Advice from the top for high school graduates BY ANGELA SMITH
After 13 years of classes, all-night study sessions, exams, experiments and term papers, the days of attending primary and secondary school in Brevard County came to a close this month for many teenagers as they walked across stages at their high school graduation ceremonies. Graduation marks the end of one chapter and creates mixed feelings of relief, sadness, happiness and anticipation. It also marks the beginning of a new life for the graduates, a journey where the children who once roamed the halls of area schools and transformed into teenagers will soon become men and women, taking on new responsibilities in their lives. They will develop patience, learn new skills, create or develop their faiths and hopes while entering into a new and uncertain world, carrying with them the teachings and knowledge they have acquired. To help guide each graduate, whether it be in college, the military or in the workforce, local school officials and business leaders provide words of encouragement and insight for the class of 2016 and their bright futures. VV
Gain trust in your ability to ‘self advocate.’ Learn to speak up but be respectful of your intellectual voice and never indulge in impulsive, emotional reactions. Manage your academic responsibilities — that’s why you’re in college. Look out for No. 1. Your emotional and physical health are your highest priorities. James G. Landi, Headmaster Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy
First, congratulations on your recent accomplishment of graduation. That is another step in your progression for a long and hopefully inspiring career. Focus on your career goals and plan to work hard to show your soon-to-be employer your value and how you can help move the mission of the company forward. Good luck! Dr. Brenda Fettrow, District Vice President, YMCA of Central Florida
You’ve graduated and now you have your entire life ahead of you. Whether it’s college, a technical program or a job waiting for you, I advise graduating seniors to commit to whatever it is they choose. Be the best at whatever it is you’re doing and reach for greatness every single day while also maintaining the ability to take a step back and see things for what they really are. Jennifer Sugarman, President/CEO, Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce
The entire Space Coast Honor Flight Team congratulates you on your graduation. Military service is a highly respected career choice and we welcome those interested in serving to join the military family. World-class training, travel and service to country can be yours. You will not regret it. Lt. Col. William Welser III, retired President of Honor Flight The world will tell you, ‘you can’t!’ They’ll tell you they didn’t. They’ll say they wouldn’t. They’ll point to others who couldn’t. They’ll advise you shouldn’t. And, if you listen, they’re right — you can’t. But if you trust in YOU… the world will witness wonders. Christian D. Malesic, MBA, CAE, IOM President/CEO, Melbourne Regional Chamber of Commerce
A mentor told me at a young age, ‘success does not equal happiness; happiness equals success.’ Pursue your passion, find what you love to do and you’ll never work another day in your life. Chris Conneen, Founder & CEO Higher Purpose Holdings Pizza Gallery & Grill/Edible Art Catering Take some time to figure out what you are passionate about — your interests — and what you are good at —your skills. If you go into a career related to either one, you’ll probably be happy. If you can figure out how to use your best skill set working on something you really care about, you will definitely be happy. Keith Winsten, Executive Director Brevard Zoo
Brevard County students are among the top students in the fields of science, technology engineering and math. This is an important key to meeting the challenges of tomorrow and maintaining America’s competitive edge. Congressman Bill Posey (FL-08) As you graduate and move forward, you will learn that all the cliches in life are true. ‘Strike while the iron is hot’ and ‘the early bird gets the worm’ are just two that hold true. Now is prime time to go get what you want and achieve happiness. Never settle! Mike Acosta, Owner, Viera Pizza
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Viera Voice | May 2016
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