This is one of the things I love about schools – the beginnings and the ends – the energy of these first days and the sense of accomplishment as we wrap up in June. Along the way we have the unique opportunity of living and working together in this beautiful place where people care about each other. Students, your teachers truly care about you as individuals. They sincerely want you to do well, to achieve your best, your very best. Now, you may struggle some along the way as they guide, encourage, and sometimes push you to the finish line in June, but rest assured, they absolutely want you to succeed.
So, I ask you today to meet us halfway. Come along with us on this journey as we all work toward the goal of providing for you the very best education and preparation for life available in the State of Wisconsin. Your parents are offering you a gift, please take advantage this year of all USM has to offer – academically, physically, and emotionally.
And now, may I leave you with this thought: a few years back there was a movement across the country – back in the olden days when we were your age. Everyone was encouraged to “find themselves.” The general idea was that you needed to discover who you were and then be recognized for your individualism. Not a bad idea, actually. But, recently, I read another quote that I think really reflects what we are offering you at USM. The opportunity to become who and what you want to be, not just to rely on fate, and here it is… Life isn’t about finding yourself – Life is about CREATING yourself.
So, each and every one of you from PreK students to Seniors, how about if you take some time this year and throughout your USM career to think about what you want to become and then take advantage of this gift you are being provided to CREATE yourself! Watch the Opening Day Ceremony on our You Tube channel!
