Oh, the places you will go after graduation

Recently I received communications about the 50th reunion of my high school graduating class. Fifty years! Because my family moved frequently, I attended six schools between kindergarten and high school. Although I only went to the high school I graduated from for two years, I have good memories of the friends I made there, the academic challenges met, and the support from many teachers. The education I received throughout my elementary, middle, and high school years prepared me well for my future education and career.

During this graduation season, it is good to remember the value of a high school diploma. In addition to the sense of accomplishment, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, members of the Class of 2024 can expect to be hired at a higher rate (33%) and earn significantly higher wages (40%) than those without a high school diploma. A high school degree also enhances one’s chances of advancing in a job or continuing in higher education, owning a home, being a role model in the community, and having family members attend college. The Bureau also notes that high school graduates “are less likely to have serious struggles like long-term unemployment, poverty, and going to prison.”

Dr. Obasohan often writes about the Duplin County Schools being “One Family.” When our graduates receive their diplomas, we celebrate their hard work and accomplishments. We also recognize the many people who helped them reach that milestone, such as parents, teachers, school administrators, coaches, mentors, and friends. Thanks to the generosity of sororities, fraternities, civic groups, alumni, businesses, and individuals, graduates receive much needed scholarship assistance to continue their education.

One group that supports excellence in education is the Duplin County Education Foundation. According to their Mission Statement, “The purpose of the Duplin County Education Foundation is to. . . promote scholarship in the Duplin County School System by providing financial support, leadership ability, and professional expertise.” This year the Foundation’s Board of Directors is able to award thirty-three scholarships totaling $74,050 to members of the graduating classes of our five high schools. The Foundation board also recognizes the academic achievements of K-12 students in all thirteen schools at the end of the year.

Even though graduation marks the completion of thirteen years of education, we refer to the ceremony as “commencement” because the students are making important decisions as they begin the next phase of their lives, whether that is attending college, entering the job market, or serving in the military. That is probably why Dr. Seuss’s last book published during his lifetime, Oh, The Places You’ll Go, continues to be a popular graduation gift.

The book has this important message, “Oh, the places you’ll go! You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.” Congratulations to the members of the Class of 2024! Best wishes as you head out to all of the places you’ll go!