On Saturday, we’ll have the pleasure of watching and documenting the vast majority of the members of Archuleta County’s class of 2026 as they mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of the next at the graduation ceremonies for Pagosa Springs High School and San Juan Mountain School.
These young adults — who, as well as other members of the local class of 2026, are featured in Section B of this week’s SUN — will be entering the next phase of their lives with valuable skills, good ideas and big dreams, and they will undoubtedly change the world in ways big and small.
Let’s support them as they work to make their lives, communities and world better, and let’s all take this season of growth and opportunity to remind ourselves to do the same.
We’re never too old for a new skill, a new big dream or to implement a good idea — or to support others who are doing the same.
This time of year videos and quotes from commencement speeches are spread far and wide to share wisdom, encouragement and positivity, and we love the inspiration they provide. But, we’d also like to repeat the words Kermit the Frog said during his “Kermencement” address to University of Maryland graduates last year: “Here’s a little advice, if you’re willing to listen to a frog: Rather than jumping over someone to get what you want, consider reaching out your hand and taking the leap side by side, because life is better when we leap together.”
We absolutely agree we are are better when we leap together.
This is also the time of year we refocus on other things strive to remember year-round:
Thank people who help you. A sincere, handwritten thank you can mean a lot, both in your chance to reflect on what they’ve done and in allowing them to hear the impact they’ve made.
Be grateful for the little things and the big things.
Remember to stop and breathe, and get some fresh air. Find the beauty around you.
Listen to others and take their viewpoints into consideration. You don’t have to always agree, but be civil and willing to listen.
Keep in mind we often have more in common than what divides us.
Be willing to change your mind when you learn something new.
When life is busy, make time for people. Your relationships with your family and friends are important.
As Kermit said, “It’s important to stay connected to your loved ones, stay connected to your friends and, most of all, stay connected to your dreams, no matter how big, no matter how impossible they seem. The truth is, dreams are how we figure out where we want to go, and life is how we get there.”
We can’t wait to see where life takes these graduates, their skills and their dreams, and we wish each and every graduate nothing but the best.
Congratulations, graduates. Continue to dream big and leap together.
Randi Pierce
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