The Future is Bright

by Briana R. Tomack Greater Latrobe Laurel Valley Chamber of Commerce President PO Box 463, Latrobe, PA 15650 724-537-2671 • www.latrobelaurelvalley.org

It is approaching June as I write this piece. I am feeling somewhat melancholy, for this is the final year of high school for my youngest child, Alex, who will graduate in a few short weeks. As all parents have told me over the years, “Enjoy every moment, it goes so fast.” No truer words have been spoken! As I look back over the years, I am certain that perhaps I did not “enjoy” every moment, but I remember all of them. Of course, there are a variety of memories, but they certainly are not in short supply! As I perused photos to use in a collage, I got lost as my mind took me back to each place and time, every photo telling its own story. I spent hours enjoying the time sorting and thinking of the future that lies ahead for both of my boys. High school graduation is a rite of passage so long awaited by students everywhere. It is a marking of time, hard work, achievement and the building of relationships. But it also signifies a new beginning as our graduates move on to the next chapter in their lives. As a mom, I have contemplated this as my boys have had to decide on their future plans. As the president of the Greater Latrobe Laurel Valley Chamber of Commerce, I have had the opportunity to meet and observe many of our local students as they have talked about their future plans at our year-end banquet each May.

Everyone, students and parents alike, have wished and made plans for the future of these graduates. And while wishes and dreams are important, it’s also essential that we support them as they face unexpected challenges, twists and turns, and life choices. Our stories never end the way we expect and that’s OK. Living is all about how we handle each situation that comes our way — not about achieving a series of benchmarks defined by others. If our graduates can use courage to choose their own paths, adapt to circumstances, and enjoy the peace that comes with finding their purpose, then they will be truly successful.

I want to take a moment to wish our graduates a bright future!

1992 2019 2021

Briana Tomack on graduation day at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (Fred Rogers was the guest speaker). Sam Tomack on graduation day at Derry Area High School. Alex Tomack on graduation day at Derry Area High School.