My mother: a constant inspiration in my life. She keeps me humbled and is always understanding and willing to listen. She and share a lot of the same opinions and we are quite alike in our thinking. In the words of Yellowcard, "You bring me down from my cloud. You keep my feet on the ground."
My Father: He always has good advice. I find now that I am so much like him. He is the patriach of my family and my hero. He is that sure rock in our family and he and I have had some really great times together doing everything that no one else will with him. I love you dad!
My Brothers: We do everything together. We are as close as brothers get. Through all the crazy hikes, beach visits, sword fights, Nerf wars, dumb movies, scripture studies, inside jokes, and everything else we've done together, I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world. You too Koosh.
Matthew: My oldest brother. He and I used to share a room in Ohio before we moved here. I have always respected him. He is the one that makes our family laugh for hours. His strong and unfounded opinions with all of his satire just complete our family. He is weird, but I love him for everything that he is. Where would I be without him?
Mark: Boy, have we been through a lot. It's never been easy between us. He'll never know how much I love him, but Mark is just the goof of the family. We wouldn't trade him for anyone. Sometimes he's a bum, but without Mark we wouldn't have nearly all the Bionicles, so I've got to be grateful for that.
Daniel: He is my best friend. We've spent High School together and had many great talks. He's my closest brother and is always an inspiration in my life. All of the times we've had together I would never let go of. The way our senses of humor balance each other is perfect. He may be better at everything than I am, but at least I have a good goal. My life's goal is to make him proud of me. His theories and opinions fill up my head and constantly inspire me. We have been through so much together. Though he hardly ever keeps his promises, I love him so much and I'm eternally indebted to him for everything he's done for me.
David: My only younger brother. He's becoming a man now. He and I have shared the same room for 12 years. We've been with each other through it all. He's my play mate, with Legos, action figures, Nerf Guns, Bionicles, swords, and even video games. We've become so much closer now than ever before. His sense of humor may be super annoying sometimes, but other times I can't stop laughing. We've been tight since conception. I love him so much and I am so proud of the man he is becoming. When Daniel get's back we're going to beat him up, because he's the youngest brother and now he's the tallest.
Rebecca: What a beautiful young lady she is becoming. She has experienced a lot of the same things that I have so far in her life and sometimes I think she is the most like me on an emotional plane. I love her so much and we are ever becoming closer. We've been through plenty and I know she'll make a wonderful young lady one day.
Hannah (Top) and Katarina (lower), my once little sisters: From Russia with love for real this time though, we received Hannah and Katarina into our house. I will always love them like my own little sisters, even though they are not technically my little sisters anymore. I think in my family we all think and know that we could of done better, but they are so happy now. I love them. Katarina with her gorgeous smile. Hannah with her nice tan. 1 year apart, but from cousins to sisters, to sisters forever, I love these girls more than I ever realized.
Friends
Shanelle: My best friend. Ever since we went to Sadie Hawkins on February 13th 2010, we have been best friends. She has saved my life. I can always talk to her and we do things together all the time. Our list of inside jokes and humor that only we get is longer than Santa's naughty list. She is so full of sunshine and is one of the most caring people I know. I couldn't have asked for a better friend.
Chloe: Thanks to Shanelle we are buds now. She's such a lady. We've had some great times together and our talks about the infinite expanse of the universe are priceless to me. She always seems to see the best I can be and will let me know if I'm an idiot, which I really appreciate. She has a fabulous and powerful smile that I don't think she'll ever realize the true power of it. She is a perfect example of a Young Woman. What a babe!
Cassady: Boy have we been through a lot. She has had a huge influence on my life. She has taught me hundreds of super important lessons that affect me everyday. Many people say nice things about me and that I am a good young man, and I can honestly attribute much of this to Cassady and the things she has taught me. She understands me perfectly and we've always been there for each other. I am truly grateful for everything that Cassady has ever done and been for me.
Melissa: We've worked concessions together a ton and from there we've become super good friends. I love talking to her. She is one of the most wonderful and spiritual girls that I know. She wears her Young Women's medallion every day and is a great example to me. She is honored, respected, and revered by all who come into contact with her though she never knows it. I'm so grateful for you Melissa.
Ari: I like her. She is one of the most brilliant people I know. She has a heart the size of Texas and has the wisdom of 2000 year old man. She is a friend to everyone she knows and constantly influences everyone's lives in a positive way. When I first met her I thought she was just some crazy girl who liked to have fun, but then I began to see how much she cared about every little bit about me. She took the time to care about the things that no one else would. I am still amazed to this day by Ari.
Basia: My big sista'. She was basically my outlet throughout my Sophomore year and she made my life so much more bearable. We still keep in contact and have great discussions about life. I always feel like I can talk to her, because really she still is my big sister.
Tyler: He was my first friend when I moved to Utah. Since then it's only gotten better. He is an amazing guy and I'm proud to call him my best friend. Though we don't really understand each other we are still buds and probably always will be. Tyler is one of those guys that I'm pretty sure I knew in the pre-existence. Though he steals all the girls I love him like he was my brother, well we really are brothers.
Cree: We've been buds since we met on the Father's and Sons as 6 year old's. He's a crazy fun guy and he is my brother in a lot of ways especially since his parents are like my parents. I could honestly say I've never seen him angry. He is a great friend and always has been. He's sacrificed a lot for me and everyone around him.
Justin: If Justin had not invited me to his 8th Birthday, I still don't know if we would be friends. He and I have had some great talks. like everyday we walked home from school in 9th Grade. He is the kind of guy that everyone wants to respect them. He is a great example in my life.
Angie Gleason: Introduced to me by Cree I've known her since 8th grade. She is so sweet all the time. I respect her a lot. She is so funny and has always been there. We've been buds since we meet and are still close in a distant kind of way, because I know we have the kind of friendship that doesn't have to be constant, but we'll always be friends.
Jake Davidson: We've been buddies since 5th Grade. It's always off and on, but between all the risky battles and visits to the bar, I'm sure we'll be sort of friends forever.
Erik Pierce/Ratchapong Kaosucharit: Erik came to our band of brothers from Thailand as a foreign exchange student our Junior year. We befriended him quickly. When Eric left that summer he told us he was coming back and that he wanted to be baptized. We were all amazed and so blessed to have Erik in our lives. I felt so blessed to help teach him some discussions, as well as getting to help give him the Priesthood. Now he has the Melchizedek Priesthood and he is going to go on a mission. Erik has shown me what it means to be a true friend. He is a constant example of an amazing, supportive, and caring friend. Everyone that knows him admires him. What a guy!
Aaron Walters A.K.A. Aer Bear: Aaron and I became friends because some very clever girls asked us to Preference in the same way. We worked together the whole time through that, and from that we have become buds. He is such a great time and I think the world of him. He and I are in a band together and he is always such a good example of a gentleman and what a young man should be. Aaron is a Super great guy.
Derek Day: I remember the days back in 7th Grade when Cree and I would call his name from across the room for no reason. In 8th Grade, Cree, Derek, Kristen, and I all had science together again. Derek's and my friendship bloomed as we would spend every lunch together. We survived french together for 3 and 1/2 years. He is one amazing guy. He is so kind to everyone he knows and all the girls love his tan and handsome face. I respect and admire Derek so much, but not only that, I trust him with everything I own. As I once told Nellie, "If Derek told me to jump off of a cliff, I would do it", because I know he would never lead me astray.
Hannah Denney: HANNAH! Hannah and I started on a shaky relationship because she just thought I was weird and awkward, but now we are buds. She is super great! We've had some great times through choir, physics, and lots of parties. She'll probably always think I'm an awkward weirdo, but I'm glad we're friends.
Haylie Lund: She's possibly the sweetest girl that you'll ever meet. I've never seen her not happy and smiling practically, but we share a relationship based on really actually caring about each other. I tease her constantly and she does the same to me. She's really a great example to me on how to be kind to everyone. I just really like her.
James William Claflin III: I may have been his very first friend (not introduced), when he started attending AFHS. I remember we were in the same English Class. I saw him come in and I thought, man that guy is a hunk and he dresses really nice. What do you know, third period we had P.E. together. Since the first time we talked we've been great friends. I don't think he'll ever realize how much I idolize and respect him. He truly is my hero. Though I rarely seem, when I do I am almost overcome with joy because of how awesome I think he is and that huge smile with his giant jaws. And what a stylish guy!
Daniel, Preston, and Alec: These three guys were the ones who taught me who to be Sophomore year and who beat me up everyday, along with Austin (soon to be mentioned). They are my heroes. Ever since ninth grade when I would walk behind them to school and they would have the exact same conversation every morning about vaults, making fun of Daniel and Mr. Paulson, Frisbee, and making a boy band. At one time they called themselves The Three Disciples (the boy band name, all based off of Sons of Provo). They have been my mentors and protectors. Preston is always the man. Alec has always been hilarious and is one of the deepest people you'll ever meet. All along, I have wanted to be just like these guys. One of the last times when Alec and I talked before his mission, he confided in me that he wished he could have been better and then I think he spoke for all three of them when he said, "Greg, make me proud." Ever since then, I have been trying as hard as I can to make you proud.
Austin Brunson/Cousin Barney: What an example of what a young man should be. He used to put jackets in the choir room so that the girls wouldn't be cold. When my brother got his appendix out, Austin came over every single day for a week. Austin has come over just to do dishes with us. I love him so much. He is an amazing guy. Even though we call him Cousin Barney, he is really much more like my brother. Right before he left on his mission, he came to my house and down to my room to talk to me and David. He was my brother's friend, but he cared enough about me to want to say goodbye to me. That is the kind of man that Austin Brunson is.
Richard Florez: He is another older brother to me. He still calls me Sophomore and beats me up even when I was a senior. The first time I saw him I thought, "he is so cool." I always wanted to be friends with him and what do you know, Daniel and Austin became friends with him and introduced me to Richard Florez. He is my hero and an amazing young man. I have never seen anyone treat their grandmother with as much respect as I see him treat her every week. Every time we see each other we yell back and forth, "Get some Friends!" and "You're a bum!" This is all based on Daniel and Austin too, and I guess it's our little way of remembering those two heroes who changed both of our lives.
Student Council
Junior Council: We were probably known to be the most contentious council ever, but we all loved each other. We went through so much, and no doubt that Junior Council car rides are the craziest thing that ever happened to man kind. I think there is a bond in all of us that can never be broken even if some of them have forgotten. But let me tell you their influence on me.
Abrie: I've known Abrie since before High School even though she went to Junior High. We became buds on Junior Council. She always stands up for what she believes in and always has a way of listening that is really impressive. She is so great. She is a super hard worker and really is always kind.
Kelsey: She is always hyper or ornery, but it's cool with me. It took a long time for us to get along, but she really came through for me. Kelsey is such a hard worker and always get's her job done. This is one of those things that makes her a great leader.
Ilo: She is such a good listener. Ilo has such a big heart. She is truly wonderful. I'm amazed at the things she has gone through and come out the wonderful young lady that she is. She is truly amazing.
SBO's: We've worked our tails off already. We have a lot of fun together and we've had some good times. Who'd of known that being an SBO was so hard. I think we've had a lot of success outwards, but to me there is so much work that needs to be done amongst ourselves. I think people call us a clique, but I sometimes hardly feel like these are my friends, not because I don't like them, but other reasons.
Matt: Mr. President! Matt is my hero. I thought I could be a good Student Body President, but after seeing Matt for the first couple days of his presidency, I knew Mrs. Sheen had made the right choice. Our fearless leader. He is so caring about everyone and he is probably the most friendly guy on the face of this earth. He sacrifices so much of himself for the students of the school and always has a way of trying to make people happy. Also all through Junior Council he helped me with all kinds of things and is one of the greatest leaders I've ever met. He truly is a great example to me. I honestly could not ask for a better President than Matt Maddix.
Jared: Voted to be the most handsome SBO. That's Jared. I really like him a lot actually, and I've been very grateful for this opportunity to work with him. Sometimes I feel like a little kid looking up to my hero when I'm with Jared.
Christa: Christa my sista/C-hug. My best friend on Council. Christa is one of the sweetest individuals I know. She is always so sweet, and she always listens. I am so grateful for Christa. The influence she has in my life and millions of others is incredible. She has the highest standards and I often ask myself, What would Christa do? because she is the most Christ-like person I know.
Steve: El Stephano, as I often call him. Steve was a great inspiration for me in running for Student Council. I'm so grateful for Steve. He's probably given me about a million rides. I was probably his first of second friend when he moved here. We've had some super great times together all through Junior Council and SBO. What a hunk. Steve is super great. Also, I don't think I could have survived Chamber choir with out Steve. He is such a strength to me and he is my second half when ever we sing. We just balance each other vocally. Steve is also so giving and friendly, that I"ll always be in his debt. I love you Steve.
Jessica: Easily the hardest working individual I know. She is amazing. She gives her whole life and all her time to Student Council. It bugs me when the guys talk back to her, because she works so hard. What a great example she is to me, even if she does think I'm a complete idiot and makes it quite clear, quite often.
Jenna: Jen-Jen. Gotta love her. Another Junior Council friend. We've been through a lot. I remember back to the days when I used to have a crush on Jenna, but she shut me down like a million times, so I just gave up. Thanks for the rides to Jenna too. She is very trustworthy and I know that if I need someone to talk to, I can always call Jenna.
Spencer: He has taught me an important lesson: Just because it is silent, does not mean it is awkward. Spencer is so funny, especially when he comes out of his shell. I'm really quite grateful for the opportunity we have to work together. Spencer and I are pretty close as council friends go and I'm very grateful for him.
Michelle: Through all the power struggles and times of biting my tongue, we get along pretty well. We've really warmed up to each other as the year has gone on. I'm grateful that Michelle is on council with me. She does her job well.
Brenton: Well, at least he brings us Ice Cream. It's great to have Brenton around and I think he might be the first black SBO to ever come to AF High, and he'll let you know. Brenton and I had seminary together and we both bore witness of our testimonies together that we would go on missions. I think that has really raised our respect for each other.
Guidance:
Mrs. Sheen: A constant inspiration from the beginning. At first I was scared of Sheen, until I got to know her. She is like a grandma to me. We have some really great inside jokes and I think we all know on council that without Mrs. Sheen, our school would be nothing. If only everyone knew what Mrs. Sheen has done.
Brother Harris: He is one of my greatest heroes. He has been with me through Sunday School and Priesthood since I was like 13. He is an inspiring guy. It doesn't get much better than Brother Harris. His stories, lessons, thoughts, and opinions never cease to inspire me. He has a way of making me think smarter. I'm very grateful for the guidance he has given me. He has totally changed my life.
to be continued . . .
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