Seven Letters to Seniors

It has been an honor and privilege to serve as an educator for almost 30 years. In my roles as high school mathematics teacher, administrator, senior executive, and superintendent, I have had the privilege of making decisions to deposit into the lives of young people. To contribute to the lives of students as they learn, mature into young adults, and graduate from high school is very sacred to me. During my last semester as superintendent of a school district in metro Atlanta, Georgia, I decided to visit all twelve high schools to speak to each senior class. I felt compelled knowing that the pandemic had interrupted their lives and learning. I knew that regardless of their circumstances, life would expect no less of them. Therefore, I developed a message encouraging students to take responsibility to prepare for their lives in seven areas: academics, social skills, finances, spiritual health, physical health, political engagement, and relationships. I promised them an e-book of the messages shared. Each of the seven areas was turned into a letter compiled into one free e-book offered to the graduating seniors of the school district. However, I was encouraged to make the letters available to graduates everywhere as others thought the information would be relevant to all high school seniors and graduates. Being obedient to this call, this project is my effort to make the message and seven letters available to all high seniors and graduates everywhere. This book is not designed to be a long read. I have tried to share the messages as I am talking directly to seniors or graduates as my students or very own children. It contains concise messages that hopefully appeals to seniors and graduates encouraging them to reflect and take appropriate actions to build a life of purpose and progress. A few necessary changes or enhancements from the original e-book were made to accommodate a wider audience. It is my hope and prayer that high school seniors and graduates read each letter and develop concrete actions to implement that will strengthen the foundation on which they will build their lives. I want each senior to determine a philosophy and approach for life that optimizes personal happiness and success that unapologetically translates into them being productive, contributing citizens to the American experiment of democracy. I sincerely hope and pray the messages of the seven letters are impactful to this end.