It’s that time of year again where we have seniors getting ready to finish up their last year of school. I remember being in the same position a year ago and thinking about how crazy it was that 13 years had gone by so fast. As I’m watching my brother and sister go to prom and take their last few finals, I can’t help but want to remind you all of what lies ahead.

As we all have heard from almost everyone at this point, the end of your senior year is only the beginning. You all have such bright futures ahead and you can do anything you want to do. I’m so proud of all of you for getting as far as you have and I can’t help but hope that your progress continues forward in your endeavors.

Since some of you have yet to graduate, and even to those who have, make sure that you take in every single moment of your last few weeks. This is most likely going to be the last time that you see everyone that you grew up with altogether. No matter how much you can’t wait to get away from the same old people and the same old town, you’re going to miss it. Maybe you won’t miss it right away because I know that I didn’t, but promise me when I say that you will eventually.

So enjoy the night at your final prom and dance to every song (yes, even the slow songs, whether you have a date or not), enjoy watching everyone walk away with their awards (yes, even if you don’t get one) and all of the funny rehearsals for graduation. Enjoy watching everyone take their final steps of high school as they walk to the podium and receive their diploma. These are the moments that you will look back on and remember for the rest of your lives, so remember to take in as much as you can.

You may think that graduation is the end of your ties to high school, but there is still a few more things to be done. Remember to write a thank you to all of those that helped you get to where you are. Teachers, award donors, guidance counselors, extended family members, anyone you can think of. And make sure it is a handwritten note; those mean a lot more than store-bought ones or an email saying thank you.

If you have to, get the mailing addresses to those you can’t hand-deliver. Don’t forget to congratulate your peers, because you all made it together and a thank you from anyone will mean the world. And finally, don’t forget to celebrate. Celebrate with your friends and family, celebrate with your teachers and have a safe and positive end.

You all are going to do extraordinary things and you all have the power to change the world; we need to work together to do so. Whether you’re heading off to a college or university, entering the workforce, are entering the military, or have your own plan, I know that each one of you can own every second of it. So, I want to extend a well-deserved congratulations to our graduating seniors.