The Most Passionate and Bright: A Farewell to our Seniors
KYA is a place for passion, politics, and of course, conviviality. For Bill Sponsors, it’s a time where the work they’ve slaved over for months prior is showcased. For candidates, it’s an opportunity to lead thousands of young politicians. For our graduating class of 2018 however, it’s a different story.
As if senior year weren’t already draining and full of goodbyes, our Y Seniors have another division of their high school aged years to bid adieu. Their familY. On top of frantically trying to maintain their GPA, and mental preparation for a new chapter of their lives, our seniors are doing it all.
KYA season tragically falls right around midterms. We are lucky to have the graduating class of 2018 here, sharing their knowledge from conferences of years past. We as underclassmen can’t truly relate to this special group of delegates. Sarah Ponder, a senior from Rockcastle county said the following; “I am definitely sentimental about my last KYA, but in reality I’m trying to look at it as a great opportunity to live amongst my familY one last time. Not to mention getting down at the dance with extra strength this year.”
From all the seniors interviewed, Sarah has essentially said it all. Feeling saccharine, but also living in the final thrill of the dance. Experiencing debate, but at the same time, constantly thinking, “this is it, this is the last time I will be in this meeting, at this conference, in this moment.”
Our Governor, Bella Bielman said this “… We are Kentuckians, the most passionate and bright from our state.” Bella herself is a senior, along with several other members of KYA 1. Although sad to see them go, we wish our seniors the best in their careers and their future with the Y.
Class of 2018, our revered fellow familY members, we love you. We will miss your presence here, and we will miss your thoughtful debate. These meeting rooms at Crowne Plaza will feel empty without the joy of seeing a friendship rejuvenated from conferences past, or even the recognition of a friendly face. The way you led our conference with Presidential qualities and your proposed bills will influence new Y kids for years to come. On behalf of your familY, farewell.
