Summer is in the air and Leelanau County High School seniors will take the stage to receive their diplomas at Northport, Suttons Bay, St. Mary, Northport, and Leelanau School this weekend.
As 2024 enters a new stage in those seniors’ lives we wish you the best of luck.
May you find your road of adventure. High school graduation is more than just a ceremony marking the end of an academic journey; it’s a rite of passage that symbolizes the transition from adolescence into adulthood. Ready or not.
I didn’t grow up here, but after covering area athletic teams and school board meetings, this is an area that takes a village to raise children into upstanding young men and women thanks to the parents, guardians, teachers, coaches, and more.
I never took high school that seriously, but your past certainly doesn’t determine your future. I was more interested in the future and where adventure lies. Now, nine years out of high school the journey is still continuing. I look back and laugh at those days with all the memories and mistakes that make me smile and cringe equally.
You determine your future, despite the cards you hold and obstacles that lie ahead.
As you enter this uncertain world, remember to choose a path that excites and motivates you. These notes are something I remember telling myself after graduating, and I still think these same ideals as well.
No matter how you did in high school, education doesn’t stop at graduation. Stay curious and seek knowledge as a lifelong endeavor.
Passion will fuel your perseverance and I believe lead to a fulfilling career and life.
Don’t be pressured by others, but make sure to set your expectations high. If you aim for the stars and fall a bit short, I would bet you are still in an amazing place. The most important thing is to make decisions that align with your aspirations. And it’s OK if your aspirations and perspective changes.
Life will require you to build resilience, just like a roller coaster going up and now. Develop resilience by testing yourself and pushing yourself to the limit in everything you do from that labor intensive summer job to making yourself comfortable in an uncomfortable situation.
One thing I wish I could have done better throughout my later teen years was managing time wisely. Instead of playing those video games or chasing a buzz, find passions that make you and your community a better place.
The biggest thing that I prioritized after leaving high school was cultivating relationships. Wherever you go, it’s important to know people and build and maintain meaningful relationships. This will get you further than you think.
Most importantly, surround yourself with good friends who keep you out of trouble, mentors, and networks that will help you grow personally and professionally.
Lastly, engage in your community, and give back whenever possible. You will be surprised where life will take you.
