The Path Continues

     This past week has been busy and exciting all across the Triad. Our high school seniors celebrated graduation. We are proud of them and wish them the best in pursuing future successes.

     Of course, we want to congratulate these young people for completing one forward, positive step in the road of life. We personally met many of the graduating seniors over the past couple of months during our Safe Sober Prom Night program. We thank them for their participation, and are already preparing for the class of 2009! We continue to enhance our efforts to connect with them online.

     Meeting these students brings to mind several thoughts and life lessons. First, we are proud of our graduates. We enjoyed meeting them and getting to know them. As they come of age the future should be very exciting.

     Next, these graduates make us optimistic about the future for all of us. We have a coming group of adults who are very diverse, talented, and motivated. They are our future leaders and decision makers. They even get to vote in a Presidential election for the first time this fall!

     We also want to thank our teachers, educators, and parents. They, too, are part of our future. In the words of Robert Louis Stevenson, "Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you plant." A lot of seeds have been planted! Take a moment to thank those who have helped along the way.

    Graduation is not an end, but a beginning. It is the beginning of the next stage in life. One of the ironic parts of finishing is that it is simply the start of the next chapter. A lesson they will learn, is that part of success is to never stop learning. Life is a journey. Enjoy the ride, but keep your wheels on the ground!

     So, graduates, our expectations are high for you. You make us proud and optimistic for the future. We love you and are excited for you. Please be safe, make good decisions, support each other, and enjoy all the good things life has to offer.