To the Class of 2021...

To the Class of 2021-Congratulations! You did it! You successfully completed your 13 year journey through a local school system. That is certainly something to be celebrated.

Not only did you complete (at least) 13 years of schooling, you did so with the final two years being marred and adjusted due to a global pandemic. Many of you completed your schooling while also participating in athletics, band, or academic extra-curriculars. You navigated through all of those things and still posted high grade point averages and accolades in all other extra-curricular activities. Those are all things to be proud of.

As you begin your new journey of college, a career, or the military, always remember this: be proud of where you have come from, and what you have gone through. It has taken all of those things to shape you into the man or woman you are becoming. Even the last two years of living and navigating a global pandemic will be instrumental in your future endeavors. You have something that the graduating classes before you did not have. You have the perseverance to stick things out when they get tough. Always remember that, and know that you truly can do anything you set your mind to.

There was a lot of talk during graduation about your “village.” Your village is not only your family and friends, but your teachers, school staff, and the community who cheer you on when the going is good. But, more importantly, it is those who stay around when the going gets rough. I heard a speaker talk about your “ride or dies.” She said “Everyone wants to ride when the gas tank is full, but it is the ones who hang around when the gas tank goes empty that truly are there for you.” Make sure to make a note of those who are there when the tank is empty. Those are the ones you need to stick with, the ones you need to remember, and the ones you need to thank when things go right.

Some of you may not be sure of what your next step may be, and that is ok too. Even if that is the case, don’t ever stop. Don’t stop pushing, don’t stop learning, and don’t stop growing. In other words, don’t ever settle. Don’t settle for a lower paying job because “I’m not educated enough,” or “I can’t do more school.” Don’t settle for less than whatever your dreams may be because your village is behind you and we support you. You have all the tools you need to succeed in your future endeavors, it is now up to go and make it happen.

Congratulations to the Class of 2021! We know you will do great things and can’t wait to say “We knew them when…”