By Kristin Dudley

Dear Seniors,

This is it. The moment you’ve dreamed about, worked toward, counted down to, and maybe—just maybe—wished would slow down a little. Caps are about to fly, tassels will shift sides, and the chapter called “high school” is coming to a close. But before you rush off to what’s next, let’s pause and give this moment the standing ovation it deserves.

You did it. Through early alarms, hard tests, late nights, and all the chaos that comes with being a teenager in today’s world—you made it. And that alone is worth celebrating.

But this isn’t just about finishing something. It’s about becoming something. You’ve become resilient. You’ve learned how to show up even when life isn’t easy. You’ve built friendships, learned lessons that weren’t in any textbook, and discovered who you are and who you want to be.

Whether you’re heading to college, straight into the workforce, joining the military, or still figuring it out (which, by the way, is completely OK), you are stepping into a world that needs your ideas, your heart, your voice, and your spark. The world doesn’t need a perfect version of you—it just needs a real one.

So take the risks. Chase the dreams that scare you a little. Call your mom. Write things down. Laugh when life is ridiculous (because it will be), and always remember that no matter where you go, your story started here—with classmates who cheered you on, teachers who believed in you, and a community that’s proud to call you one of its own.

Congratulations, Class of 2025! The world is waiting, and you are absolutely ready. Now go light it up. We’re rooting for you. You are our future.

But don’t worry about being too much of an adult yet. It’s overrated.