Oh! The Places You’ll Go!

On Tuesday, May 11, 2010, our school district saw SNOW: windswept squalls and even some accumulation at such a late date supports the notion that some things cannot be legislated, managed, or controlled by mankind. Human nature compels us to gain power over the events around us. If we can’t control our environment, we like to complain about it (hence our lengthy discussions about the weather).

I believe that one’s destiny is among the things every person should want to manage successfully. CCSD’s seniors have spent 13 years figuring out what they want for themselves and where they want to go. They’ve taken every possible action to reach their goals. Now they are ready to take responsibility for their choices and make their dreams come true. As their families and friends, let’s remind them that they don’t face the bright but uncertain future alone; the people they love will be beside them always.

As I prepare my comments for the upcoming commencement ceremony, I want to share one of my favorite quotes from Dr. Seuss:

Oh! The Places You’ll Go!
by the Incomparable Dr. Seuss

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
You’re on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.

Choosing a direction is the hardest part. As we make life choices, many variables—some, like the weather, are beyond our control—affect our direction in life. Nevertheless, as we react to various challenges, we are the ultimate controllers of our own destinies. We get the credit (or the blame) for the outcomes of our choices.

Congratulations to all seniors graduating this year, and to parents, relatives, friends, and anyone else who has offered encouragement, patience and a listening ear. As you leave our district, one last quote from Dr. Seuss seems appropriate:

You’ll get mixed up, of course, as you already know.
You’ll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go.
So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact
And remember that Life’s a Great Balancing Act.
Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.
And never mix up your right foot with your left.

And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.)

Good luck, seniors!

As we rapidly approach the end of the school year, the teacher in me is compelled to remind students that summer is no time to forget the values, morals and education that have kept them safe and happy throughout their lives. Make smart choices in the friends you hang out with, the social events you attend, and even they ways in which you network on the Internet. Please have a safe, enjoyable and relaxing summer.

I extend my sincere appreciation to all students, staff, parents and Board members for making this an excellent school year for Central Cambria!


Enjoy your summer! Dr. D.