For the graduates, collected words of wisdom

High school seniors all over the Herald’s coverage area are graduating. Tassels are moved, mortarboards are launched into the air and tears are shed by fellow grads, teachers, friends and relatives. Graduation day is filled with a bittersweet alchemy of joy, anxiety and sadness; capped and gowned students are full of hope, pulsing with undefined potential.

We looked to some sources of wisdom to give our graduates the benefit of their experience. We asked them what advice they would give to a high school graduate in the class of 2012.

“Know that you have the capacity to change everyone you meet and everything you touch; that learning is continuous, whether or not someone grades it; that others are like us as well as different; and that life is a journey in which a career is a milestone, not a destination.”
      —Dr. Robert A. Scott, president, Adelphi University

“Work your ass off to get what you want and to be a better person. Don’t apologize for who you are.”
      —Amy Schumer, comedienne, actress, writer and 1999 graduate of South Side High School in Rockville Centre

“Life is not about a job or how much money you make. The world doesn’t need more materially successful people. It does need more people of integrity and moral courage, people who are compassionate and empathetic, people who ask questions with open minds and open hearts and who are willing to stand up for the least, the last and the lost. Concentrate on being that kind of person and you will not only be a true success, but the world will be better for having you in it.”
      —The Rev. Mark Lukens, pastor, Bethany Congregational Church, East Rockaway

“Everybody should follow their dream. You need to follow the pathway that brings you the most contentment, joy and happiness, because you’re going to do it for a long time. Too many people follow the dollar sign.”
      —Dr. Frank Chiachiere, District 13 Board of Education president, Valley Stream Central High School District board trustee, retired teacher and administrator and a teacher at the graduate center at Stony Brook University

“Determine a vocational goal and strive in every way possible to achieve it. Study, research, pursue all aspects of that position — and make it your duty to get there, and be the best you can be.” 
      —John Cestaro, owner JVC Realty Corp.; president, Island Park Theatre Group; secretary, Island Park Chamber of Commerce