Dear Snowline Joint Unified School District Graduating Class of 2023,

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 (emergence from a pandemic, social unrest, health and wellness stressors, political discord, never-ending changes, tragic events) as well as unique difficulties that all of you have faced and ultimately overcome. Be proud of what you have conquered, and know that I am really proud of each and every single one of you!

As you think about what lies ahead and pursue your plan for 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 unique and bring great value to this world. As Fred (Mister) Rogers made clear, “Everybody’s valuable. The world can be a better place because you were born into it.” Understand that you are a truly special person armed with emotional, cultural, and practical intelligence who matters to many. Ted Lasso would tell you to BELIEVE—and never let anyone make you think otherwise.

Second, pursue your hopes and dreams. Do what you love and you will always love what you do. Only you know what gives you complete joy in this world. Look toward your greatest passions that truly nurture purpose in your life…and go after them! Shamma Al Mazrui says, “How we hope determines how we live.” Use your hopes and dreams to guide your pursuits, and great outcomes will occur as you love what you do.

Finally, be heroic. Your generation is better equipped to be bold, courageous, resilient, and fearless in the best of ways—to be heroes. Author Richard Cohen said that “heroism is a choice.” Given this beautiful gift of control, choose to 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 equity, of inclusion, of care, of empathy, and of compassion, and continue being heroes of kindness, of grace, of forgiveness, and of love. Our world needs all of this—the best of humanity—more than ever.

Class of 2023, believe in your abilities to create the lives you want for yourselves. Remember that you are special, that you should pursue your hopes and dreams, 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
Ryan Holman, Ed.D.
Superintendent