June 6, in a year before most of you were born: My high school graduation day. It seemed like such an unobtainable goal for so many years, and now, here we were, about to be unleashed on the world.

I spent most of the day at the pool and arrived at the ceremony with a big-time sunburn. No sun block. Didn’t know any better. Eleven-time skin-cancer patient now.

Others were in worse shape that evening. Take, for example, our valedictorian. Smart as a whip. Wanted to be a medical doctor. He would wind up in the medical field, but not as an MD. Had a lot of hippie in him. And let’s just say he was several decades ahead of his time regarding use of recreational marijuana.

We couldn’t wait to hear his speech. He got through it.

And that’s an important message to the Class of 2023. A whole new world awaits, you might find it daunting, but you’ll get through it.

If you can think critically, express yourself well and you’re not afraid of hard work, you’ll be fine.

In our graduation package this month — prepared by our Justin Griffin — I am so impressed by the scholars in our Senior Spotlight. Yet it’s not necessary to be in the top 5 of your academic class to make your mark in life. People, who today you wouldn’t give a nickel for their chances of success, shock you. You’ll see it at your 10-year and 20-year reunions.

School discipline. It’s a hot-button issue. It’s easy to rip Maricopa Unified School District on social media, but where are those folks when it’s time to speak at a Governing Board meeting or hop on a task force to find solutions?

My guess is the problem isn’t as big as some try to make it, yet it is big enough that the Governing Board president directed the superintendent to study it, and discussions have been ongoing at board meetings the past several months.

Our Cameron Jobson takes an in-depth look at classroom discipline and campus safety for you this month. Don’t miss it!

Graduates, good luck to you all! And moms of Maricopa, Happy Mother’s Day!

The June edition of InMaricopa Magazine is in Maricopa mailboxes and available online.

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