. Warner has accepted a job at Omaha Bryan High School, and Mrs. Vest has accepted the position of the Nebraska State FCCLA Adviser. As excited as we are for them to take these new positions, we're heartbroken to see them go. When Mrs. Vest started teaching at Kearney High, I doubt she would have expected all of the crazy, bizarre, and enjoyable experiences she would have by being an advisor for FCCLA. Although I haven't known Mrs. Vest for the 6 years she has taught at Kearney High, I'm positive our high school experience would not have been the same without her. I speak on behalf of every FCCLA member when I say how honored we are to have had you as our adviser, and be able to consider you as not only a teacher; but a friend, and how lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.

I remember freshman year, although I often try to forget, when I first joined FCCLA. Looking back, I don't recall how I got to be as involved as I am now, but somehow Marina, Mia, and I were persuaded to start our own committee. Our goal was to motivate students to get active during lunch. Mrs. Vest coerced the three of us into planning weekly lunch meetings to set up a walking track. We called it "the Walkathon;" needless to say, the plan was not overly successful; it did, however, involve smoothies, trail mix, and carrot costumes. Through those numerous, slightly bitter smoothies, our relationship with Mrs. Vest began. She also helped Mia place first in her STAR event at nationals that summer.

Our sophomore year the three of us found ourselves in officer positions, which was surprising since we all forged our mom's signatures on the applications. Throughout the year, we spent hours upon hours working with Mrs. Vest. Mrs. Vest looked the other way while we sang songs for tips at concession stands, and occasionally she hummed along. She also devoted hours of her evening to help us with our STAR projects and FCCLA officer campaigns, even though her hubby Rich was at home waiting for supper. Our many nights working with her eventually lead us to Nationals in San Diego, despite Marina and I's display boards falling over at state during their presentation. Through all of the time we spent together last year many inside jokes, including her nickname Sweaty, were created. Not only did she spend the school year with us, but she also spent her summer helping us fundraise and prepare for nationals. It was also our sophomore year that we met Ms. Warner, better known as Auntie Warner, who later taught us the pain of pregnancy, without ever being pregnant herself.

This year, our junior year, started off rough with the transition to the new high school. But luckily, Mrs. Vest and our new adviser, Ms. Warner, were there to guide us. Getting to know Ms. Warner was a great experience, not only did we enjoy her sassy remarks, but we also learned about her hatred of dragons, she also gave us some very inspiring life advice. This year had many troubling, stressful times, but out of it came many late nights joking around with Mrs. Vest and Ms. Warner when we were typically supposed to be working. They also served as part time therapists, listening to us when we needed to rant, get something off of our chests, or just needed someone who we knew would always be there. A few weeks ago, when we found out they would both be leaving to take their new positions next year, we were shocked and devastated, but nonetheless we are proud and excited for both of them.

Over the past three years, not only have we been successful in our FCCLA endeavors, but we have created friendships with two outstanding people, who have touched every FCCLA members' lives and hearts. Knowing people like Mrs. Vest and Ms. Warner has completely changed the people that we are today, and we will forever cherish the friendships we have made with them, and no matter where we are in life they will always be our favorite teachers, and we will never forget how they taught us to be passionate in anything and everything we pursue, no matter the reward. So on behalf of the three of us, and everyone else in this room we would like to thank you for the dedication you have showed us, and for treating us like your own family. As you pursue this new chapter in your lives, we leave you with this; If there ever comes a day when we can't be together, keep us in your heart, we will stay there forever.