By Amy Keyes 
Dear seniors,
I’m pretty sure you’ve all read that book Oh The Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss. In fact, I know I read it to many of you. And when I think of all of you, more than ever before, I know the words in those pages ring truer than ever, “Oh, the places you’ll go!”
I’ve seen where you’ve been. What you’ve been through. Where you’ve risen to, and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, that wherever it is you decide to go, you will thrive.
It seems like just a hot second ago we were together back in middle school. During what may be some of the craziest times we’ve ever experienced as a shared humanity.
I was there with you during your seventh and eighth grade years when you logged onto Zoom with your blank screens staring back at me. I watched you navigate a whole new way of learning in a period of time that could slide right into the pages of any dystopian unit we’ve ever studied.
I was there with you when we met each other in person for the first time—masked up, inhibited, re-entering a familiar place in an unfamiliar way. A group of Zoom square strangers that over time became an incredible family in spite of masked faces and six feet of distance among us.
I was there with you during some of the most volatile times of history happening right in our own backyard. Pushing ourselves through critical conversations with many diverse perspectives, opening up new lenses of understanding, seeing you transform from observers to advocates.
I was there when you headed off to high school, trying to remain steady in the forces of swirling changes still happening all around us. I’ve seen you do incredible things during the most testing of times. And I know you can do anything.
Having a rising senior myself, I’ve been reflecting a lot on the message in this book and how it is often used as graduation gifts or to symbolize endings. Today, as I’m thinking of all of you, I am hoping you’ll find the value in thinking about some of the poignant lessons each day as you enter your last year of school. It is a magical time in life, and I know you are looking forward to the places you will go.
As the days fly by and take you from this chapter of childhood into your years as a young adult, I hope these quotes from the book can help you live in the beautiful moments that all build your life.
“You’ve got brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.” It’s been a long time since I was your age, but I remember some of it well. One of the best parts of being in this chapter is that you are at a place where the decisions start to (for the most part) become your own. You have the whole world ahead of you and in this time of what seems to be critical decision-making, I know all of you will rely on the smarts and the drive you have to choose not just with your heads, but also with your hearts.
“When things start to happen, don’t worry, don’t stew. Just go right along, you’ll be happening too.” I’m sure this year can feel overwhelming with all the things you know are coming your way. Every step seems so crucial in deciding your future, and there is such a balance of working, and hoping, and waiting, and things that feel like they may come at you all at once. Remember, that when those things start to happen, it is exciting! That truly is when you start becoming. All of the pieces will start to fall into place, and you will turn the page on this new beginning for yourself.
“I’m sorry to say so but sadly it’s true that bang ups and hang ups can happen to you.” This year will be filled with ups and downs. You are mature and seasoned as high schoolers. You know that in life, none of us get out unscathed. Those bang ups and hang ups are part of it. Like I said, we’ve lived through some big ones together. I also know you are strong, resourceful, and resilient. I’ve seen you do things that inspire me on my hardest days to remember what I am capable of. I’ve seen you stand up. Speak out. Lift one another up through the storms of life that blur out every bit of hope. Remember who you are, and I know you will be okay.
“So when you step, step with care and great tact. And remember that life’s a great balancing act.” Your years of school have been filled with some unbelievable obstacles and milestones. Life has been full of things none of us saw coming, and you have developed some incredible skills to navigate things well beyond your years. Continue to approach everything in life with care and tact. Remember to fill your cup with things from multiple sources. And never stop believing in the power you have to build a life you love.
“Kid, you’ll move mountains.” I believe in you. The world believes in you. More than anything else, I hope you believe in you. Remember to live in the moment and that all those little and big actions will move mountains.
“You’re off to great places, you’re off and away. Your mountain is waiting, So get on your way.”
Love,
Mrs. Keyes
by Kathy Wetsell 
by Tanya Teichroeb 
