Members of the Milwaukee community offer their congratulations, inspiration and wisdom to the Class of 2020.

‘Keep going’

(Photo provided by Mayra Alaniz)

Mayra Alaniz, City of Milwaukee employee

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Congratulations, 2020 graduates! You’ve made a mark on your family, community and city. Your name goes into the yearbook as a graduate, and it goes into your family’s heritage book as a striver.

Your community, whichever you belong to and identify with, is proud of you, and we are rooting for your potential. Graduation means that you’ve answered the challenge to learn, work hard and keep going. So take a moment to realize this amazing accomplishment and, after patting yourself in the back, keep going!

I know you will leave many more marks to come.

‘You’re still the future’

(Photo provided by Spring Holz Houston)

Spring Holz Houston, development coordinator at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center

The Class of 2020 got the short end of the stick this year, let’s be clear. And though you didn’t get what we got when we graduated, you’re still the future.

In just a few years, you’ll be creating new jobs that we haven’t thought of yet with your talents. You have inspired so many of us so much thus far and will continue to, I’m sure.

Congratulations, Class of 2020; I hope you’re finding fun and safe ways to celebrate all of your many accomplishments.

‘Walk with purpose’

(Photo provided by Darrin Madison)

Darrin Madison, program coordinator for Youth Justice Milwaukee

What was meant to be a 2020 vision has left you blind without any support.

You never really got the chance to say goodbye to the friends you built bonds with over the past four years. You may have had to say goodbye to someone who was lost during this pandemic. Know that these experiences have laid a foundation for your class to build a better future and to find a vision.

With this newfound vision and your resounding resilience, I ask you to walk with purpose toward your dreams and carry those we have lost with you!

Congrats to the resilient Class of 2020!

‘Laugh often, but don’t hold in tears’

(Photo provided by Cetonia Weston-Roy)

Cetonia Weston-Roy, author who works with children with autism

If life has not already taught you, this year certainly has. Life is unpredictable, change can be swift, and adults don’t always know what to do.

As you take this step, realize that the same is true for you. You won’t always know what to do when life goes awry — you will meet people who should stay at least 6 feet away. With all the uncertainty of life, it is still beautiful!

Plan, but don’t be so stubborn that you cannot pivot. Laugh often, but don’t hold in tears. Stand firm in who you are, but do not become stagnant.

‘Say “I love me” in the mirror every day

(Photo provided by Jackie Tate)

Jackie Tate, entrepreneur and longtime Milwaukeean

My message to all young adults embarking on your new journey of life: Say “I love me” in the mirror every day, even when you don’t feel well.

Travel and socializing should be on top of your list — it will broaden your minds and help with empathy.

If you know or feel you are making the wrong decision, go with your first mind and don’t do it — some mistakes you can’t recover from.

Lastly, honor your elders. You will be one someday.

In case you missed it: Showing off Milwaukee’s beautiful, resilient Class of 2020

In case you missed it: Five high school graduates who will give you inspiration