For all the time I’ve known Bethany, I can’t remember a moment that she didn’t make me smile and laugh more than I ever have before. One of my fondest memories of Bethany was when we’d first met in seventh grade. I sat next to her at lunch, and we’d always play with our food together and make each other laugh. I had just moved here back then, and I was nervous and didn’t know anyone. Bethany made my first year at a new school amazing, and she’s been making my life amazing ever since. During freshmen year, she became one of my best friends. When I look back at my memories with Bethany, I realize what a blessing she was to this world. She radiated joy and kindness, and she cared about every creature on this earth. If I was having a bad day, I could always count on seeing Bethany when we walked to math together with a big smile on her face. Whether it was the science fair, seventh grade lunch, going to movies, King’s Dominion, birthday parties, the Kennedy Center, swimming, homecoming, or just hanging out, Bethany never failed to brighten my life. For my birthday last year, she gave me a little necklace that’s a swirl with my name on it, and there’s a little star charm hanging from it. Today, that necklace represents all my moments with her, and all the joy she brought to everyone she knew. That necklace will never come off, and Bethany will forever stay in my heart.  Bethany-I love you beyond words, and I will forever miss your smile and caring ways.