Congratulations to all of those diligent and responsible individuals who graduated from the local high schools this year. The diploma you earned is a symbol of your hard work, your knowledge, ability, and achievement.

After all, each of you passed both California High School Exit Exams (CAHSEE), the mock interview requirement, and maintained a decent grade point average. Pat yourselves on the back. You deserve it. Now, on to the next challenge you have chosen in your life and good luck. You can do it.

Some people still wonder about merits of the CAHSEEs. I hope this year’s harvest of graduates convinces them that our state has done the right thing for our graduates. I mean, how would you like to be awarded a diploma no one valued?

The diploma this year’s graduates earned means a lot. These young people can read, write and do a considerable amount of math.

To those who did not earn a diploma, for whatever reason, I want to encourage you to renew your efforts. I read the newspaper every day and I read about people being injured in car accidents, dying from sunstroke, victims of criminal activity, etc. But I’ve never read a single article about a student who died from studying too much. So, don’t be afraid. Studying won’t kill you.

At the same time, to all of my colleagues, site administrators, and support staff throughout the district, my hat is off to all of our younger children.

Before I close, let me also congratulate the parents of our graduates and our business community that does so much for our educational system here in Madera. I am especially grateful to The Madera Tribune for the class sets of newspapers it provided our school several times each week. Now that’s support. Thank you, all of you. Enjoy your summer.

Brian Donald O’Donovan,
Madera

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