On Oct. 24, I started my first day at a new high school. Looking back at my time at Silicon Valley Essential High School, I recall myself not being able to say anything to the students, teachers, and board members before the school closed. As former student body president, I should have said something while I had the chance. However, I believe that it is better late than never.

I am truly saddened by the closing of Silicon Valley Essential High School, but even more sad because of the predicament we, as students, were left in. However, this letter is not to criticize anyone about what happened at SVEHS, but it is a letter acknowledging those of you who invested time and effort in structuring the high school, especially those who took part in its leadership. I have never worked with such wonderful, open-minded and intelligent people in my life. Many thanks go out to you and your parents. Thank you for supporting the school's student body.

Silicon Valley Essential enabled me to find myself. While at the school I learned how important it is to stay true to yourself and not let anyone bring you down. I learned to set goals and direct myself on how I can reach them.

All I can say at this point is thank you. Thank you to the school, to the teachers, to those who created the school, and more thanks to the students who made the whole school environment even more likeable. I will honestly miss each and every one of you. Thank you for helping me overcome my fear of people not accepting me for who I am. In other words, thank you for helping me remove all the paint coats that I have covered myself in throughout my life.

To those of you reading this and wondering if I feel embarrassed while writing this, the answer is no. People at SVE were truly great and not all of us are lucky enough to meet students our own age who can look past our physical appearance and other materialistic things. I'm also not embarrassed because if you want to be heard, you have to speak out. This is my way of sending my message and letting you know the differences you've made and can make.

Good luck to all of you. I hope things work out the way you plan. Perhaps maybe one day we‚ll see each other again.

Anne Duarte, Sunnyvale