Sound advice County leaders pass wisdom on to graduates
In the next three weeks, hundreds of high school seniors in Butler County will be involved in the tradition of graduation ceremonies.
Part of those proceedings is the graduation speaker who gives advice to the graduates as they move on to further schooling, work or other activities.
Because of the focus on these graduation speeches, the Butler Eagle invited six county residents of note to offer their brief advice to these graduates.
Here is what they have to say to the Class of 2007.
"As you leave high school and begin your life as an adult, you need to decide what your goals are and what you hope to achieve in life. Once you make your decision, you need to form a plan."If you enjoy working with your hands, find a trade school that enables you to be the best you can be. If it's a career that takes a formal education, then research that field or general vocation and choose a college that will enhance your education and eventually open the right doors for you in the future."Never take the approach that, 'I need a break or some time off to find myself.' The longer you take off, the harder you'll find it is to start again. You will find it is always easier to put hard work off for yet another year, and eventually forever."As young adults, it's sometimes easier to celebrate or not give any thought to your actions. Remember that for every action you take, there are consequences that you will pay for the rest of your life."Most importantly, choose your own life, don't let others do it for you. Remember, it's you that has to live it, not them."
Retired Army Master Sgt. Abie Abraham, survivor of the Bataan Death March in the Philippines during WWII and author of two books on the subject, said his main advice to graduates is to continue their educations."I'd tell them to continue with their education, listen to their folks and have faith in God," he said.Abraham said young adults should take their parents advice seriously."I'd tell them to listen to their folks because they have a lot of experience in life," he said. "They know the hard knocks."He said education is the key to getting better jobs and promotions.High school graduates should earn college degrees before getting married, joining the service, traveling or other endeavors. Those are things they can do later, he said."As long as you've got education, you'll get more advancement in life," Abraham said.With a college degree, someone entering the military will have a better chance at becoming an officer, he said.Abraham noted he didn't get the chance to go to college before joining the Army in 1932 at age 19.
"Approach everything in your life with a sense of appreciation. Even mundane things such as getting a glass of water can be appreciated. Isn't it wonderful that you have clean drinking water, which is coming out of a faucet in your secure home?"Weigh every opportunity that is presented to you and do not be afraid to walk down a new path."'Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude,' Ralph Marston said. In everything you do, remember to do it with excellence. It is a choice that we can make in all that we do."Find the right balance in your life."Find the things that you enjoy and make them part of your life. Whether you are going to college or into the work force, make it a priority to join a musical group, a club, or volunteer your skills to find your balance."Be a life-long learner. Not only those things that are presented in the classroom, although they can be fascinating, I'm talking about reading a book, because you don't have to, on an unfamiliar topic. Volunteer with the elderly and listen as they tell you about their youth. Learn a new hobby. Read the newspaper. Become active in your local politics."
"As you embark on your journey through adulthood, remember how much your ticket will cost. You will each spend half of your life working to pay taxes."You will work for two and a half days of each week to pay income taxes, sales taxes, property taxes, and excise taxes. At the end of your journey, you will pay inheritance taxes."Don't let this depress you. Those who enslave us are poor, lost souls, addicted to the things of Creation. It is a far higher calling to love those who take from us than it is to hate and despise them."We have been told to 'love our enemies.' That command, the most challenging of spiritual challenges, is met by loving those who tax us into slavery."You will see that many taxes are wasted on imaginary problems. We were taxed to 'fix global freezing.' We are now taxed to 'fix global warming.' We must even love those who lie for money."And, have children. Pay no attention to those who would replace life and love with death and hate. Each child's soul will live forever. You have nothing better to do than have, raise, and love as many children as you can."LaVerne Hartle, 2007 BC3 graduateLaVerne graduated from BC3 Thursday with an Associate in Applied Science. While in school, she was active in many ways, including serving on the college's 40th anniversary Celebration committee. She also received the honorary tassel during graduation ceremonies."Whatever path you take whether it is employment or college, always strive to do your best, be confident in yourself, and take pride in your work."Be courteous, kind, and respectful to those you meet along the way because you never know when your paths may cross again."Learn as much as you can; knowledge is a wonderful thing to have."Michele Pawk, 1980 Knoch graduate, Tony award winning actress"If there was one bit of advice I could impart, it would be to follow your dreams."Life is one great adventure and to wake up in 10, 20, or 30 years and have regrets about opportunities you didn't take advantage of or impulses you didn't follow through on, would simply be a waste of this amazing gift."We only get to go around once, so really live."Congratulations, graduates. I'm really proud of all of you."
Here are school graduations in alphabetical order:• Allegheny-Clarion Valley High School, 7 p.m. June 1, high school campus• Butler High School, 6:30 p.m. June 7, Art Bernardi/Butler Senior High School Stadium• Butler Vocational-Technical School, 7 p.m. May 23, Butler County Community College Field House.• Evangel Heights Christian Academy, 7 p.m. June 1, Evangel Heights sanctuary• First Baptist Christian School, 7 p.m. May 24, First Baptist Church sanctuary• Freeport High School, 7 p.m. June 8, Laube Hall, Freeport• Grove City High School, 7 p.m. June 8, auditorium• Karns City High School, 8 p.m. June 7, at the athletic complex; June 8 rain date• Knoch High School, 7 p.m. June 1, high school gymnasium• Mars High School, 6:30 p.m. May 31, Mars athletic complex or high school auditorium if weather is inclement• Moniteau High School, 7 p.m. June 1, high school auditorium• Portersville Christian School, 10 a.m. May 26, school gym• Seneca Valley High School, 6 p.m. June 1, NexTier Stadium• Slippery Rock High School, 7 p.m. June 8, Slippery Rock University field house• Union High School, 7 p.m. May 29, high school gymnasium
