Another graduation season is upon us.

Greenville High School wished farewell to the Class of 2012 Tuesday night. Georgiana School, Fort Dale Academy and McKenzie School will do the same later this week.

Graduation is a time to recognize the achievements made, but even more importantly, to prepare for the next steps to come.

Class of 2012, 13 years ago when you were in kindergarten people would ask, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

You probably said something like a princess or a dinosaur. If you were really ambitious you might have said a superhero.

In the coming weeks, you’ll begin to hear that question again, if you haven’t already. This time, the folks asking are expecting a real answer.

Don’t let that stop you from saying something that sounds crazy. After all, this is the time to chase after those dreams that are so big they’re a little scary.

An unknown poet may have said it best when he, or she, penned these words.

“If there were ever a time to dare,

To make a difference

To embark on something worth doing

It is now.

Not for any grand cause, necessarily –
but for something that tugs at your heart.
Something that is worth your aspiration.
Something that is your dream.

You owe it to yourself to make your days count.
Have fun. Dig deep. Stretch.

Dream big.

Know, though,
that things worth doing
seldom come easy.

There will be times when you want to
turn around,
pack it up and call it quits.

Those times tell you
that you are pushing yourself
and that you are not afraid to learn by trying.

Persist.

Because with an idea,
determination and the right tools,
you can do great things.

Let your instincts, your intellect
and your heart guide you.
Trust.

Believe in the incredible power
of the human mind, of doing something that makes a difference, of working hard, of laughing and hoping,
of lasting friends, of all the things that will cross your path.

Next year
the start of something new
brings the hope of something great.
Anything is possible.

There is only one you
and you will pass this way but once. Do it right.”

Graduates, we wish you much success as you move forward into college, trade school, or your first full-time position. We’re sure you’ll make us proud.