I hate that I’m even writing this, because non-poetic words can do little to express what I am feeling, and such writings always sound cheesy, but alas, even my reason cannot stop me.

Everyone has yearnings, and dreams, and wishes. Some people are in better positions then others to fulfill them. What really matters is that you find happiness. But sometimes, happiness is a struggle, and happiness is short-lived, and happiness is fleeting.

I am so, so happy, after watching The Prom, that Buffy finally received one night of real happiness. I’m doing the tearing thing and living vicariously through my favorite fictional vampire-battling hero, and I can only hope that we all can experience this time of happiness, and that it lasts long beyond what our heroine was allowed.

We’re not good friends. Most of us never found the time to get to know you. But that doesn’t mean we haven’t noticed you.

We don’t talk about it much, but it’s not secret that Sunnydale High isn’t really like other high schools. A lot of weird stuff happens here. But whenever there was a problem or something creepy happened, you seemed to show up and stop it. Most of the people here have been saved by you. Or helped by you at one time or another.

We’re proud to say that the class of ’99 has the lowest mortality rate of any graduating class in Sunnydale history. (Laughter) And we know that at least part of that is because of you. So the senior class offers it’s thanks and gives you, uh… this. (He hands her a sparkling umbrella trophy) It’s from all of us. And it has written here, Buffy Summers- Class Protector.

– Jonathan, reading from a prepared speech at the Senior Prom (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

Sometimes, recognition is embarrassing. Sometimes, it is just what you need.