When my parents first put me in Miss Candace’s dance class, I immediately fell in love. I feel so lucky to have found my passion at such a young age and had the opportunity to nurture it for the next fifteen years. Entering my senior year, I can confidently say that CPAC has changed my life in ways I could have never imagined, and it is so hard to say goodbye. CPAC has given me so many opportunities that I am endlessly grateful for; the things I have experienced here are truly once-in-a lifetime. I feel extremely prepared to enter the next phase of my life, and I could not have gotten to this point in my journey without my family, friends, and mentors who have supported me unconditionally. Kristen, thank you for making me fall in love with ballet, and letting us watch your Cedar Lake videos:) You are always pushing me to be better, securing my technique, and giving me the confidence I need to improve. You have taught me that there is room for individuality in an art form that is perceived as purely technical. Jordan, thank you for your brilliance and empathy. The pieces you’ve created on us over the years are truly remarkable and your mind continues to amaze me every day. Tessa, thank you for your energy and commitment to this family. I’m not quite sure how you juggle everything, but your positivity and strength inspires me more than you know. Chris, thank you for being our biggest hype-man and showing us that there is more to dance than the serious, competitive aspects. Working with you the last few years has made me a more versatile dancer and a better teammate. To the costume shop, your work truly amazes me. Every year you manage to create so many beautiful pieces of art for us, thank you for allowing our stories to come to life on stage. To all the other staff members, thank you for your dedication to this program. We appreciate you all so much. Jen, I’m not sure if I have the words to thank you for everything you have done for me over the years. You are truly my second mother, my shoulder to cry on, my biggest supporter, and the one I have the best laughs with. You are the epitome of everything I hope to be when I grow up. Thank you for making everyone feel loved and supported, I love you so much. Mrs. Nancy Laurie, you deserve all of the thank you’s the world has to offer. From the amazing facility to our world-renowned staff and choreographers, to the familial atmosphere, none of it would have been possible without your support. Thank you for believing in me and this team, and for giving us so many amazing opportunities to spread our love for dance. To my family, thank you guys for dealing with me after a full day of weekend rehearsals and right before I compete my solo. I know how hard it is for you guys to stay supportive in those rough moments, but I have never once felt like I was on this journey alone. Finally, to my amazing teammates. I’m not sure what to say to you guys, other than I love you more than life and I am proud to call you my best friends. The environment we have here is truly rare, so cherish each and every moment with each other, even the ones where we’re all screaming about whether the head is front or side. To my fellow seniors, I am so excited to see what the future holds for us. I love you guys. Thanks to CPAC, I have grown into the woman I’d always looked up to as a little girl. I am endlessly grateful to have danced at this incredible studio, and for everything and everyone that has come into my life as a result. CHAKA OUT!!!