What a momentous occasion is about to unfold! In many of our public and private schools, graduation is just around the corner. We can almost hear the downbeat of the familiar strains of Pomp and Circumstance. What a joy-filled occasion for the graduates and for their families.

Our youth are so richly a part of the pride of any community. Recently I, along with others, was invited to interview a number of our high school graduating seniors at several local high schools. It was a great experience. The interviews, one on one, were compellingly dynamic conversations of highly positive human spontaneity! What an impressive group of high school seniors we were privileged to interview. One cannot help but be impressed with the genuineness of human giftedness and personal talent possessed by these young men and women. Indeed, a treasure trove of human potential And, I am sure this is true in other high schools in the Western New York area. One cannot help but be moved with confidence; our future as a society and as a nation is and will continue to be in the best of hands!

Each interviewee exuded positive energy and creative aspiration. It was impressive to see these young folks eager to enter the work force in a variety of fields, or move into higher education with a major in an array of impressive career options. Still, others plan to enter a branch of the U.S. military, or other non-combatant fields of service. And then too, a number of those interviewed, are interested in furthering their family and home centered fields of desired interests. What an impressive and dedicated group of seniors…oriented toward a work ethic, and moved by a spirit of initiative, service, and commitment. Truly, we are surrounded with an array of human entrepreneurial talent.

Truly, the students and their parents, their teachers, the guidance counselors, administrative personnel, and the entire school system … elementary, middle, and high school … are to be commended. This event is another example of the fulfillment of an enduring story, written for the annals of time, which further assures us that we are a society moving expeditiously forward with success in American exceptionalism.

You know, this is a special time of the year and the pride of every school is front and center on our community stage. Gradation is just around the corner for our area public and private schools in the counties of Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Erie. Sincere congratulations to all honored graduates, you have made us proud! And recognition too, to the parents, relatives, and school personnel… who contributed in so many ways to this significant accomplishment! Indeed, as the graduates march down the aisle with the dynamic strains of “Pomp and Circumstance,” we are reassured with pride, that the splendor of the American Dream is profoundly a part of the Circumstance of this American scene!

Dr. Robert L. Heichberger is professor emeritus at the State University of New York at Fredonia and distinguished professor at Capella University. He is an award winning author. His newest book “The Land of Nature” has recently been released and is available at Barnes and Noble.com and Amazon.com. All past columns can be viewed on Send comments to: Rheich@aol.com.