As graduation quickly approaches, I have spent a lot of time looking forward to the future and almost as much time thinking about the past.

At first, high school felt like it was going to be a long four years, but looking back on it now, it passed faster than I could have ever imagined and was, in my opinion, an amazing experience. I am proud that I will be a graduate of Worthington schools and believe that this community has had a major impact on my development as a person and student over the past six years.

The Worthington community has been very supportive of the academic and extracurricular successes of the students within Worthington during my time here.

Many community members whose children no longer live in Worthington continue to remain involved in the schools and the lives of students. Countless community members come to support the theater programs and sports teams even when they don't have children involved, and this support is crucial to the future of these programs.

Along with encouraging students by physically going to events, the community of Worthington has provided much needed monetary aid to the schools. With the community support of the levy last fall, many of the opportunities that students take advantage of every day are able to remain running without extra fees to students.

Many of my friends have found their niche through varsity sports or environmental clubs, mock trial or religious discussions. These clubs could not exist without the community and the support it provides.

As the class of 2010 moves on to the next part of our lives -- whether it be work, volunteering or college -- there are bound to be mixed emotions. Most of us would admit to being at least a little bit nervous to be out on our own, but still excited at what we have to look forward to.

Personally, I alternate between hysteria and euphoria on a fairly regular basis, but all in all, I feel well prepared for college, work and being an adult.

Our school, parents and community have given us everything we need to succeed after high school. We are going out in to the world as well rounded individuals with incredible potential, and it is our job to make sure that this potential does not go to waste.

Kayleigh Edgecombe is a graduating senior at Thomas Worthington High School and will be attending Ohio State University in the fall.