It's that special time of year again when high schools and colleges across this nation hold graduation exercises or obser-vances. If you have a loved one graduating it probably leaves you with mixed emotions like fear, relief, wonder, anticip-ation, and much more. What does the future hold for the graduate? Is the graduate well prepared to meet the future?

As students graduate this year we look at them with great hope in our eyes. We know that somewhere along the path, we have fumbled, if not dropped, the ball, and we know they are inheri-ting a mess. However, we have faith In our young students and we know they can overcome whatever obstacles may come their way. Therefore, we ask God's blessing on them not only at graduation, but throughout the rest of their lives.

We pray that this years graduates find happiness and joy-in a world that only-too often can experience sadness, sorrow, and pessimism We encourage them to have the willingness to listen to others as they expect others to listen to them. We also pray that they can find meaning in their lives through active and unselfish concern for others. Their challenges will be many so we pray that they will have the interest, the optimism, the fortit-ude, and the courage to underst-and that most of the world's problems can be solved, and many can be solved by them.

Those that graduate this year need to be encouraged, and more than that loved. They need to realize that they can accomplish any goals they set their mind to do, and with encouragement from loved ones, they will soon have the success that they so desire. So if you have someone gradu-ating this year, don't feel sad, but rejoice with them and encourage them as they prepare for the next plateau in their life, and they wilI be so grateful when they reach their goals that you have been there all the time, in encour-agement and in love. Congrat-ulations to all graduates and best wishes for your future!