Grow your garden well

Published 2:00 pm Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Class of 2019, as Mr. Holt would say, “The time has come once again …” for us to send another group of deserving students out into the world. You are more than deserving, though. You are a group of character, ethics, dedication and purpose. You represent all that we hope to accomplish as we raise young men and women in this community and we know that you will be a blessing wherever your lives may take you.

As Dr. Nancy Leonard noted in her remarks at your senior banquet, you are the product of the seeds that we, as a community, had sown these past 14 years as you have gone through Charlotte County Public Schools. As you move into the next phases of your lives, Dr. Leonard’s garden analogy is an appropriate one and holds many lessons that may help you on your many journeys.

• Seek fertile ground — Plants cannot grow where there is nothing to support them, and neither can people. Seek out situations and relationships that provide you fertile soil in which to grow. Work hard to determine what you need to do to be the best you can be and try, as best you can, to put yourself in situations that provide those things.

• Surround yourselves with sunshine — Very few plants can thrive in total darkness and likewise, neither can we. We all need light in our lives, the kind of positivity, hope and energy that invigorates us and helps us move forward. So find your light. Surround yourself with the people and things that bring joy and purpose to your pursuits. They will be the things that promote the most growth in your lives.

• Lean on others — We hope you all grow tall and strong in your chosen endeavors, but the plants that grow alone are easily knocked down. For that reason surround yourself with others who can help support you when you need it. Lean on them and let them support you, and give the same support in return.

• Remember to rotate — Plants grow better when the soil is rotated and new nutrients are introduced. Likewise, you must add a little variety to your lives in order to continue your growth process. Whether picking up a new hobby, learning a new skill, or traveling and learning more about the world around you, challenge yourself to continue each year to grow beyond where you are now.

• Trust the seasons — Every plant has its season, a time to flourish and produce abundantly. However, those seasons are often fleeting and are not the same for every plant. Neither will they be for you. You may be in full bloom one day only to find Class of 2019, as Mr. Holt would say, “The time has come once again …” for us to send another group of deserving students out into the world. You are more than deserving, though. You are a group of character, ethics, dedication and purpose. You represent all that we hope to accomplish as we raise young men and women in this community and we know that you will be a blessing wherever your lives may take you.
As Dr. Nancy Leonard noted in her remarks at your senior banquet, you are the product of the seeds that we, as a community, had sown these past 14 years as you have gone through Charlotte County Public Schools. As you move into the next phases of your lives, Dr. Leonard’s garden analogy is an appropriate one and holds many lessons that may help you on your many journeys.

• Seek fertile ground — Plants cannot grow where there is nothing to support them, and neither can people. Seek out situations and relationships that provide you fertile soil in which to grow. Work hard to determine what you need to do to be the best you can be and try, as best you can, to put yourself in situations that provide those things.

• Surround yourselves with sunshine — Very few plants can thrive in total darkness and likewise, neither can we. We all need light in our lives, the kind of positivity, hope and energy that invigorates us and helps us move forward. So find your light. Surround yourself with the people and things that bring joy and purpose to your pursuits. They will be the things that promote the most growth in your lives.

• Lean on others — We hope you all grow tall and strong in your chosen endeavors, but the plants that grow alone are easily knocked down. For that reason surround yourself with others who can help support you when you need it. Lean on them and let them support you, and give the same support in return.

• Remember to rotate — Plants grow better when the soil is rotated and new nutrients are introduced. Likewise, you must add a little variety to your lives in order to continue your growth process. Whether picking up a new hobby, learning a new skill, or traveling and learning more about the world around you, challenge yourself to continue each year to grow beyond where you are now.

• Trust the seasons — Every plant has its season, a time to flourish and produce abundantly. However, those seasons are often fleeting and are not the same for every plant. Neither will they be for you. You may be in full bloom one day only to find