Congratulations, graduates. The world is in front of you. The possibilities are limitless.

More than 400 students graduated from Vicksburg high schools this year. Many will move on to college, while others will hope to join the work force. Whatever the plans are — and there still is plenty of time to figure out a life plan — be productive.

Jackie Robinson, the famous baseball player who stared down ignorance and racism to break Major League Baseball’s color barrier in 1947, said, “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” The questions graduates must start asking themselves is how they will make others’ lives better. How will I make society better? What impact will I have on my community?

It is up to you. The answers cannot be found in textbooks or through a government program. The answers can be found in one place — the heart.

This time in your lives is special — and never will be duplicated. Graduation ceremonies mark the end of a chapter. The walk across the stage is the opening of the next chapter. The words to your own book have yet to be written.

Seize this opportunity to fulfill your aspirations. Dream. Reach for the clouds, but always stay grounded. Make yourself stand out in a crowd in a positive way.

Your actions will help chart the future course of this country.

We know you will make us proud.

Congratulations.