I believe we go to a really cool school. I honestly do. I believe our academics are the smartest. I believe our athletes work the hardest and I believe our teachers care the most.

This conviction was strengthened during the summer while I and the rest of my journalism comrades took part in a journalism workshop in Dallas and I got to hang out with kids from schools all over Texas. And the whole weekend I kept thinking, “Our kids are way better than these kids. Our girls dress way better than these girls. Our guys are way cooler than these guys.” And this past week, while returning to the school to get my schedule and work on the Rider, I realized how much I missed Legacy; how much its become a home to me these past two (soon to be three) years.

And so this year, I’d like to issue a challenge to every student, teacher and faculty member on this campus; be more awesome. Or rather, be as awesome as I think we can. Let’s make this year our best. Let’s have fun, make some memories, create fun little in-jokes that only we’ll get. Hey, Mr. Football Player, that was pretty awesome how you scored that touchdown. You know what would be even more awesome? If you scored two more. Hey Acadec Kid, you come from a long, honorable lineage of chaotic, scary, geniuses; make them proud.

I want this to be the most awesome year Legacy has ever had. I want everyone to come together and do that thing that the Whos did at the end of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I’m speaking metaphorically and literally; I think it would be awesome if a big group of kids held hands, got in a circle and started singing. Do that. Take photos. Send them to us.

While we’re on that topic, if we’re all going to be more awesome, we here at The Rider are going to want to hear about it. If you or a friend does something really awesome, tell us. Email me, email anybody on staff and tell us how you’re making Legacy more awesome. We’ll repost on the site of its really cool. Send a photo. Photos are cool.

I gotta feeling this year is going to be special. But I could be wrong. Ultimately, it’s up to you. You can choose to be one of those losers that think they’re living in a prison because they have to wear a lanyard. You can walk into the school with a cloud over your head and brag about failing every class. But you wouldn’t you rather smile? Wouldn’t rather have fun while you’re here? Wouldn’t you rather be awesome?

Have a good year. Have a great year. Have the best year. And tell us all about it. Go Broncos.