From freshman year antics to senior year college decisions, the Gummy Gang has always been there for one another. We have experienced individual and collective success. Whether it was Joey placing 10th at state in golf or beating a some juniors in a game of football, we have hit tremendous highs but also rock-bottom lows.

Whether it was one of us losing our first love or one of us getting denied acceptance from our dream Ivy League school, the Gummy Gang has always stayed united. We aren’t that different from any other friend group at KHS. We all are different personalities going through different life obstacles, but one thing I think makes the Gummy Gang stand out from the rest is perseverance.

The Gummy Gang, as a group, has experienced hate from different people and has had many obstacles thrown in its path. I don’t think I’ve gone a week of high school without someone saying something cruel and overly incorrect about one of my friends in the Gummy Gang. So to those people who criticize us, we hear what is said but don’t care. We don’t listen to the people who want to make our lives hard. In fact, we knock away the criticism and use it to push ourselves to new heights, both as a group and as individuals. We persevere and find ways to fight for what makes us happy, which I think makes us special.

Even through the heartbreak, unlawful decisions and missed opportunities, the Gummy Gang is always one game of NBA 2K away. We love telling and teaching one another about how to overcome the struggles and the pains of high school and life. I’ve learned so much from these guys and appreciate everything they’ve done for me. They have taught me how to learn, explore, love and appreciate everything life has to offer.

Saying goodbye to Joey Williams, Sam Goretzke, Matt Barber, Sam Hooks, Ben Berthold, Nick Naes, Cameron Kell and Ganesh Gangasingh is going to be my biggest challenge this summer. I’m not leaving behind just a bunch of friends; I’m leaving behind some of the best people and supporters I’ll ever have in my life. So to all of you guys I just want to say that I love you all. You’ve made these past four years memorable, and I know all of you will succeed in life. So let’s not say goodbye but rather say see you later. G.G.O.D.