Within These Walls
By Maura Graves (Class of 2025)
70 years, at such an amazing place
Walking through the doors bright and early with a smile on my face
12 long letters that spell out Princess Anne
but the meaning behind that title
is what has made me who I am
Students cheering and chanting, “WELCOME TO PA” so loud but all with pride
As I walked through the main entrance
a small freshman at Cav Connection for the very first time
Fast forward now, every morning as I’m running late
the bell rings 7:20! Get to class quickly! Mrs. LO says as she holds her coffee by the door and smiles after her quip
I walk into class and sit in my seat
but not before gazing at all the students
whom freshman year, little would I know, would hold a place so close to my heart and become so dear to me
Like shooting stars, teachers ignite passion in my eyes
fueling my thirst for learning, reaching for the skies.
Exams, tests, quizzes, and IA’s, but PA teachers taught me the most successful ways.
But it wasn’t just academics that shaped my core
It was the bonds I formed with classmates, teammates, and friends that I truly adore.
Field Hockey, Orchestra, and clubs name them all! These are what truly got me so involved.
The orchestra room, so lively and long
As Mr. Kelly conducts, music fills the air like a yellow wind; the students and I play along.
The stage becomes my haven, where I find I truly belong; my passion for performing and playing music remains strong.
The stage in the grand auditorium, the emblem of PA, where students have walked across the stage, and where I will walk across to receive my IB diploma one day.
As my field hockey coach once said, “It’s cool, man.” I find myself applying that saying to everything that lies ahead.
Victories and losses shared as one united band
PA school spirit ignited by every clap and hand.
So, my dear friend, Princess Anne has shaped me indeed
instilling resilience and the drive to succeed
Memories cherished, lessons forever learned, in my heart, the fire of gratitude forever burns
But watch out, incoming freshmen! For you were just like me, a girl who hates waking up early but hopes she will succeed.
While my time at PA is not over yet, getting to call myself a Princess Anne Cavalier is one of the best feelings I have ever had.
When I walk through these doors as a senior one last time
I will hear the announcements with tears in my eyes…
“It’s a great year to be Cavalier!”
