Jackson Free Press

Congratulations, Class of 2016, you made it! In a few days you will graduate high school! All the homework, the tests, the projects, all the work over the last 13 years has finally paid off. You will soon walk in front of a crowd of onlookers and well-wishers to receive your diploma cover. (Sorry, you don't get your actual diploma until you turn in your cap and gown. That's just the way it is).

But before the last chapter in your journey as a child is complete, let's review what you have learned as you matriculated through school. Not mathematical formulas, historical dates or scientific facts, but what will really matter as you continue through adulthood.

In kindergarten, you learned how to line up, how to play nice and how to clean up. You learned to wait your turn, to listen to who's speaking and that naps are important. And you will miss those naps.

In first grade you learned that just because you start out as a turkey doesn't mean you can't end up a hunter. Labels only define you if you let them, but effort means so much more.

In second grade you learned that there is a right way and a wrong way to act towards others. You learned what a bully was and, no matter how hard teachers and parents tried to make it better, eventually you had to deal with a bully yourself.

In third grade you learned that not every subject is interesting or fun. But you learned that to be successful, you had to work at what you didn't like just as hard, if not more so, than what you did.

In fourth grade, you began to realize that you might not have everything easy. But you also learned that you could make excuses or work to overcome obstacles. Unfortunately, too many choose the former.

In fifth grade you learned that we are all human and make mistakes, including teachers. You also learned that respecting a person's authority and respecting that person are two totally different things.

In sixth grade you learned that puberty changes everything. You also learned that being popular and being good aren't the same, and sometimes you have to decide which is more important. Unfortunately, many of us make the wrong choice.

In seventh grade you learned that society values sports more than academics. Unfortunately, this doesn't change. Also, you learned that being liked and being respected are not always the same. But it's pretty awesome when it is.

In eighth grade you learned that time and patience can make things better, but that shoddy work or relationships come from rushing things. Those who find happiness in life remember this.

In ninth grade you learned that confidence can almost always mask ignorance. And if you are really good at it, you have a future in politics.

In 10th grade you learned that sometimes adult problems come crashing down on you. And when they do, there are those special teachers who are there to listen, to encourage, to help and to pray for you.

In 11th grade you learned that the future is approaching fast, that there is more to this world than the school or town you grew up in. And you begin to dream of being more than you ever thought possible.

In 12th grade you learned that even though you are "grown," you still have responsibilities that must be attended to. That there is no rest; completing a job or an accomplishment simply means a new one is coming with the dawning of the sun. And it really never stops.

So graduates, wherever you go from here, whether it's off to college or directly into the workforce, I wish you the best of luck! And just maybe, you'll remember these lessons you learned in school.