A round of advice from graduates

Graduation is a time to look back, a time to look forward and a time to celebrate.

With Fremont, Logan View and Oakland-Craig high schools holding commencement ceremonies this weekend, the graduation season is nearing an end. (Midland Lutheran College holds its graduation ceremony on May 24.)

Amy Rezac, a recent Archbishop Bergan graduate, looks back at her high school career of helping others.

Midland’s Caleb Wentz has advice to offer the next freshman class.

And Chassity Bassett of Project Extra Mile offers suggestions for parents hosting parties this weekend.

Rezac has been active in community events since she was in sixth grade when she joined the school’s chapter of the Family, Career, Community Leaders of America (FCCLA).

"I saw what FCCLA was doing," she said. "They were doing a lot in the community. That made me realize how lucky I am. If I can help others, I want to."

The first taste of community service came as members of FCCLA were making meals to be delivered to Care Corps. Volunteer organizations throughout the city make and deliver nightly dinners to residents in the shelter on a rotating basis.

"I saw I can help others and maybe change someone’s life," Amy said.

Wentz, who will graduate with an economics degree, offered tips for high school graduates who will attend college this fall.

"Use the campus resources," Wentz said, pointing toward the campus counselor for personal issues, campus tutoring program for academic issues and also to faculty. "That’s what they are there for."

Wentz offered that struggling students can also talk with residence hall leaders like hall directors and community assistants.

Bassett said the best way to avoid underage drinking at the parties is not to have any alcohol available.

"You’re dealing with a unique setting when you’re dealing with young people and adults at a graduation party," she said. "It’s an opportunity to step back and think about if it’s appropriate to have alcohol at all."

She said having any alcohol present at a graduation party is not worth the risk.

"To really avoid youth access to alcohol is to avoid alcohol," Bassett said. "Alcohol is the No. 1 killer of youth - more than all illicit drugs combined."

This graduation season, that seems there is good advice all around.