Many residents of Crowsnest Pass will be celebrating a milestone this weekend as the Class of 2012 graduates from Crowsnest Consolidated High School.

Parents, grandparents and other family members proudly participate in the celebrations as they watch their young accept formal recognition of their achievements. For many it's a time of unabashed pride but one also tinged with a note of sadness to watch their offspring begin the final steps towards independence.

For the graduates it's a time of hope and renewal. Opportunities abound, idealism runs high and time stretches out before you like a long country road.

Many have plans for the future firmly in place; others are tentatively dipping their toes into an endeavour to try it on for size, while some stand at the crossroads questioning which direction to take.

As Steve Jobs so eloquently put it, "Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become."

Trust in yourself, pursue the path that makes you most happy, and live the life of your passions.

Good luck to all our remarkable graduates. May the wind be at your back and the sun shine upon all your future pursuits.