The past few weeks and months we have been writing the conclusion of the chapter entitled “High School.” This chapter, like everything else in life has to come to an end. As we walk out of these doors tonight, we will begin the next chapter of our lives. Your next chapter may be entitled “College,” “Military” or “Workforce.” The decisions we make after tonight will dictate where we go in life and, although that is important, so is everything along the way. Life is all about your choices. Make the choice to live well and live fully. Take action and make a positive difference; like Ghandi once said, “You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be no results.” So get out there and try new things, take chances and do your best. You can do it!

These people in attendance tonight, who are here to support us and to see us off to our futures, have been able to watch us grow. The mixed happiness, sadness, and relief we feel today are evidence of the hard work we have put forth. Though most of us have someone to whom we have looked for advice and encouragement, we ourselves are now the role models. Our success should be a quest to better ourselves, not to impress those rooting us on or to prove wrong those who wish us ill. We can’t depend on someone else to supply motivation for us; the greatest motivation comes from within. Do you want to succeed? Are you willing to give 110 percent to reach your goals? Find your passion and feed the fire of potential that burns within you.

Look back on your book of life; are you content with what is written? You can’t re-write what you have already written but you have a chance to make the next chapters in your book exceptional. It’s up to you We are now ready for our new journey, just like starting kindergarten, or Landrum High School, all over again. Congratulations Class of 2013!