Letter to 2020 High School Graduates

My best wishes to all 2020 High School graduates. Highland City students who graduated from American Fork, Lone Peak, and Skyridge High Schools this year received the following letter from the mayor. Much of it is relevant to all of us, especially me.

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Dear Graduate,

I want to congratulate you in completing a personal milestone, graduating from high school! There will be other milestones in your life, but this one marks a passage from general preparation for life to more serious and focused educational endeavors as well as service opportunities.

The world today is different than it was a few months ago. While there are negative aspects to our present circumstances there are many positive ones. For example, who else will be able to tell their children and grandchildren that the entire world paused to honor your graduating class, the class of 2020! On a more serious note, service opportunities abound. You also have the chance to watch and participate in positive societal changes that would not otherwise be possible in such a short period of time.

There is a bright future ahead for you! One of our Highland residents, Jeff Dyer, co-authored a book entitled The Innovators DNA. In it, Marissa Mayer, a former Google executive, states “Creativity, in fact, thrives best when constrained.” I believe that due to the constraints we are under today, some of which may be long lasting, you will use them to come up with creative ideas that will bless you, your family, our nation and the world for years to come. I look forward to hearing about them.

Calvin Coolidge, the 30^th president of the United States, made the following statement:

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. ... Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'press on' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”

Based on my life experience, this is true. If you will use this graduation as an inflection point in your life and make the commitment to persist in your personal ambitions, you will experience success. Plus, if you include service to others in your life’s journey, joy will be a frequent companion.

My best wishes to you as you embark on life’s great adventure. Remember, a positive attitude will help you navigate all of life’s challenges and speed bumps.

Rodney W. Mann
Highland City Mayor