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I had the privilege of being part of a panel tasked with interviewing high school seniors for college scholarships. The students represented two public and two private schools, and I was impressed with each candidate. They were accomplished and driven with goals for their future and plans to reach them.

Do I have any concerns about this generation? Absolutely. And the last one and the next one. I’ve never lived in a perfect time or place and won’t until Heaven. Until then, I will keep praying, moving forward, and encouraging others to do the same.

To the Class of 2022:

Congratulations! You have anticipated this for a very long time. The years devoted to your education will be crowned with a well-deserved diploma. While some may view this day as an end to education, I pray it is only a step to your level of learning whether in a job, trade school or college.

Be good stewards of the brain God issued to you, and never stop learning. Above all, place the Word of God on your “Must Read” list of books.

As important as the lessons you’ve learned in the classroom are the ways you’ve grown as a person, the friendships you have formed, and the deeper understanding you have acquired of yourself and others. Remember the love of your family and friends.  Remember your own sacrifices and hard work.  And remember God has a special plan for your life.

In the words of John Erskine, educator, author, pianist, composer, and the first president of Julliard School of Music, “Let’s tell our young people that the best books are yet to be written; the best paintings have not yet been painted; the best governments are yet to be formed; the best is yet to be done by them.”

Class of 2022, go for it!

 

Ronny Michel can be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.