Dear Snowline Joint Unified School District Class of 2021,
Congratulations! Whether you are a graduate of Chaparral High School, Eagle Summit Community Day School, Serrano High School, Snowline Academy, or Snowline Adult School, this accomplishment is equally impressive because of the many similar challenges (a pandemic, remote learning, never-ending changes) as well as unique difficulties that each of you have faced and ultimately overcome. Be proud of what you have realized and know that I am really proud of all of you!
As you think about what lies ahead, your plan for next steps and a life beyond your high school diploma, please do me the honor of always remembering and believing three things. The first is that you are special. You have gifts, skills, and talents that are truly exclusive and bring great value to this world. Your family and friends know it. Us educators know it. Do you know it? If not, now you do. Understand that you are a truly special person armed with emotional, cultural, and practical intelligence who matters to many. Always believe it and never let anyone make you think otherwise.
Second, pursue your passions. Do what you love and you will always love what you do. Only you know what gives you complete enthusiasm in this world. Find joy and purpose in your efforts. Follow your passions and you will never work a day in your life. Great outcomes will occur when you love what you do.
Finally, be heroic as you live out your lives. Your generation is better equipped to be bold, courageous, and fearless in the best of ways. Be heroes in your lifelong pursuits. More importantly, be heroes as sisters and brothers, as daughters and sons, and as granddaughters and grandsons. Be heroes as future mothers and fathers, as friends and coworkers, and as community members and volunteers. As always, be heroes of success, of service, of leadership, of respect, and of unity. Keep being heroes of care, of empathy, and of compassion. As I hear that you often are with others, please continue being heroes of kindness. Our world needs all of this more than ever.
Class of 2021, believe in your abilities to create the lives you want for yourselves. Remember that you are special, that you should follow your passions, and that you can be heroic in all that you do…and know that I will remain proud as I watch this future work being done.
With love and pride now and always,
Ryan Holman, Ed.D., Superintendent, Snowline Joint Unified School District
