When the Class of 2008 graduated last year, there were signs that things weren’t going well in our country.
We weren’t sure what was happening, but things didn’t look good. Hindsight being what it is, we know now that things really aren’t good. Economists tell us we’re in one of the worst recessions to hit our country in the last century.
So maybe things aren’t as promising for the Class of 2009 as they might have been a few years ago.
The good news for you students who are graduating this week is you’ve stayed in school and you’ve finished. At the very least, that tells prospective employers that you can stick it out, that you can accomplish a goal. We hope your education takes you beyond that.
In our world we need young people who can apply the positive things they’ve been taught. You’ve learned the basics €“ reading, writing, science and math.
We hope you’ve also learned to think constructively, to solve the problems you encounter. The principles of respect for others, the importance of behaving in a safe manner, of responsibility, have been drilled into you since Day 1. You’ve been given opportunities to work with others in group projects, to go out in the community and make yourself useful in positive ways.
Some of you have seized those opportunities and worked in elementary schools, the junior high and high school, you’ve volunteered in community events, served on Peer Court, participated in Scouts and other young people’s service organizations, served in churches, et cetera, et cetera. Some of you have played sports or gotten involved in music or clubs.
Some of you haven’t