Below is a copy of the article that I wrote for the Colonel Tribune, South Garland High School's student newspaper. It was written for the final edition, "The Senior Edition", of the 1997-98 school year.

or so I have been told. When I was asked to write this article, I was a little nervous, for I have never done anything like this before. Seniors, as you prepare for graduation (yes seniors, its almost here), you may not understand that this is the last of the good times, when you don't have to worry too much. For after high school, there is (not necessarily in order) college, bills, work, family, more bills, late nights with sick children, mortgages, did I mention BILLS! As someone who can look back on his high school years, I know that they were the last of my carefree days, and in many ways I didn't understand that.

However, each person follows a path that has been laid out for them. Every decision that you make leads you down that path, or completely changes your route. There are challenges to overcome in life, and obstacles that need to be conquered.

When I came to Texas, I didn't know what I would find, except that I had a job waiting for me. It was in a small 1A school (Gunter High School, grades 7-12) with 159 students. I was the science department: I taught everything - except biology.

Then came South Garland High School. From 159 students to 2200 students. From one of twelve teachers to one of 130-plus. It was a real change. In many ways, it was one of my greatest challenges. Traditions to learn, names to put with faces, and a new building to get lost in. However, I soon learned that I had a family here, a family of students, parents, and co-workers. I've made many jokes about having a bed in the back of my room, going to home economics to cook dinner, the Life class to do my laundry and the locker room to shower. Many of you feel the same way, that you spent your life here, and in many ways that is true.

I have been to schools on two different continents. I've been a Wildcat, Warrior, Bulldog, Spartan, Huron, Tiger, Lion, but the only place that I ever been home is here - the home of the Southern Colonels. As soon as I got my feet wet, I became intimately involved with South Garland High School. I've heard that teaching is like moving your hand in a pail of water, as soon as you stop, the water stops moving. Soon there is no trace that you were ever there. I have never adhered to this analogy, for I believe that teaching touches a life forever. Whether the impact is good or bad is up to two people: the teacher and the student. I have always tried to do my part, I only hope that you have done yours.

As the title of this letter states, all good things must come to an end, and as you may have guessed, it is time for me to say good-bye to South Garland High School. There comes a point in everyone's life where they need a new challenge, and I have found mine. I have accepted a position at Creekview High School in Carrollton. It will be a challenge to open a new school, to be the only chemistry teacher, to help build new traditions.

If it were not for the students and staff of South Garland High School, the decision would have been easy. I will be losing a great deal - students that I have become close to, teachers that I love working with, a community that I care about, but most importantly, I will be leaving behind wonderful friends, both co-workers and students.

To the Colonel Band, the Award Winning Southern Belles, the Dixie Darlings, the Cheerleaders, all of the athletic teams, and to the student body: I sincerely want to thank you for allowing me to share in your traditions and your lives. From the pep rallies, to being a nut in the stands at the football games, announcements at half time, play- by-play of basketball games - from watching track, to screaming in my megaphone at the swimming meets, and a hundred other items, I have made South Garland High School my home.

You may be able to take the teacher out of South Garland, but you can never take the Colonel out of me. I will always call South Garland home, and yes, you WILL see me in the future. Thank you once again, and I will miss you. I would love to be able to hear from you, so e-mail me, tjachem@tenet.edu and tell me what is happening at the old homestead. Good bye and good luck.