Congratulations on reaching this milestone in your life. As you stand on the threshold of adulthood, prepared to take on the world, here are some things you should know.

A lot of resources have been invested in preparing you for this moment. You have what it takes to survive in this world.

You have the confidence that comes from pushing yourself. You raised market animals for 4-H, earned money to go on school trips, performed on the community theater stage, competed in sports, took advanced placement exams, wrote music and produced videos. You participated in community projects here and abroad.

You know about teamwork and fair play, both in the classroom and on the sports field. When competition was tough, you did your best and were a good sport. You offered a hand to an injured opponent. You gave credit to your teammates, knowing the victory was a shared accomplishment.

You have resilience, something that you learned from living in this isolated place. All of your life here, you’ve seen how your community won’t say “no” when the chips are down.

And now, here you are, ready to don cap and gown and get that well-deserved diploma. The world poses different challenges for you than it did for us on our graduation day. But you are ready. And your community has confidence in you.

Two graduates from last year’s Orcas High School class illustrate how well-equipped you are for success. Makala Forster and Jacqlynn Zier have been attending annual United Nations conferences advocating sustainable development since middle school. They will be attending the United Nations Rio+20 Conference in Brazil at the end of June. See the full story on page 7.

Even though our eyes may tear as you prepare to leave, we eagerly anticipate news of the heights you will scale, the goals you will achieve, the changes you will bring to the communities you will touch.  Good luck, Class of 2012.

– Orcas High School graduation ceremony is Saturday, June 16 at 2 p.m. in the school gym.