There are a few things I need to tell you before I leave Lake Highlands.
First, let me introduce myself.
Yo, my name is Bo Richardson.
I am a BIG fan of Jesus and an avid pickleball enjoyer.
I love participating in shenanigans with my friends, spending sweet time with my family and grandparents, and sharing special moments with my Bible study.
If you didn’t know, I have had the honor of being this year’s Newspaper Editor in Chief. Last year I was the Copy Editor, and I was a student (by accident) in Mrs. Macias’ Journalism class the year prior.
Not so long ago I was asked by some young parents whether or not I would recommend LHHS for their child. I’ll tell you what I told them.
Lake Highlands High School has everything. It has such a beautiful and diverse demographic. It has countless unique clubs and organizations. It has solid courses and programs for various career paths. It has unbeatable Friday night lights and so many award winning shows, performances, and concerts.
I told the parents that Lake Highlands can be what you want it to be. If you want to coast by, not get involved, and have a shallow high school experience, you can. On the other hand, if you want to dig deep, grow immensely, and be able to look back fondly at your high school experience, you certainly can at LHHS.
So here is my advice to you: Try everything. Ask questions. Find people.
By try everything, I am not telling you to waste your time on the fleeting and unhealthy pleasures that the world and many of your peers will offer. I’m telling you to search for what you love and find what challenges you. Don’t overcommit, but be willing to say yes to anything. If it’s not stupid, try it.
By ask questions, I am not telling you to allow anxious and unproductive thoughts to spiral in your head. I’m telling you to ask the hard, worthwhile, and eternal questions. Instead of “why am I not enough?,” ask yourself “what is informing my sense of value and worth?” Think deeply about who you are and what you do. Seriously contemplate God and the Bible. Ask all the right questions.
By find people, I am not telling you to settle with shallow relationships or friends that are easy and similar to you. I’m telling you to ruthlessly seek out a community of people that will unconditionally love, constantly challenge, and continually support you. Your friends will define who you are. Choose wisely. I’d encourage you to go places and meet everyone. Make connections, but more importantly, find your people.
Special shoutout to my mom and dad for always being my backbone. Thank you Mrs. Macias, Mrs. Washmon, Mr. Lee, and Mr. Chan for being the teachers that loved me, challenged me, and shaped me into the man I am today. To my incredible newspaper staff, I love you all dearly and have thoroughly enjoyed being your boss friend. C3:16 Bible study, you are my truest joy in life. I must finally recognize the four guys with whom I’ve shared a godly and joyful brotherhood over the last few years (y’all know who you are).
Thank you Lake Highlands High School for giving me four years where I was able to dig deep and grow immensely. I’m so content knowing that I can look back on my high school experience fondly.
Try everything not stupid. Ask all the good questions. Find your people.
