Orleans Hub readers offer advice for new high school graduates

Photo by Tom Rivers: Aubrey Boyer, president of the Class of 2021 in Albion, takes a selfie during her speech during the 143rd commencement on June 25. Photo courtesy of Aubrey Boyer: This is the photo Boyer took of herself with her classmates. Albion held the graduation outside at the football stadium for the 140 members of the Class of 2021.

‘Stay humble. Work hard. Be kind.’

Orleans Hub asked for advice for readers to give the new graduates. We received a lot of responses on our Facebook page. Here are some of them:

Aaron Knights: “Stay humble. Work hard. Be kind. Never underestimate the effectiveness of a personal follow-up on that job you want—it takes more than hitting send on an email to stand out. And send hand-written thank-you notes.”

Julie Ann Bolas Carasone: “Do not live beyond your means. You are only young once, so travel, travel and travel all over the world and see the sites.”

Frank Nash: “If you decide to go to college, go for hard sciences or the medical field. Everyone I know with a degree who is in debt or unemployed has a degree in the soft sciences.”

Cierra Mitravich: “Choose you! Over all drama, ‘boyfriends’ ‘girlfriends’ ‘friends’ in general. Know your worth and don’t put up with anything you shouldn’t. Choose your mental, emotional, and physical health always. But don’t be afraid. Don’t be afraid to try new things. And to stand up for you. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Take up all good opportunities. Have fun. And be safe and smart. Too many young kids are having tragedies nowadays. Think about EVERYTHING BEFORE you say and do things.”

Photo by Tom Rivers: Callie Updike, center, and other members of the senior ensemble, sing “Don’t Worry About Me” during commencement on June 26 when 60 students graduated from Holley.

Joey Fiorilli Conlon: “Be true to yourself. Turn off the TV. Conscientiously make every decision with your eyes wide open.”

Karl White: “Be flexible. You may not always get what you want, but you will find what you need.”

Maryann Provorse: “If you made it through the last 15 months you can accomplish anything. Way to go all graduates.”

Cameron Swetland: “Be practical, follow your dreams, but always keep yourself bound to reality. And remember to SAVE. YOUR. MONEY.”

Robert Peters: “Learn a trade. You can have a prosperous career without going to college and getting into major debt.”

Donna Youngs: “People will come into your life. They will either lift you up or drag you down. Don’t let people drag you down.”

Tammy Pecorella: “Live, love, laugh – be true to yourself and be happy. You can do anything you want.”

Joe Randall: “Stay out of debt. Pay cash for everything.”

Photo courtesy of David Klafehn: These Kendall grads include from left: Dylan Gates, Colin Willis, Waylon Peet, Bryce Friedrich, Hayden VanDusen, Joshua Gregory, Hunter King and Michael Samons Jr. They were among 49 to graduate from Kendall on June 25.

Angela Holland: “Don’t be trapped by dogma—which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. Congratulations to you all!!!”

Mike Zangerle: “Life…love it, live it. It’s an activity, not just a contemplation. Get to work and have fun doing it.”

Matthew Backlas: “Follow your own dreams – consider the advice of others but your path is your own. Do what feels right. Screw up. You’re young. Enjoy every day. Take chances. Now is the time.”

Stephanie Brownfeld: “Learn how to be present in each moment and appreciate everything life throws at you.”

Janine Miller: “The old saying that I learned in my youth: ‘Only one life, ’twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.’ You will need Jesus. Check in with Him daily. Read the Bible, pray, listen, and fellowship with others who do these things. He never leaves or forsakes, and you will never serve a better purpose than what He leads you into. Many may reject this advice. But I still felt led to post it, for those who will take it to heart.”

Gail Klossner: “Don’t stay in your comfort zone too long… Explore, life has many adventures, opportunities. Without risk, you won’t discover your true self.”

Jake Zangerle: “Join the Military and then take college classes. Stay out of politics as much as possible while you’re relatively young.”

Photo by Cheryl Wertman: Medina’s 123 graduates celebrated commencement on June 25 with the class all together at Vets Park.

Mary Bannister: “Always be a better listener than talker so when you open your mouth what comes out is relatable.”

Lisa Barthel: “Take care of your birth certificate and social security card! Keep in in a safe place where you can find it!”

Walt Grabowski: “Start a retirement ASAP and put in all that you can and never touch it till you retire.”

Mike Dain: “Do not fear failure.”

Terri Lee Hahn: “Give to the world the best that you have, and the best will come back to you.”

Rob Muhs: “Don’t stop reading! Read everyday, learn histories’ lessons, so as not to repeat them.”

Don McHale: “Life moves faster every year. Find a career and mate that you will love for the Long Trails of Life.”

Angela Burns Baker: “Every day is a gift. Never go to bed angry.”

Photo by Tom Rivers: Alexander Barry, Lyndonville’s salutatorian, walks to accept a scholarship from Darren Wilson, president of the Lyndonville Area Foundation, during Lyndonville’s graduation on June 24. Barry was one of 59 grads in Lyndonville’s Class of 2021.

Marge Colonna Burgio: “Congratulations!! ‘What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger!’ This pandemic has certainly prepared you for the future! Make it the best it can be for success, happiness, community service & love!!”

Patricia Joy: “Choose a career you know you will love long term. Strive to be the best you can be, and last but not least try to make a difference in someone’s life.”

Colleen Elmore: “Never give up; it gets better.”

Carl Nocera: “Skip college go to a trade school.”

Jill Bischalaney: “If you work hard you will be successful.”

Dan Conrad: “Congratulations to our graduating class of 2021.The Albion Lions Club would like to take a moment say that we are all so proud of your accomplishments and all the hard work you have put in. Now your lives are just beginning and the sky’s the limit to make a wonderful life. Go out into the world and fulfill your dreams and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t. Congratulations again.”

Barbara Chappius Papili: “Surround yourself with positive people!!”

Art Hallows: “You can’t hit home runs if u don’t stay in the batter’s box swinging! No matter what you go thru in life – good and bad – never lose sight of your dreams and no matter how low life gets you always keep swinging!”

Mark Oblick: “Keep an open mind and give love freely.”

Anna Christine: “Literally get out of your hometown – you don’t realize how much you miss when you stay in the same place your whole life.”

Matthew Thomas Fudge: “Stay out of debt at all costs.”

Ron Bellamy: “Move out of NY, ASAP! Lol.”

Barb Fry: “Today is the first day of the rest of your life! Take one day at a time!”

Regan Hodge: “Don’t chase the dollar. Chase happiness.”

Kathleen Vicknair: “To thine own self be true.”

Timothy McDonnell: “Do not read the comments section……of anything.”