Congratulations to the members of Gilroy High School’s Class of
2004.
Congratulations to the members of Gilroy High School’s Class of 2004. Four short years ago, to quote from one recent graduation story, “The tech bubble hadn’t burst. The stock market was a global wonder. … and the name Osama bin Laden registered only as a minor blip on the national psyche.”
That is, however, but a backdrop for the changes today’s Gilroy High graduates have made in their own lives the past four years. In graduating from high school, the students have achieved an important milestone of growth and maturity. They should proudly celebrate the accomplishment. Too often we worry about the future and fail to enjoy the now.
So, celebrate at your school’s Grad Night party. It’s the last chance you’ll have to congregate with your high school classmates before you scatter. It’s a safe and sober party that will be an all-night blast – and your parents, who played such an important role in helping you get to this important day, won’t have to worry.
And we must remind the graduates not to drink and drive. That’s to ensure there are more “nows” to enjoy.
We hope your celebrations will include words of thanks and gratitude to the many people who helped you achieve this goal. From Little League coaches to elementary school teachers, from parents to classroom volunteers, from middle school teachers to school secretaries, from high school teachers to principals, you’ve earned a diploma because these people cared about you and your education.
Whether you’re heading to a job or the Ivy League, trade school or community college, a four-year university, a year backpacking in Europe or for military service, please understand that the end of high school shouldn’t mean the end of learning. With the number of career changes you’ll experience as an adult, with the swift pace of technology development and the general unpredictability of life, adopting an attitude of lifelong learning will stand you in good stead no matter where life takes you.
As a high school graduate in an presidential election year, we hope you’ll establish an early and lifelong habit of voting. Our democracy functions at its best with an active and well-informed citizenry. That extends from the high-marquee-value presidential elections to the much more low-key local school board and city council races. Take the time to study the issues and cast an educated ballot in every election.
Finally, we hope that as you make decisions about what to do with your adult life, you’ll make and keep two resolutions about your career: to do something you love and to do it to the best of your ability. Whether you become a pilot or plumber, a locksmith or lawyer, a judge or journalist, do your work with passion and skill.
A hearty congratulations to the Class of 2004 and to all those who had a hand in helping them achieve this important milestone.
