A word of thanks from the Klein Collins Classes of 2004 and 2005

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A word of thanks from the Klein Collins Classes
of 2004 and 2005

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Howdy! Im Amy Crochet, the proudest member of
the Fightin Texas Aggie Class of 2009. The
transition from high school to college is a
difficult one. Thanks to the administrators,
faculty, and staff at KCHS, I was ready to meet
the challenge. I felt well-prepared academically
and socially. I thank you for setting a high
standard for KCHS students. Not only do I
appreciate you for the lessons you taught me in
class, but I thank you for every word of
encouragement and praise you so generously gave
me. As educators, you have the awesome power to
instill in your students that positive attitude
that will make them want to succeed. Thanks and
Gig Em!
Amy Crochet Texas AM University
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• My high school teachers gave me the preparation I
  needed to succeed in my first year of college.
  While at Collins I was given different
  responsibilities and work, which made me budget
  my time wisely. They know what they are doing for
  students. In college, if you don't have your
  priorities in order and have poor time
  management, then all is lost. Taking AP courses
  and being involved in yearbook gave me many
  responsibilities. My teachers made life at
  college easier by simulating college work at
  Collins.

Alex Combe Louisiana State University
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Klein Collins Teachers

• Thank you so much for all your help and guidance
  during my time at Klein Collins. I was so
  fortunate to have great teachers to prepare me
  not only for college, but also my future
  endeavors. There are many times when I wish the
  Klein Collins teachers were my professors in
  college.
• When I am reminded of my high school days, I have
  nothing but fond memories and only hope the
  present students appreciate what great teachers
  they have. Thank you again for all your support
  and guidance!
• Corrie Garrett
• Klein Collins Class of 2004
• Texas AM University

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• The second I stepped off the bus for the first
  day of Basic Training at the Air Force Academy I
  knew that I would have to put forth everything I
  had learned at Collins in order to succeed. To
  become a lieutenant, a cadet must come prepared
  for the trials ahead. I realize that Klein
  Collins gave me the tools I needed in order to be
  successful. Without the hard working staff at
  Collins, I wouldn't be here in the first place...
  I wouldn't have gotten this chance and have a
  promising future. Thanks to everyone at Klein
  Collins who made this dream possible. I
  appreciate everything you all have done for me,
  and I hope to return the favor by proudly serving
  our Air Force for years to come.

Cadet Third Class Alex Arbuckle United
States Air Force Academy
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As I walked into a classroom of 500 on the first
class day at U.T., I was overwhelmed. The days
slowly rolled by, I struggled, but successfully
made it through my first year. I strongly
believe my success was made possible through my
experience at KCHS. My teachers pushed me to
think critically and to solve problems on my own.
I was taught to work independently and arrive at
a solution, even if it is done by trial and
error. I was also taught to delve into
intimidating subject areas. Throughout my 4
years at Klein Collins, my teachers stretched my
potential and expanded the way I think. Thank you
for teaching me how to learn, how to think
independently, and how to reach for the stars.
Without my high school teachers, my freshman year
could not have been such a success.
Justyna Charytonuik University of Texas
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I SURVIVED! My first year at Texas AM has come
and gone I was faced with many challenges,
however I was able to overcome them with the many
suggestions and lessons learned at KCHS. While in
high school, I learned that I was going to have
to earn my grades, and this definitely rang true
at AM. My teachers at Klein Collins challenged
me mentally and emotionally. They taught me to
have pride in my accomplishments. I had to learn
to be self-sufficient. Because my KCHS teachers
challenged me, I found it easier to stay afloat
amidst the hundreds of students at Texas AM.
Thank you for teaching me lessons I can carry
with me through the next three years of my
education. I only hope that other graduates from
Collins can learn and take away as much as I did.
THANK YOU!
Rainey Russell Texas AM University
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The thought of going to school in America made me
really nervous five years ago. Improving my
command of English was the initial priority
during my freshman year, and this the teachers of
Klein Collins made possible. But the growth that
took place in this high school goes beyond
personal improvement. Through engaging in the
community-- which was encouraged by the staff--
and interacting with a diverse population of
teachers, friends, and fellow students, I became
aware of the tacit strength that unity and
exchange brings. The opportunities offered
through public education in the Klein district
continues to amaze me. Thanks.
Valentina Fontiveros Stanford University
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Kenneth Hung Rice University

• I would like to thank all the faculty and staff
  at Klein Collins for giving me a solid foundation
  of education to succeed in college and life.
• I am now majoring in biochemistry as a
  Rice/Baylor medical scholar and ESL coordinator
  for Rice University. After graduating from
• Klein Collins, I have done well
• by maintaining a 4.23 A GPA. Thank you for
  providing me with the tools to build a better
  future. Have a wonderful school year!

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Kyle Grest Trinity University

• The first year of college is always the hardest.
  I had to move to an unfamiliar place, away from
  my parents. I was always told in high school
  that I was being prepared for higher learning,
  and I have to thank all of my teachers for
  contributing to my preparation for college life.
  I am currently studying Economics and Math, with
  a minor in Music at Trinity University. I play
  varsity football and run varsity track. I am also
  an officer in the TU economics society and the
  assistant concertmaster of the TU Orchestra. I
  would like to thank all of the KC faculty and
  staff for all of their guidance and friendship
  throughout my high school years.

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When I first came to college I realized that it
was very different from high school. It was just
going to be a bit more difficult. Fortunately,
the teachers at Klein Collins had prepared us so
that the transition would be easy. I do
appreciate it.
Ernie Lowery University of Texas at Dallas
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Sarah Stack 04
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When I first arrived at MIT, I was so excited.
That excitement quickly turned to doubt. I
wondered if I was up for the rigorous academics
at MIT. Gradually, I started to remember the
encouragement and nurturing that all my teachers
had given me while I was at Klein Collins. I came
to realize that although the academic training
from KC was great, the most valuable lessons were
life lessons that my teachers had wordlessly
passed on to me through their daily example. They
always encouraged me to have faith, to believe in
myself, and to keep working hard. Their
confidence in me inspired me and it wasnt just
for my own growth that I sat down to study at
night, but also to rise to their expectations. I
remembered the words that spoke from the walls of
your classrooms excellence without compromise.
Lihua Bai MIT
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I had a head start on most of my
classmates this year in college. It was due,
in large part, to the wonderful teachers at
Klein Collins who pushed (and shoved, and
beat) me into being what I am today for that
I am truly thankful. It was not only the
class work KCHS teachers prepared me for,
they prepared me for college life and all
that it entails. They taught me to believe in
myself and focus on the important things. It
was because of my amazing four years at
Klein Collins that I had an amazing first
year at Stephen F. Austin. I cant thank the
teachers enough for all the hard work and
dedication they put into making Klein Collins not
just another high school, but another home. You
probably dont hear it enough, but THANK YOU for
being my teachers. (and yes Mrs. Squyres, I am
doing my homework)
Chris Thacker SFASU
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Jordan Michael Estes
In high school I was the ham the class clown.
In fact, I am surprised that you guys put up with
me for as long as you did. I was a loud kid. Now
that I have graduated and moved on, well I am
still pretty loud but I thank you all for all you
have done for me. The teachers and faculty I had
the pleasure of befriending taught me more than
any textbook ever could. I am currently enrolled
at SHSU and my pursuit of a career in music is
still going strong. Thank you from the bottom of
my heart, for without the education I received,
the knowledge I gained, I couldnt be the person
I am today. Now to end this lightly I must
digress go see body worlds. It was cool.
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Laura Lueckenhoff
Texas AM University

• Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I
  would fall in love with a school so much. From
  the athletic department, to the administration,
  to the individual teachers, librarians, and
  secretaries, the extraordinary Klein Collins
  staff made my high school experience one I will
  boast about the rest of my life. Attending a big
  university like Texas AM, I initially had many
  doubts. But as I got acquainted with my new life,
  I could not help but feel grateful for the
  lessons learned at Klein Collins. Thank you for
  the impact you have made in my life, and for
  those lives you will continue to inspire and
  motivate.

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Katie Lombardi
Texas State University

• I excelled at my first year at Texas State
  University due to the preparation I received from
  the KCHS staff that helped me to start a new
  chapter of my life successfully. My memories at
  Klein Collins are cherished, and my experience
  was great due to the remarkable atmosphere the
  KCHS staff provided. Someone once told me, The
  difference between ordinary and extraordinary is
  that little something extra. This message was
  told to me when I was a freshman a KCHS, and
  today it never fails to help me achieve my goals
  and follow my dreams. Thanks to all my teachers!

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Casey Grier
Southwestern University
Thank you so much for preparing me for the
academic challenge I face at Southwestern. I
entered college not only ready for the classes,
but able to balance my busy schedule on my own.
Between soccer, art, and sorority, time
management is essential to maintaining an A
average, and I learned how to do that through my
high school experience. Thanks again! Im loving
every minute of college life!
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Alice Miller
University of Texas
Taking the big leap from high school to college
was a daunting and exciting experience. I was sad
to leave all the friends and wonderful memories
that I gained at Klein Collins, but with the
support from all the faculty, teachers, and my
fellow students I was able to leave Collins with
the satisfactory feeling that I was fully
prepared to embark on that new chapter of
my life. I could not have asked for a better four
years of preparation for the University or any
other college for that matter. I am very grateful
for everyone at Collins who was a part of my high
school experience, and for all the guidance they
gave me that helped shape me into the person that
I am today. Thanks again and hook em horns!
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Victoria Rduch

• I truly didnt know what to expect when I
  traveled to Massachusetts to go to Amherst
  however, I knew that I would be ready for
  whatever came my way thanks to Klein Collins and
  its teachers who prepared me. My high school
  education has helped me to continue getting good
  grades.
• Thanks teachers!

Amherst
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Allison McMullen Texas AM
Gig Em Ags!
High School was such a special time to many of
us, but it would not have been as special without
the investment that each of you made in our
lives. You truly have no idea how much you
affected
my life, simply by taking the time to make sure I
was as prepared as I could be for the next phase
to come. Texas AM is amazing, but I
wouldnt be where I am today if it wasnt for the
teachers who cared about my future. The words
Thank You just dont seem to be enough. Have a
great year! Your investment in your students does
not go unnoticed! A special shout out to Ms.
Walters and Ms. Thompson!!
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Corban Bates
Class of 2004

• I am entering my Junior year at West Point.
• Thank you for all of your guidance and support
  during my years at Klein Collins.

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PAUL TILTON UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS
I dont even know how to begin. For starters,
Im currently studying Chinese in Beijing
otherwise, Id be right there with you all to
thank you in person for everything that you have
done for me.
To my teachers,
Serving in perhaps the most underrated
profession, you have no airs about you, and yet
you toil And toil you do dont think we dont
knowits not easy putting up with the likes of
us. And so I thank you for years of early
mornings and long afternoons, for the times when
it would have been all too easy to withdraw and
check out. Because the truth is this
you invested in my life, and it made a
difference.
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Lacey Horne
Class of 2004

• I will always be grateful for those of you who
  dedicated yourselves to educating and caring for
  me while I was in high school. I can only hope
  that other students will learn as much as I did
  at KC. Thank all of you for everything that you
  have done to help me reach my goals in life, and
  to get me where I am today.

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• If I never met you, I wouldn't like you.
  If I didn't like you, I wouldn't
  love you. If I didn't love you, I
  wouldn't miss you. But I did, I do,
  and I will.
• Thank you so much for all your hard work and
  devotion. I will take with me many fond
  memories of you all.

Bart Kieschnick Class of 2004 University of Texas
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Thank you all, and have a great year!