To many, it may just be another program for exceptionally talented kids. But to those of us who have surrendered two years of our life to this path, the Academy is much more than an institution.

We came to this place, some of us knowing months in advance, others deciding a day or two before. From under the familiar and oh so comfortable wings of parents, old friends, and dull yet safe high schools we arrived - nervous, excited, confident, scared, seeking a chance to start over, hoping to erase the undesirables of our past.

Little did we know of all that we would share - hallways, bathrooms, hopes dreams, fears, and tears. We experimented with relationships that went beyond high schools walls and found our own nests of true friends. Studying, playing basketball, wrestling, watching movies, birthdays, role playing, tutoring, praying, singing, dancing, laughing-we shared it all-together. We said tearful GOOD-BYES to some and cheerful greetings to one.

No, it wasn't a bed of roses - we had our shares of disagreements and dislikes; there were obstacles we had to overcome to achieve happiness. But, through it all, there was a sense of family, of caring, and most of all, love.

And then, time, that had once loomed ahead filled with uncertainty and insecurity, was now speeding by, not leaving enough time to just be together with those we loved.

And to our surprise, we discovered we had changed. Where we expected loneliness, we found friends. Where we expected failure, we found in ourselves the will to succeed.

And most importantly - where we expected to fall flat on our faces without the support of those back home, we uncovered a gift so sacred and pure - the power to fly.

So now we soar to worlds unknown - without each other. Our paths may cross many times. Or maybe never again. People will go, places will change, names forgotten, and memories lost.

But, the Texas Academy of Leadership in the Humanities and the memories we shared live on in our hearts forever - we will remember it as a place we once called home.

                               Oooo
            Some people       (   )
       come into our lives     )  /                    
          and quickly go..     (_/

                        oooO
                       (   )      Some people
                       \  (          stay awhile
                        \_)
                                                            
               and leave         Oooo 
          footprints on our      (   )
                hearts...         )  / 
                                  (_/   

                             oooO       
                             (   )      and we are
                             \  (        ~ never ~
                              \_)       the same