Dare To Survive Epilogue: Santana's newspaper article.

3 Months later…

LOCAL SHOW CHOIR SHOWDOWN: THE DEATH OF A STAR

By Santana Lopez, senior at McKinley High School.

For those of you who have no idea what a show choir is, it is a place where people dance and sing covers of songs. But it isn't just that.

It's a place for freedom, where people can be their true selves. Where a football jock can show his nerdy side, talking about Star Wars to his friend who happens to be in a wheelchair. Where a boy, or girl, unsure of themselves, can come out of the flannel closet for the first time to their first and second families. It's a place where secrets can be revealed, friends can feud and make up, and relationships can be built from the bottom up. It's a place where a family is made. Where stereotypes are broken. "Glee, by its very definition, is about opening yourself up to joy." –Lillian Adler.

A couple months ago, I was a part of something that changed modern and show choir history. I, along with my glee club, the New Directions, was locked into our school-an internal lockdown. This was done so by the captain of another show choir with the help of two New Directioners. They knocked off everyone, one by one including both of our captains and my girlfriend, Brittany Pierce. This article isn't about her, or them.

This is about the infamous tragedy of our best vocalist. Rachel Berry, by her own words, was a star. She shined brighter than the sun, so full of confidence and joy. Nothing could, and nothing tried, to stop her. Throughout high school, Rachel was tormented by me and the head cheerleader, Quinn Fabray. Rachel would get horrible nicknames and slushies to the face for what seemed to be no reason what so ever. But there was a reason. Quinn was in love with Rachel, and didn't know how to tell her. So she admitted her love through pain.

A day or two before the lockdown, our coach had us recruit Rachel to the Cheerios. She was instantly popular, and Quinn finally made her move. They were happy and in love, much like my girlfriend and I. When the lockdown started, Rachel instantly took charge. She made sure everyone was safe and away from harm when the chance was given. She tried everything she could to save those we lost. In the end, she ended up losing her own life. She would never get to live her dream of performing on Broadway, making it in New York. I plan on taking her advice and following my own dream in her memory, becoming something big.

Mr. Shuester placed a memorial for Rachel and the others in the choir room. He isn't the only one, though. Sue Sylvester made a bigger version of that memorial and placed it in the courtyard. This is a reminder that winning isn't everything.

My heart goes out to the families and friends of the following:

Noah Puckerman- someone who was like a brother to everyone.

Finn Hudson- someone who didn't deserve the teasing he received.

Blaine Anderson- a boy who just wanted to have fun.

Michael Chang- he did nothing wrong, only loved what he did and his girlfriend.

Brittany Pierce- an innocent girl who saw the best in everything and had a love for fat cats and unicorns, and also my girlfriend. Miss you, Britt.

Joseph Hart- a Jesus-lover who wanted nothing but to spread the peace.

Arthur Abrams- a boy in a wheelchair with a passion for singing and performing, as well as directing.

Sugar Motta- a lovable girl who saw the best and worst in things.

Mercedes Jones- a soul sister who refused to let people touch her tots.

Samuel Evans- a boy with extremely large lips, but with a heart just as big.

Rory Flanagan- an Irish boy who just wanted to be loved, finding exactly that in America.

Lucy Fabray- My best friend and someone who had gone through so much throughout high school. I miss you so much, Q. I'll keep an eye on Beth for you and Puck.

And last, but not least, our shining star, Rachel Berry- a girl with a love and passion for performing, a heart the size of her nose, and a true hero deep down inside. I am so sorry for treating you like I did, Rachel.

I miss all you guys. McKinley just isn't the same without you all there. Don't stop believing, and I'll see you all later. I love and miss you all. Rest in Peace.

Love,

Santana.