Editorial: The American Rite of Passage

It’s time once again for that American rite of passage:  high school graduation. Every society has its rite of passage, where a person goes from being a child to being an adult. For Americans, it’s that piece of parchment that says they have graduated from high school. Getting a driver’s license and a first job are also rites of passage, but nothing says “you’re a grown-up now” quite like a high school diploma.

For the Class of 2023, the first people you need to thank are your parents. They’re the ones that kept you on course for all these years. I can assure you that you have given them plenty of gray hairs, and probably some sleepless nights as well.

A couple of years ago, you may have thought your parents knew nothing. Now, as you graduate from high school, you may be surprised by what they’ve learned, and you may be starting to suspect how much they knew all along.

I’ll let you in on something:  your parents knew a lot all along. In many cases, they wanted to keep you from making the same mistakes they did.

Class of 2023, don’t forget to thank your teachers. They did the hard work of trying to put an education into your thick skulls. If you’ve been paying attention, you’re likely coming to understand that teaching is not an easy job. It takes a special kind of person to be a teacher.

Soon, you will enter the world of adult responsibilities, if you haven’t already. These include working a job, handling your finances, and even raising a family. It can seem overwhelming at times. Well, you don’t have to face it alone.

There are many of us who are more experienced at this business of being an adult than you are, so don’t hesitate to ask us for help. We may not be able to help you, but perhaps we can steer you to someone who can.

When I look back at all the years I’ve covered the schools in Parker, I’m amazed by all the wonderful young people who have grown up in our town. I see so many Parker High graduates who have become productive members of the community. I can’t begin to list them all here. I can honestly say we must be doing something right here in Parker.

So, Class of 2023, you’re following in the footsteps of many people who have come before you. You can be sure your best days lie ahead, and, while it won’t always be easy, it will be some ride.

Someday (and it may be sooner than you think!) you will be my age, and you will look at another class of Parker High seniors. You’ll be looking back at your own lives and be thinking of what I’m telling you now. You’ll marvel at what you’ve accomplished, and you’ll be wanting to help these young people of the future make their way through life.

Congratulations, Class of 2023! Welcome to the adult world. You’re going to do just fine.