Published: May 20, 2009 10:26 am      

To the class of 2009

“The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet. ”

–Aristotle

You have reached the end that marks a new beginning. As you take those final steps as a high school student to receive your diploma Friday night – remember this – You will never stop learning.

Whether you are headed to college or into the workforce, you will grow ripe with age and with that comes knowledge.

Trust me, you don’t know everything yet.



Don't live down to expectations. Go out there and do something remarkable.

– Wendy Wasserstein

You possess the abilities to go out and make something of yourself.

Don’t let anyone tell you different. Don’t let your background stop you from being all you can be.

Be remarkable.



The fireworks begin today. Each diploma is a lighted match. Each one of you is a fuse.

– Edward Koch

In 1996 with my high school diploma in hand, I didn’t know what fire I was going to start.

All I knew was I was going to college with an undeclared major and the parental advisement that I must get out in four years so that my sister could get started on her higher education.

My public relations degree was obtained from Mississippi State (yes, in four years) and I landed in journalism.

Go out into the world and find your niche and be happy as you discover what you are meant to do!



You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.

You're on your own.

And you know what you know.

You are the guy who'll decide where to go.

–Dr. Seuss



Leslie N. Dees is the news editor of The Star-Herald. Email her at editor@starherald.net or follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/lndees.