By Katie Baskin

Austin High School Principal

On Friday night, June 6, 293 students will graduate from Austin High School. Thirteen of those students will have earned a grade point average of 3.9 or above, qualifying them to graduate with high distinction. Those 13 students are the commencement speakers for the evening.

Featuring high distinction students as commencement speakers is a long standing tradition for Austin High School and something that brings great insight and entertainment. Some students pair together for their presentations while others share their thoughts independently. This tradition is unique to Austin High School. It recognizes all students that achieve academic excellence while providing a wide variety of messages and speakers.

Every high school diploma is the result of a lot of hard work by both parents and graduates, and the students of Austin High School should be proud of their accomplishments. High School graduation is an exciting conclusion to an important chapter in the continuing story of a family’s life. It is a time to celebrate accomplishments, share memories and look toward the future.

Graduation can also be an emotional time, full of important life decisions and calendars full of commitments. Students are growing more independent and are entering a world of uncertainty and new adventures. Some students will stay in our community to attend college or work. Others will venture off to new cities. Many students will flourish and grow and a few will experience challenges and setbacks.

Parents are also experiencing a variety of emotions. Several students are the first students in their family to graduate from high school or attend college. Other students are the last child to leave home creating an empty nest for parents. Students are experiencing pride, joy, and excitement, but there is also some sadness, which may or may not be overtly expressed. Seniors may actually be worried about leaving home, although most won’t admit it.

Anxiety, uncertainty, joy, sadness and pride are all normal emotions to experience. Accept them, acknowledge them and share them with friends and family. Reassure your students with praise for their accomplishments. Assure them that life is an adventure to be experienced. Tell them about your life stories and adventures.

The graduates this year have opportunities and challenges we never imagined. They will face issues we never thought about and will work in industries and jobs that don’t currently exist. They are our future leaders, workers and caregivers. They are well prepared for their journey, but will benefit from continued support from the community and their families.

I am proud of the students graduating this year. They have worked hard to reach this goal. I encourage them to continue to dream and imagine a future full of limitless opportunities.