Graduation parties will fill many calendars
Graduation date is nearing for candidates in high school, community college, technical-vocational school, and college in the High Plains.
It is an exciting time for these soon-to-be graduates. Graduation always comes at a time of uncertainty—but that’s nothing new. Graduates, parents and grandparents have anxiety and in a way that is a good sign because it means people care.
For many years working in the newspaper industry, May was a month journalists could not be gone. It was all hands on deck to make sure graduations were covered with stories and photographs filling local pages. I was not alone, many radio stations and television stations were there to provide coverage.
As I covered events my competitive nature was to seek out a touching story—a veteran who returned to get his or her diploma, a working mother, a cancer survivor, etc.—that made great local copy.
Most ceremonies were nice and well-organized. The messages from speakers—whether by a graduating senior, a school administrator or invited speaker—carried similar themes. Those themes were about the importance of perseverance, staying humble, working hard, staying true to values, and taking time to thank your parents and teachers for their encouragement. Many speakers touched on the importance of being faith-based.
All those messages will be repeated during May’s commencement activities.
Graduates from the High Plains are fortunate. Graduates with strong work ethics tend to land the best opportunities. That drive is well-known in urban regions where companies look for young workers who are willing to go the extra mile to have success. That reputation has been earned by previous graduates so it sets a high bar for expectations.
The good news is each year I continue to see graduates who understand what is needed.
Today’s graduates have a world of opportunity ahead and we need them to find cures for cancer and dementia. In agriculture, there is a need for new ideas on how to improve genetics in livestock and crops. Agriculture is what feeds this country and world.
I would also encourage them to weigh in on political matters of importance at the local, state and federal levels. Addressing complex problems takes many voices. When weighing in do so with civility and take the approach that it is OK to disagree without being disagreeable.
It is also important to volunteer whether at a local church, school or community. Those experiences help to make a graduate more well-rounded in their life’s perspective.
It is also OK during this month to take a step back, relax, reminisce and plan ahead.
I am eager to see your energy, expertise and intellect to not only reach a high bar, but to set a new standard that benefits all mankind.
Dave Bergmeier can be reached at 620-227-1822 or [email protected].
