I’ve had a lot of different titles in my time here at Dallastown. Some of you may know me as your drum major, homecoming queen, or even Cinderella in the musical this year.
But above all these amazing opportunities I have been given, the title I hold the closest to my heart is President of our Video Production Club.
VPC has been my creative outlet since my freshman year. It has given me countless opportunities, lifelong friendships, and life lessons I will take with me everywhere I go. None of which would’ve been possible without Mr. Klinedinst.
Mr. K was not only my teacher but also my greatest mentor. He never saw his students for what they were, but for what they could be.
He knew anything and everything there was to know about video, and if you asked him a question he couldn’t answer, he’d be able to tell you all about it the next day. That’s how committed he was to providing his students with the best education he could.
The last STN trip we went on with Mr. Klinedinst, the theme of the convention was relentless. I think relentless is the perfect way to describe VPC this year.
I am incredibly proud of what my club has accomplished under circumstances we never expected. This year, we became less like a club and more like a family. It was difficult at times, and we faced countless challenges, but we always did it with the shared goal of keeping Mr. K’s legacy alive.
When I pictured my senior year, Mr. K was always a part of it. And even through his loss, I wasn’t going to let that change.
He lives on through me and everyone he has encountered. Every face he has brightened, every lesson he has taught, and every life he has changed. Even if you never spoke to him, the passion he carried for life constantly poured out of his classroom and flooded the halls of Dallastown.
Mr. K helped me discover my true passion and encouraged me to reach my full potential. I would not be pursuing film after high school if it weren’t for his impact on my life.
His death taught me to cherish every moment and pursue my dreams with determination, as life is unpredictable. He taught me that following your passion and taking risks will always be more fulfilling than settling for something realistic.
I even got a tattoo of our 2024 STN camera logo to commemorate him and remind myself to be relentless with my passion, just like he was.
So, no matter where you go in life, be relentless. And know that the people around you right now will always be with you in one way or another.
