Starting last week, and continuing into next week, local high school students will close one proverbial chapter of their lives, and flip the page on another, as they receive their high school diplomas.

Thousands of local students will continue their education at colleges and universities in New Hampshire and across the country, while some will move directly into the workforce.

Either way, local high schools have prepared these young men and women for whatever life has to throw at them.

In 2005, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs spoke at Stanford’s graduation, saying, “Stewart (Brand) and his team put out several issues of The Whole Earth Catalog, and then when it had run its course, they put out a final issue. It was the mid-1970s, and I was your age. On the back cover of their final issue was a photograph of an early morning country road, the kind you might find yourself hitchhiking on if you were so adventurous. Beneath it were the words: “Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.” It was their farewell message as they signed off. Stay hungry. Stay foolish. And I have always wished that for myself. And now, as you graduate to begin anew, I wish that for you.”

As do we. Stay hungry. Stay foolish. Work hard. Take chances. Make a difference. Be an influencer. Be bold. Be adventurous. Be caring. Be compassionate. Be quirky. Be yourself. Be creative.

And most importantly, be the catalyst for change. After all, we all have the potential to make the world a better place. It is up to you, dear graduates, to spur on the change this world so vitally needs.

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