Forever Young

Forever young. Those words have been echoing in my head all night and all morning, after hearing the theme song to the year 12 departure. The events of last night run through my mind like a DVD, choosing the scenes I want to view and ignoring the scenes which are truly upsetting. Last night, was my last school event ever. And now I'm sitting here, totally numb to the fact. When I tell people that I've left, that I don't need to go back, their response is,
"Yes! Aren't you glad you've finally got out of that place?!"
But I don't feel that way at all. Much like the opposite in fact. I'm so sad to think of the fact that my whole grade will never be whole and together again as one group, ever. Last night was the last time. I see faces in my mind, and my lip trembles.
     I stopped typing for a second and sighed. You may think I'm a nerd, but I don't think so. I think I've just developed a connection with these beautiful, fresh, mind blowing people. I've been together with them for three years. And all though they gave me a hard time when I first arrived at Lumen Christi College, I learnt to love them. Funny but stupid popular boys, the beautiful, sometimes friendly popular girls, the bogans, the music nerds, the rockers, the middle group, and the nerds. I think I was part of the nerds. Although I don't think we were. I think we were just labeled that. But no one discriminated us for that fact. We all got along fine.
     Yesterday was the presentation evening. Where all the awards are given to the students, performances are done to show off to the parents and its a time when everyone can say the last goodbye to the yr 12s. iIperformed in the Swing Band and played two songs. "little Brown Jug" and "Woodchoppers". It was awesome! It went off. We were wearing plack pants and white tops with braces. We wanted hats as well, but they would obscure our faces, so we didn't. Everyone loved our performance. I was bopping up and down on the drums as I played. Soaking it in, feeling exhilarated. But also sad at the same time - the last time I'd ever, EVER, play with the Swing Band. After the Swing band I had to give my School Ambassador trophy to the New School Ambassador for next year. That was a little sad as well, as I will not being looking at it in my own house anymore. Then I had to give the year 12 gift, along with Phillip, to Father Leonard. We got him a Monastery, I think thats what its called? He chose it, and we paid for it.
     The new Head girl and Head boy were chosen, and my badge on my blazer went quite dim, as I wasn't Deputy Head girl for Lumen Christi anymore. Then came the awards. I laugh as I remember them. I was only expecting a few certificates, but was weighed down by prizes! I was awarded the "People's Choice Award for Best Display. From the lumen Christi College 2005 Art Exhibition" I was so amazed! Everyone at the art exhibition had to write down whose display they liked best and put it in a box. And I got the most votes! I was awarded a certificate, and also a bag FULL of Jackson's art supplies! I nearly SCREAMED with joy. Then I was awarded the "Highly Commended Award" for my painting, and received yet ANOTHER bag of Jackson's art supplies! I had over $200 full of equipment right there in my hand... And was having trouble holding it all! I then received another certificate for my "Selection for the College Acquisition, for her piece 'Northbridge'" and also got my $300 cheque... So all up, i reckon I had about $600 at hand. So awesome. I then went on to receiving a Merit Certificate for "Highest Achievement in Art" another for "High Achievement in Religious Education" (heehee), "Highest Achievement in Art TEE", "Highest Achievement in Art & Design". My last award was another Merit Certificate "The Percussion Award for Music". Haha, Mr Bull (my principal) and the man I shook hands with, just kept piling them on top of the stuff I was holding
"I think I"ll just put that one there. Oh and I'll just put this one on top like that. Well done!" haha, I could barely shake hands as well.
     After the awards was the Yr 12 item, where I sang with the best guitarist, bass, drum and flautists in yr 12. We performed a rather funky and modern version of "I can see clearly now". I didn't do a bad job... considering that I was singing to over 2000 people... Scary stuff. The applause was awesome. And then after I had to lead all of the yr 12s out of the Concert Hall, with the bagpipes playing in honour of us all. That was a really sad moment. I couldn't hold back the tears. I have been so blessed. The school has done so much for Diana and myself. We have been blessed to be acknowledged by the teachers and given many responsibilities. Its really sad to think that Diana and I won't be together at school anymore... Not hearing the teachers say "Hello Bunton sisters!" anymore. I'll miss that. I really will. Its truly been an awesome year, and I thank God for blessing me and given me and opportunity to shine in a school such as Lumen Christi.
     After the whole night had finished, I had many ppl coming up to me and congratulating me... I got so teary eyed. After hugging Mr C i started really crying. I am SO going back to school and thanking my teachers aye. They have had a huge input into my life, and I'm so greatful for their wisdom and teaching which has influenced the way I live life. I caught up with Mum, Dad and Joy, and they all hugged me. We agreed to meet up at McDonalds. So Diana and I, got into my car and drove off. As we were driving along, I heard a shout, and it was Ryan and all the other boys behind us, going out for a bite to eat as well! So they all followed me to Maccas, and we all ate together, with me showing everyone what I got in my bags of art supplies. After eating we went back to my place, then they all left and I went to sleep. And thats it. I won't ever have to wear my school uniform ever again.