THE FINAL ROSE: KENZEE JOHNSTON
As we all know COVID-19 has wrecked many of our plans for 2020. For me, as a high school senior, it has ruined some of the most important events of my high school career. I am missing out on my senior year of softball, senior events, and even graduation has to be altered. I no longer get to stand alongside my fellow classmates, and best friends, to celebrate the end of our high school career and the beginning of our future.
I have attended East Palestine since kindergarten, and let me tell you I am proud to be a Bulldog. Sports have impacted my life immensely, here I have grown as a person and made some of my best friends. I have been an active member of both the basketball and softball teams for East Palestine. With being such a small community, EP has one of the best cheering sections at sporting events. All of our home games would be packed with fans, and it is one of the best feelings knowing you are surrounded by people who support you and your teammates. As an athlete, there is no better feeling than looking into the crowd and seeing your town come and support your team. And East Palestine never left the stands empty. Having such a supporting town is something I will always remember when leaving East Palestine. Our fans helped cheer us on to win some of our biggest games during this basketball season. Due to our softball season being taken away due to the Coronavirus, the one thing I will for sure miss is the fans and all the support our team had.
Losing my senior year of softball broke my heart. This is the year that every high school athlete looks forward to. I no longer get to step out onto the field as number 5 again. Throughout the past 3 years I was awarded the Golden Glove award, Most RBI’s, and the Offensive coaches awards in softball. Along with those awards I was nominated first team EOAC and broke the record for batting average in a season with .539 my junior year. I’m going to miss all of my teammates who made the past 3 seasons the best that they could have been. I am also going to miss the coaching staff. They have pushed, and challenged me since my freshman year and helped me reach all of my accomplishments. I wish them the best of luck next year!
Although this has been a rough ending to my senior year, my time at East Palestine has been amazing. I would like to thank all the teachers who have helped me throughout the years. They have motivated me and pushed me to go further, and made me want to get a higher education. A big thank you also goes out to all of my coaches, especially the ones I have had at the high school level. They have taught me that I can overcome anything that is put in my way, and nothing can stop me from doing what I love. Also my parents, family, and friends who have been next to me through everything and support me through all of my decisions.
Lastly, I would like to give a huge shoutout, and thank you, to YSN. The way they have supported me, and my teammates has been unbelievable.
Sincerely,
