Under ordinary circumstances, our annual banquet would have taken place exactly two weeks ago. We would have demolished the food supply (but not before an intense game of rock paper scissors), shared or bore witness to the various peculiar talents of our staff, and spent too much time taking photos in a vain attempt to immortalize those fleeting moments. Editors would have distributed staff gifts. Kylie would have spent a good amount of the banquet crouched on the floor with a camera. And the underclassmen would have delivered speeches, expressing their gratitude to each of their special seniors. 

This was how it was supposed to go. But none of us could have foreseen that we would not be able to hold a last hoorah for our departing seniors this year. 

Truth be told, we don’t want to see you go. The class of 2020 definitely has a special place in Pow Wow. With your consecutive Window Wars and Halloween costume contest wins, your spirit has undoubtedly left its mark in A-213. And though it was annoying at times, we will forever remember your somewhat questionable, often repetitive song choices, although we must admit, sometimes they were our choices too. 

Despite your debatable taste in music, your taste in other areas appears to be unaffected. After all, you chose to join The Apache Pow Wow. 

Even if we don’t always show it, we’re thankful you did. We have much to thank you for. Thank you for greeting us every morning with enthusiasm and friendliness. Thank you for passing down the wisdom you accumulated through your years of high school. Thank you for guiding us to become not only better journalists, but better individuals. Thank you for being a part of our Pow Wow family.

We’re sad that you’re leaving, but grateful for the time we’ve had together and the memories we’ve created. On behalf of the Pow Wow staff, we wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavors and hope you’ll come back to visit us when you can!