Congratulations, Class of 2016 | In Our Opinion

Published 2:19 pm Thursday, June 2, 2016

Approximately 400 seniors in Bremerton are receiving or have received diplomas.

About 100 students graduated from West Sound Technical Skills Center on June 1. More than 30 graduated from Renaissance High School on June 2. More than 270 will graduate from Bremerton High School at 7 p.m. June 10 on the school football field. Washington Youth Academy’s commencement is 10 a.m. June 18 at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds.

Not included in this number are dozens of students who will receive degrees from Olympic College at 2 p.m. June 19 at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds Presidents’ Hall.

The graduation ceremonies are open to the public.

Now, to the Class of 2016, we offer this: Congratulations on reaching this milestone in your life. As you stand on the threshold of adulthood, prepared to take on the world, here are some things we want you to know.

The world you inherit is different than the one that existed that first day of school. In your lifetime, the U.S. has fought in two wars and weathered the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. We have been changed by these experiences. But you have what it takes to thrive and be catalysts for positive change in this brave new world.

You have the confidence that comes from pushing yourself. You know about teamwork and fair play, both in the classroom and on the sports field. You have resilience, something that you learned from living in this unique place. All of your life here, you’ve seen how your community won’t say “no” when the chips are down. When someone in the community needed help, you joined your neighbors in coming to aid. When tragedy struck other parts of the country or the world, you joined your neighbors in responding with compassion and giving.

And now, here you are, ready to don cap and gown and get that well-deserved diploma. Sure, the world poses different challenges for you than it did for us on our graduation day. But you are ready. And your community has confidence in you.

Even though eyes may tear up as you prepare to leave, we eagerly anticipate news of the heights you will scale, the goals you will achieve, the changes you will bring to the communities you will touch.