During the week Justin emailed me saying he and Matt would like to see me before I left, but football kept them both busy. (Holmen was again conference champs and Friday night advanced into the third round of the state playoffs.) Still, I wish I could have said goodbye to them and a number of other people important to me that helped me make it through thirteen seasons in hell. With that, I'd like to take the following parting shots, uncertain as to whether they'll hit their intended targets.

First, I have to say once again that I have to apologize. I was in daily contact with about 400 students over my two-and-a-half years at HHS, and know there's no way I could write about every single instance of those who've touched my heart. To those who aren't named here, I'm sorry... please don't feel slighted.

• To those there after school on January 17 this year, I want you to know that I am so incredibly proud of you. I am proud of your accomplishments in my classroom, reaching from deep within to give everything you had and more. (For some of you, it was striving for an A+... for some it was stretching a D- into a C... either way, I know you gave me your best effort.) I am also proud of your time outside of room 131 as well. You know me as a teacher that knew he only had you for 90 minutes a day, and that you had so many more things important in your life than just math class. In that regard, I feel disappointed that I am no longer there to continue drawing from you, your time, consideration, and energy. My hope is that as you continue in school, college, work, and life, that I believe in you... that if anyone ever tells you you can't do something, give them an unspoken "fuck you" and prove them wrong.

• To my "adopted sons," J.J., Matt, and Dan, throughout my turbulent tenure your time on the side (whether as a TA or after school) helped keep me on an even keel, and helped me realize that (despite the incorrect opinion of your principal) the best of teachers cannot succeed without the trust, confidence, and loyalty of his students. I feel honored to have been your teacher, but even more so your friend.

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