Next month will bring commencement exercises for our graduating seniors. Graduation marks an achievement and the closing of an era with the beginning of another. Building on the knowledge of the achievement with college on the horizon and preparing for a career in the workforce.
I remember my graduation thirty-three years ago, while anticipating the future and keeping the uncertainty of the future in mind.
Graduation celebrates another successful year of school and a new group of fellow adults. But for the students, families, and teachers, it’s infinitely more important. We haven’t got to look back very far to when commencement ceremonies were not only modified but totally revamped because of the pandemic. Which has included during that time of COVID -19 for allowing social distancing and setting a limit on the number of family members to attend the graduations.
In helping our students in preparing for tomorrow on the municipal level, we are participating in the Mississippi Municipal League scholarship program in an effort to work with our local schools for our seniors. I’m proud of our efforts here on the local level to be active in supporting our students. Here in North Carrollton, we recently teamed up with the Carroll County Extension Office in participating in the youth leadership program which helps students learn the many aspects of county and municipal government. Through the years there have been many programs we have had in the schools from Mississippi Municipal League and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency that have been very informative. We look forward to continuing many more in the years to come. Our strength and determination for the future is evident. Today’s students are our future and we all share a commitment to be pulling for their success.
While we are all reminded that there is nothing in life that is promised. It’s important to make the most of every day, with the goal of a brighter future.
With the 2025 graduations on the horizon with bright futures it’s important to remember that building on our strengths makes for a stronger more successful future.
Ken Strachan serves as the mayor of North Carrollton is a member of the Mississippi Municipal League Board of Directors and as a member of the MML education committee.
