Dear Volusia County Schools families,
If you have a senior graduating this year, that moment you have both been waiting for is finally here. One chapter is coming to a close, and a new one is about to begin. You’re probably feeling a few things—hopeful, excited, anxious. We’re hoping another one of those feelings is confidence, the kind we here at VCS have in all of you.
Graduates, your reaching this milestone is no small feat. It shows a dedication to learning and the desire to succeed. Your generation is facing and overcoming challenges that the adults in your life could never have imagined. Over the past several weeks, I have had the opportunity to meet with some of our seniors at several of our high schools for a video series called “Getting to Walk: Footsteps Toward the Future.” I have enjoyed and learned something from each one, so I want to share a few of those pieces of advice for our graduates heading into their next chapter, as well as our returning students next year.
Don’t be afraid to get involved in extracurricular activities, whether they be academic, athletic, artistic, altruistic or something totally different. These experiences can lead to lifelong friendships and unique opportunities in your community and beyond.
Your voice is a powerful tool, so take advantage of opportunities that allow you to engage with community leaders and elected officials whose decisions could impact your future.
Don’t procrastinate, do your best and remember that your grades and accomplishments do not define you or your value.
Speaking with some of our seniors was inspiring and a reminder of why we do what we do. Hearing what their post-graduation plans are, like joining the armed forces, studying homeland security or learning cyber networking, has been encouraging and fills me with pride.
Graduates, I hope wherever life takes you after high school that you dream big, set goals that excite (and maybe scare) you and keep learning. As cheesy as it sounds, success is just as much about the climb as it is what’s on the other side.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025! We know you’ll make us proud!
Dr. Carmen J. Balgobin
Superintendent of Schools
