May was graduation season. Kids across South Dakota are looking forward to enjoying the summer, and theyre also looking ahead to whatever comes next. Hopefully, they have the opportunity to enjoy the warm summer weather then get to work on whatever their futures have in store.
On my Open for Opportunity tour, Ive been able to visit many schools across all levels of education including an elementary school in Winner, a high school in Aberdeen, a tribal school on the Standing Rock Reservation, several of our tech colleges, and every one of our Board of Regents institutions. Ive seen a wide variety of high-quality educational opportunities that are setting our kids up for success in their careers and lives. More than that, Ive seen hard-working South Dakotans full of passion for helping our kids learn and grow.
Ive also had the opportunity to speak to several groups of young South Dakotans. About a month ago, I spoke to a lunch where we honored students who were in the top 1% of their high school graduating class a terrific accomplishment! I also visited with young female leaders at Girls State and will be doing the same at Boys State.
With each of these groups of young leaders, I shared a simple bit of advice that I got from a pastor long ago: Dont wait for doors to open. Check and see if theyre locked. Oftentimes, youll find that theyre unlocked. The same is true for each of us and for our entire state as we pursue opportunities.
In each of these audiences, I looked around the room and saw hundreds of bright-eyed South Dakotans eager to make their mark on the world. I see the same energy and enthusiasm in the eyes of my own young grandchildren. If they check the doors, theyll find more unlocked doors than they anticipated and theyll have even more opportunity to make their mark on South Dakota.
The purpose of education is to prepare our students to be strong citizens with the potential for productive careers. And every South Dakota student should have the opportunity to get the right education for their needs. As we continue working to keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free, I will be prioritizing our kids education because they truly are our future.
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