To the Class of 2011

Dear Class of 2011:

We’re finished! After days, weeks, maybe even years of senioritis, we are finally finished with high school and are entering the real world. Cue fanfare.

Now what?

Whether you plan on heading to college or work, in-state or out of state, you will make an impact on everyone you meet. I challenge you to do your best in all you do, because the things you do today determine your reputation tomorrow.

The one thing that is guaranteed to make the world a better place is to treat others with tolerance, patience, kindness and honesty. We are no strangers to love. As a Wasilla High School graduating senior, I have noticed that even in my school alone, there is a broad spectrum of lifestyles and interests represented. Each group has amazing things to offer. You know the rules and so do I — but if you truly take them to heart, there is no one living who is not worth hearing.

You, the reader, have your own set of talents, gifts and dreams. These do not belong to you. They are not to be kept secret or left unused. Whether your abilities have been given to you by fate, God, evolution or by accident, they have a purpose — a full commitment is what I’m thinking of. We must commit to expand our talents to their fullest capacity.

We were born into an overwhelming set of issues and it seems, at times, unfair. Instead of passing it off as “someone else’s problem,” as many generations before us have done, it is our duty as human beings to do something to change our circumstances.

Our generation is not meant to be just like its predecessors. The world is rooting for us to change things, and we owe it to those who will come after us.

As a graduating senior at Wasilla High, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the amazing Mr. Dwight Probasco. Wasilla would not be the same without your generosity, kindness, decisiveness and acceptance of all who enter our doors. We wouldn’t get this from any other guy. You lead by example, and that example is multiplied as students learn to treat one another as you treat us — with tolerance, respect and an open mind. I think everyone at WHS will agree that our lives have been made richer with you in them.

I would also like to thank the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman for allowing my voice to be heard on the Schools Page and for going above and beyond to mentor and encourage me. I urge students who are interested to contact Frontiersman Managing Editor Heather Resz at 352-2268. They are truly passionate about providing opportunities for local youth to learn journalism firsthand.

And to the town of Wasilla, our families and loved ones, I join my classmates in this promise, made famous by singer Rick Astley: “We’re never going to give you up, we’re never going to let you down. We’re never going to run around and desert you. We’ll never make you cry, never say goodbye — we’ll never tell lies and hurt you.”

Rachel Clark is a senior at Wasilla High School. She graduates Thursday with the rest of the WHS Class of 2011.