The school year is coming to a close. Seniors are waving fond farewells to teachers, classmates, friends and family as graduation approaches. And with them, I must also bid my audience, my friends, and my town, adieu.

As I have not been allowed to share my words as commencement speaker with the people of Whitefish and with my graduating class of 2010 this coming Saturday, I dedicate this final column to my true audience in the form of my own graduation speech.

To my readers: Words cannot express the sincerity of my gratitude to you, my audience and my listeners, for your devotion, encouragement and interest in my column and my endeavors within this past year. Your support has been heartfelt and motivating. I continue to be pleased and heartened by the daily compliments of my writing that I receive from strangers and friends alike. Thank you, my dear readers, for your dedication, and for listening.

I also hope that I satisfied you with a non-biased, honest outlook on the happenings of Whitefish High School. I did my best to present the Whitefish community with the thoughts and desires of my peers, the activities and controversial issues of the high school, and the unsung heroes who walk our halls daily. I hope that I have informed and interested, as well as motivated my readers to take active stances on issues they feel must be addressed at Whitefish High School.

To the community of Whitefish: I thank you as well, for your support of the education of Whitefish students and our growth within the arts, the sciences and athletics. Without you, we would not be here today.

I thank you also for your initiative in addressing issues in attempts to better our experiences within Whitefish High School and the Whitefish School District. As students, we are grateful to receive such active interest in our education. However, I urge you to never neglect the opinions and insights provided by the students. We feel just as strongly about such issues as the drug policy, building a new school and off-campus lunches, and these feelings are just as important. Remember that in every decision, we are the ones being affected.

I urge you to use caution and consideration in these decisions, and I thank you for doing so.

To the graduating class of 2010: After four years of intellectual, academic, emotional and physical challenge, we have arrived at this crucial, pivotal point in our high school years — graduation. I offer my congratulations to each of my classmates of the class of 2010; you are each to be applauded for your endeavors within the halls of Whitefish High and without.

My friends, we did it. From the fishing field trips, arts and crafts, and playground games of Muldown; the Reindeer Runs, dress codes, history trips and "making it a great days' at the middle school; the pep assemblies, homecomings, proms and homework of high school; to this moment — we did it.

Those years are not without lessons learned. We have gained many friends, and we have lost beloved ones amongst us. My classmates, it is through this that we must learn the importance of acceptance and holding respect for others. We are each of us on the same path and the same journey, and we are different only in the way we choose to handle that journey.

We must accept this, and we must accept each other — regardless of differences, successes, talents, interests, beliefs. The greatest wrong we can commit is to ignore this fact and place ourselves above others. We are all in this together; let us not neglect this truth.

There is also the importance of sincerity and character. My friends, of all you carry with you into the future, do not neglect these. Remember that integrity of character is what is truly most attractive, as well as humility and honesty of appearance and promises. Important also is the quality of open-mindedness, of respecting the opinions and words of others, and remembering that our personal viewpoints do not place us as superior to others.

To my classmates, remember your gratitude. We are here, at this moment of graduation, not solely due to our endeavors. Our parents, our family, our community, have each aided us in our successes and times of failure. To them, we owe everything. To Mom and Dad, we must be grateful.

Congratulations, class of 2010, and may your futures carry you to where you least and most expect — and may you achieve every success for which you reach.

And lastly, to the children, students and budding intellectuals of Whitefish: To you, I dedicate my inspiration and my support. You are the legacy of Whitefish; you carry the future.

Don't ever let anyone bring you down from your dreams. Don't ever let peer pressure, the triviality of popularity and cliques, the social madness of growing up, turn you away from your successes. Respect and cherish your teachers and your education. Remember that middle school and high school are important and pave the way for college and your future career. Don't give up.

Remember to put forth one hundred and one percent of your effort at all times. Don't compromise this for the sake of what others think. Many times doing well in school is equated with being a "nerd," but in reality, the gift of intellect is one of the most valuable gifts in the world. It all will pay off in the end, I promise.

Above all, be real. Be yourself. And give it your all.

To Whitefish: I will always hold a special place for you in my heart. Thank you for caring, listening, and encouraging. Farewell.