News and information for staff members and the Madison community
Vol. II No. 8 - June 1, 2007
June, 2007
Across America, spring annually brings a common rite of passage for most of our citizens — high school graduation. That single event represents the turning point for so many things in our life journey. Although the transition from child to adult is gradual, the ceremony is a marker of the end of childhood.
Our new graduates enter a different world than I entered 47 years ago. Communication is instant and the economy is global. The media brings the news of the world, for better or worse, into our homes and lives instantly, 24 hours a day. Family-supporting jobs rely, more and more, on knowledge rather than manual skills. Most of our graduates will change not just jobs but careers many times during their working lives as the needs of the economy change.
Within this context one thing remains constant; as a society we have not yet learned to work and live effectively with those who differ from us. Language, race, sexual orientation, disability and culture still separate many of our citizens from success. There has been progress made, but a long road of change lies ahead.
The responsibility for completing the creation of a society that recognizes the worth of all based on who they are - not what they are - passes into their hands. This may be their most important and difficult challenge. Our society's place in the future world rests on their ability to continue the work begun by others that will finally create the freedom for all promised by our Founding Fathers.
Each of our graduates is a unique person shaped by the shared experiences of school and the individual interactions that each of them have had with teachers, peers, family and community. The greatest asset that our district provided is the rich diversity of student peers. Learning and living has occurred among students who share the same culture, and other students whose language, race and culture are different to theirs. The opportunity to relate with a diverse set of peers is a gift to them for the future.
The wide-eyed kindergartners of 13 years ago will accomplish many things during the next decades. Some of them will make astounding discoveries that will change the world and others will lead large corporations and rise to high levels of public service.
However, most of this year's graduates will be like most of us. They will work hard to provide the best for their families and be good parents and good friends. They will follow the news and make the decisions at the ballot box that determine the future for all of us. They will worry about those in need and volunteer to help in many small and large ways. In the end, these graduates will be the backbone of our society.
We are graduating outstanding young people. They are prepared to be the citizens and leaders of tomorrow. We are in good hands!
Last Updated: Tue Jul 31 08:58:21 2007
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