By Jordan J. Phelan 

Throughout my life, I’ve always heard people say, “Where has the time gone?” but I haven't really been able to say that too much myself. Well, not until now.

Graduation is such an immense milestone in everyone’s life, no matter who you are, and as the day approaches, I begin to reflect on the most memorable moments and people throughout my high school career.

I know when I think back at my four years at Portsmouth High School, I recall the games I participated in as part of the unified basketball team and all my educators that motivated and inspired me the most. Their influence and impact on my life and passions were so great that, at this time, I would like to share, with the community of Portsmouth, a small handful of goodbyes, and hope that I can be as memorable to them as they have been for me.

Goodbye to unified basketball: The term Patriot is defined as one who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it against all enemies or detractors. Well, that is precisely what our Portsmouth Patriots accomplished every second of every game these past two years.

With every dribble of the ball, there was a strong flow of emotion, a passion for the game, determination to score, love for one another and the other team, and respect for the referees, R.I. Interscholastic League and unified sports.

These past two years, however short, were the greatest of my life, as I got to play with athletes that have the hearts of NBA players, and an extreme degree of admiration and forgiveness that most tend to lack. In some games this past season, things got heated. But defending ourselves and the way we play the game is exactly what the word we personify means.

I am honored to have won a championship with this group, and to have got to know every single member personally. The memories we have made will stay with me forever, and I can’t wait to be there for the making of new ones.

Unified sports does so much in inspiring and motivating people of all ages with intellectual disabilities by giving everyone involved the opportunity to strive in countless sports, with a resilient emphasis on sportsmanship. Thank you Coach Jones and the RIIL for teaching me leadership, and all the opportunities, memories and connections that I’ll hold onto forever.

Goodbyes to teachers

Mr. Betres & Mr. Cassady: Advisory always made me and my fellow classmates feel attentive, content and safe. Most importantly, I always had you two there; a couple of the brightest minds and teachers at PHS for assistance in choosing classes, doing homework, and planning for college. Aside from being my advisor, I also had the opportunity of having Mr. Betres as a teacher and a senior project head judge. Thank you both for your undivided attention all these years, and your participation and interest in all of our lives and school work.

Ms. Escobar: When I first took your photography class in junior year, I was not interested in art — at least not to the degree at which I am now. But over time, you and your class inspired me to take my camera and catch images and moments that others just seemingly pass without notice. You, like my fellow respected educators, gave me more than just assignments in a classroom, but opportunities to further my future and increase the depth of field that is my life, and for that I thank you.

Ms. Oxx: Not only were you my journalism teacher for all four years, you were also like a mentor to me. You taught me different ways to capture a story, and how to create leads that entice the reader. Most of all, you offered me countless opportunities to get published, and helped me as a writer strengthen my craft. It is because of you that I am who I am, and why this is published here today. You were the first high school teacher to profoundly inspire me, and for that I am grateful beyond words.

Senhora Pires: When I enrolled in your Portuguese class freshman year, my goal was to communicate with my family. Throughout the years together, I acquired from you the proper tenses, vital vocabulary words, and common phrases found in the Portuguese language, and I am now able to translate what my family is saying. My time with you as a teacher went beyond the class description, and I will cherish all the moments we as a class spent in your course. Thank you.

Additional thanks to Mrs. White, Mrs. Krupa, Mr. Marra and Ms. Ridder for everything over the years!

Congratulations, Class of 2015!

Jordan J. Phelan is a member of the Class of 2015 at Portsmouth High School.