Still Beaming from 2012-13Graduations? You’re Not Alone

If witnessing five high school graduations and looking forward to another one next week isn’t invigorating for me, nothing can be. It is so fulfilling to address these proud new graduates, hand out diplomas and hear the applause from their proud relatives and supporters. Also, seeing the joy from their teachers, principals and others on their campus support teams is contagious.

After Mesquite Academy’s upcoming ceremony, our district will graduate about 2,700 students in total this school year. Congratulations again to all new graduates. I also commend their parents; teachers and principals from kindergarten through senior year; and all others who helped influence this great achievement.

For those of you who had to miss a graduation or just want to watch one again, all Mesquite ISD graduation ceremonies are posted on YouTube. Graduation photos are also available on the district’s Facebook page.

I hope this academic milestone propels each student to future success and community service.

Give a Memorial Day Saluteto Honor Our Fallen Americans

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have given their lives in our nation’s wars. Since 1868, this holiday reminds us to honor those who paid the ultimate cost in defense of our country.

On Monday at 3 p.m., please join in the National Moment of Remembrance. Established by Congress in 2000, this resolution asks for all Americans to “voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to ‘Taps.’” The moment is an act of national unity in which all Americans, alone or with family and friends, honor our fallen veterans.

As we attend graduation festivities, spend time with our families or just relax this Memorial Day weekend, please take time to salute these special men and women. Pay tribute to those who make our freedoms possible.