Dear Seniors,

This year marks a milestone for each of you. Make it one of the very best
years of your life. Work hard and strive for excellence in everything you
do. If ever you feel overwhelmed by the challenges before you -- come to
the West APO to talk. Our door is always open and you are always welcome.

We hope you enjoy the poem that follows.

Mr. Pochintesta & Ms. Desire
_________________________________

If there were ever a time to dare,
to make a difference,
to embark on something worth doing,
it is now.

Not for any grand cause, necessarily--
but for something that tugs at your heart,
something that's your aspiration,
something that's your dream.

You owe it to yourself
to make your days here count.
Have fun.
Dig deep.
Stretch.

Dream big.

Know, though, that things worth doing
seldom come easy.
There will be good days.
And there will be bad days.
There will be times when you want to turn around,
pack it up,
and call it quits.
Those times tell you that you are pushing yourself,
that you are not afraid to learn by trying.

Persist.

Because with an idea,
determination, and the right tools,
you can do great things.
Let your instincts,
your intellect,
and your heart
guide you.

Trust.

Believe in the incredible power of the human mind.
Of doing something that makes a difference.
Of working hard.
Of laughing and hoping.
Of lazy afternoons.
Of lasting friends.
Of all the things that will cross your path this year.

The start of something new
brings the hope of something great.
Anything is possible.
There is only one you.
And you will pass this way only once.
Do it right.

Author Unknown



_____________________________________________________________________________
MID-YEAR MESSAGE:

It's getting to that point in the school year where I am noticing the
damaging effects of Senioritis beginning to set in. Remember anything worth
having, like your AHS diploma, is worth all the sacrifice and commitment
that it takes to earn it. Along these lines, I would like to share a poem
with you that I came across by an unknown author.
________________

"Untitled"

I am the foundation of all prosperity.

I am that from which all blessings flow.

Everything that is of value in this world springs from me.

I am the salt that gives life its savor.

I am the sole support of the poor.

And the rich who think they can do without me live futile lives--fill
premature graves.

I have made America.

I have built her matchless industries, laid her incomparable railroads,
created her citizens, and reared her skyscrapers.

I am the friend of every worthy youth. If he/[she] makes my acquaintance
when he/[she] is young and keeps me by his/[her] side throughout his/[her]
life, I can do more for him/[her] than the richest parent.

I keep bodies clean and fit, minds alert; and when neglected, both bodies
and minds grow fat and sluggish.

I am even the parent of genius itself.

I am represented by every paper that flies from the press, in every train
that crosses the continent, and every ship that streams the ocean.

Fools hate me; wise men/[women] love me.

The man/[woman] who keeps his/[her] hand in mine through life never dies--
because that which he/[she] has created with my help lives on and on after
he/[she]is gone.

The man/[woman] who shirks me and scorns my aid, never lives, even though he/
[she] may continue to breathe.

Who am I? What am I?

I AM WORK!! Author Unknown
______________
Faith may be a great motivator, but work brings about the realization of
your goals--it makes dreams materialize. Whatever your goals--work will win
when wishing won't. And, if Senioritis is kicking in, kick it back and
work toward your goal to graduate in June 2007. NOT GRADUATING IS NOT AN
OPTION.

WORK HARD – WORK SMART – WORK WITH ENTHUSIASM AND YOU WILL SUCCEED.

Mr. Pochintesta
House Principal