To the Hood River County high school Class of 2007, who received their
diplomas this weekend, we offer a handshake, and a nudge.
The handshake is for achieving one of the more important milestones of
your life: A high school diploma remains an achievement critical in
today’s world.
As they earned those diplomas, many of this year’s graduates excelled
academically and contributed extensively to their school and to their
community.
Congratulations for those gifts to self and society.
Now comes the nudge:
“It is time to be bold and not complacent. Don’t settle for good when
you can be great.”
Mike Schend said that. Mike is the director of Community Education, and
for years now he has seen children advance and develop through his
programs. As keynoter at last week’s Elks Lodge scholarship dinner, Schend
took the opportunity to congratulate — and challenge — members of the
Class of 2007. As Schend put it:
“The next four years of your life will be among the most exciting
you’ll ever experience. The insights you gain, please share with others.
Wherever you end up in life, get involved in your community. Develop a
passion for giving.
“Use what you have learned to give greatness to the world.”
