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THE CLASSES OF 2012
Friday, June 15, 2012 | North Kitsap Herald
‘You enter a world where there are unlimited options’ By JEFF TOLMAN
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raduation time is here, an intersection in young people’s lives from which their common course — elementary school, middle school, high school — becomes an individual journey. A point at which their life becomes theirs more than it ever has been. They are now, by some definitions, adults. Each year as times, circumstances and the world evolve, I think of what I would say to the local high school graduates if asked. 2012 graduates: Thank you for allowing me to address you on this important afternoon. First, I hope you will thank the family and friends who are here with you today. They are very proud of you. Take a minute sometime today and
let them know you are equally proud of them. And remember today that the two most powerful phrases in the English language, when spoken from the heart, are “Thank you” and “I love you.” This is among the most pivotal moments in each of your lives to date for a number of reasons. You have matriculated through society’s mandated education system. You leave the world of being considered a youngster to a world in which you will be considered, and be expected to perform as, an adult. Your group of childhood friends will disburse and you will make new friends as your original pals’ life paths diverge. Never forget, though, there are no friends like old friends. You enter a world where there are unlimited options. I remember my
kids being almost paralyzed by the number of options available to them after graduation. Work or school? What work? What school? The possibilities were endless. But what I most hope you will graduate from today is trying to mimic others. I hope you will graduate in to realizing the unique, one-of-a-kind ingredient you bring into this world. For much of any young person’s life we want to be like others. I wanted to be suave Iike Chris Kelly, worldly like Doug Stephens, funny like Steve Zlatos, kind like Bernie Hite. My life centered on being like others, not what I had to bring to the world myself. Then, at some point, it struck me that, like those I sought to resemble, I had something unique to add to the world. That there was no other person on the entire planet like me. No one else exists who was born in Greybull, Wy., on May
CONGRATULATIONS
3, 1953, then moved to Asotin, Wash., attended Eastern Washington University and Gonzaga Law School, then moved to Poulsbo, married Laurie and fathered Chris and Andy, and is the grandfather of Kinzie and Miller. I am unique. And I say to each of you, there is no one like you either. You have a one-of-a-kind experience, story to tell and view of the world. Share it! Not as being like someone else, as being yourself. Feeling comfortable to give your opinion. Knowing your view gives an important addition to every conversation and job and relationship. As you go forward today, I offer three suggestions. Listen to your parents and grandparents. They would never give you advice they didn’t think was in your best interest. You will never regret doing what you know is right, even if at the time it is not popular or is incon-
■ June 8: West Sound Academy, 7 p.m., Kiana Lodge. ■ June 10: Olympic College, 2 p.m., 1600 Chester Ave., Bremerton.
■ June 15: North Kitsap High School, 7 p.m., North Kitsap Stadium. ■ June 16: Kingston High School, 2 p.m., North Kitsap Stadium.
THE
Classes OF
A letter to the Class of 2012
GRADUATION DATES & TIMES
2012
A publication of the North Kitsap Herald and the Kingston Community News
Publisher: Donna Etchey Editor: Richard Walker Copy editors: Kipp Robertson, Megan Stephenson Ad and cover design: Nik Visner Advertising sales: Jodi Blackmore, Victoria McDonald, Frank Portello Administrative coordinator: Laura Lanum Circulation: Christy Dano venient. Be yourself. You are unique. One of a kind. There is no one like you. The world is bigger and better through what you bring to it, as will be everyone you touch.
Congratulations, graduates! May your years ahead be happy, healthy, challenging and growth inducing. — Jeff Tolman is a lawyer and Poulsbo Municipal Court judge.
Congratulations and much success!
CLASS OF 2012! 1779 Hostmark Street, Poulsbo www.northpointpoulsbo.org 360.779.0800
Back row Left to Right Joey Regan, Jared Cordell, Henry Baldwin, Nathan McCown, Hannah Pratt, Jacob Sokol Front row: Left to Right Mindy Calder, Natalie Forney, Valerie Devereaux, Megan Green, Jasmine Selembo, Ashley DeSalvo
360.779.9189 705 NE Lincoln Rd, Poulsbo GatewayChristianSchools.org
Our Hats Off to all 2012 Graduates! Stay connected to your hometown no matter where life takes you... www.NorthKitsapHerald.com www.KingstonCommunityNews.com