Thinking big is always in vogue
Our top three stories online carry themes fitting of the spring.
One is a look at the “Magnificent Seven” presidential libraries found throughout the High Plains region, written by this columnist. Another story chronicles a long-distance motorcycle ride by motorsport driver and commentator Kyle Petty by Field Editor Kylene Scott.
Another story, by Field Editor Lacey Vilhauer, describes how the 100th anniversary of Route 66 led to a beef council campaign along the iconic route.
The stories carry a common theme where great people, great causes, and great celebrations are about ingenuity and care for others.
The stories were inspirational, and I hope readers will find them that way, too.
All of this comes at a time during graduation season. Many high schools and colleges are sites for commencement ceremonies.
Today’s graduates deserve a salute for their hard work, perseverance, positive attitude, and aptitude. It is a timeless message delivered to me many years ago first as a high school graduate and later as a college graduate.
A graduate can—and should—take a few days to celebrate with family and friends. Then the message returns about hard work, perseverance, positive attitude, and aptitude. With diploma in hand, the graduate can have confidence that he or she can fulfill his or her vocation.
That vocation, whether it is in farming or ranching, support services, animal health, or a career outside of the chosen vocation, remains important to have a passion to serve others. In rural communities across the High Plains, there is a calling for veterinarians, teachers, health care, and elder care.
Today’s graduate holds the key to the future of our rural communities. They will need to have entrepreneurial skills that can deliver goods and services. They will also need to partner with local, state, and federal partners to help solve health or elder care, providing educational opportunities for youth.
One piece of advice is to set aside time for family and faith. When intertwined, they can provide a source of inner strength that is going to be tested many times when living in rural communities. Service above self is a timeless motto to take to heart.
However, never turn back on your roots. Success stories abound because hard work, perseverance, positive attitude, and aptitude are cornerstones. Seven presidents came from the High Plains, and they were all appreciative of their roots and support of their hometowns. Maybe a graduate from a High Plains institution from the Class of 2026 will add to the total.
Today’s graduates face many uncertainties, but challenges yield new opportunities. We take heart that today’s graduates have the moxie to get the job done.
Dave Bergmeier can be reached at 620-227-1822 or [email protected].
