During this auspicious time when so many of our youth will step across a stage and receive a graduation diploma, we take a moment to recognize their accomplishments and impart some advice.

First off, realize this is a tremendous achievement; your friends and family and entire community are proud of you. But don’t think here is where our support ends.

As this door closes on your life, another opens. You’ll need the patience, love and guidance of all those around you to get through this next chapter, and the many more yet to follow.

Don’t let pride convince you it’s a weakness to seek others’ help. Remember the guidance that teachers and counselors, coaches, ministers and your parents have given you to this point. Realize that they’re all still there for you. They forever remain your support group.

Realize also that with your newfound status in society — whether you head for college or begin contributing as part of our workforce — you, too, will likely become part of someone else’s support group. Embrace that role and give wholeheartedly of yourself. That’s really what community is all about.

Believe in yourself and what you have to offer. Ask insightful questions that could make your campus or workplace better.

Seek opportunities with courage and confidence, and know that so many back home are brimming with pride over you.

Set steep expectations and work day in and day out to achieve them. And don’t be discouraged by setbacks, because it is through disappointment and the travails of life that we truly learn.

When facing a dilemma, do as Oprah Winfrey told Stanford University’s 2008 graduating class during the commencement speech: Go with your gut. “When you are doing the work you are meant to do, it feels right and every day is a bonus,” one of our board members heard Winfrey tell them.

And how do we know when we are doing right? Listen to that voice inside your heart. It has been honed by years of Sunday morning sermons and family dinner chats. Let that voice guide you; never lose touch with it. Because that is the essence of your soul.

Pursue avenues that may help enrich our great land. Although math and science might not yield the riches of Wall Street, it could be rich in other rewards. You might help launch us farther into the solar system or discover new galaxies or solve medical mysteries. Or you might teach those who go on to do this.

Learn to live frugally as these recent times have taught you. Resist the temptation to be a spendthrift. Spend your time helping others instead.

Volunteer with youth, coach a soccer team, help build a house, teach the Bible to a Sunday school class or take a mission trip abroad and realize all that America has given to you and that others in this world are so desirous of.

Use the knowledge that you have gained to make the most of your potential. And whether continuing your education or not, always continue to learn.

Do not be afraid to think outside the box. Express your ideas. Your high hopes and high ideals are what this world needs.

And if you find yourself in politics, embrace the other side. Work to find a way to bridge the gap so that we may all work together for the betterment of our society. Work with one another, not against.

It is up to your generation to lead us into the future. Your generation must solve the dilemmas we will face when we are too feeble to further contribute.

This is your chance. Enjoy this moment.

To quote Theodor Seuss Geisel (AKA Dr. Seuss): “Oh, the places you’ll go!”