'Don't worry', say class leaders

“Don’t worry” ~ be happy, said class leaders speaking to classmates, family and friends during Springfield High School commencement Friday evening.

Valedictorian Ashley Larson spoke about life lessons learned in high school. 

Rather than worrying about money, spend time creating memories and a meaningful life, she said. 

Don’t worry about figuring everything out because not all things go according to plan.

Don’t complain about stress because everyone is stressed at times; but seeking help from others will help relieve the stress.

Holding grudges won’t get you anywhere.

It’s your prerogative to change your mind. Everyone has opinions and nearly every view can be changed, and often change is good.

Don’t settle for “safe.” Step outside of your comfort zone. It can be immensely rewarding. Ashley found that trying new extracurricular activities and classes enriched her high school experience and expanded her horizons.

Salutatorian James Hoff-mann also suggested taking the high road to success and happiness.

 “While it is exciting to be heading off to live on our own, the experience can be quite intimidating,” he told his classmates. “So while many of us are scrambling to figure out our lives, I’m going to tell you what not to worry about.”

He suggested taking the most positive, ethical course.

Almost all find it necessary to take out student loans at some point in their schooling, so accept it, he said. The loans will help build a credit rating and prepare them for the next steps in their lives. “Do your best now and make your schooling worth the effort and expense,” he said.

The choice of a study major or career is a daunting task, he said, but it’s okay to change one’s mind to something completely different than what was planned.   Fifty to 70 percent of students change their majors at least once before thy graduate, with many changing at least three times.

Don’t worry about social media, he advised. “In almost all circumstances, your prevalence on social media platforms will not benefit you in any way that will help achieve our goals.”

Don’t worry about making new friends, he concluded.  “You will make new friends who will expose you to new ideas, so keep and open mind and get the most out of these friendships.”