My Hope for You

by Martin Strand on July 22, 2007

Looking down on this special crowd I recall my early school life.

I never had much trouble speaking to an audience such as this.

I figured I had something to say so I might as well say it.

I never thought I had to ask permission to be successful.

It is my hope that you will go foreword today with that thought.

I envision growing minds full of hope for their future as I look at you.

Some of you will leave your village to contribute to a growing world.

Others will be like me and yearn to go home and help your people.

The world will come to your doorstep with many great offers.

You will make a decision on how best you will spend your life.

I hope you will want to be excellent in everything you will do.

My elders and church urged my sister and I to be the best we could.

Our large and small victory were lavishly praised by them.

We worked on expanding our talents in many and varied ways.

I carry those talents with me today and use them often.

Today I praise this program you are involved in expanding your life.

The teachers and friends are ever growing closer to each other.

Build on to these memories in the coming years ahead.

They will lift you rspirits in the times when you really need them.

I know our Sitka, our Alaska, and our Nation will thank you.