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We will start out by simply saying congratulations graduates.
In many cases the parties have been held, the awards and scholarships given and the realization begins that now is the time to start another phase of your life.
It won't be easy.
Over the last decade our nation has lost close to eight million jobs. Wisconsin's unemployment rate is still close the 8% and nationwide the jobless rate remains high.
That makes the times the graduates are facing seem relatively hard.
Yes, times are tough but hold onto your hopes and dreams. Times have been tough before.
Just ask your parents. They have gone through a recession too and have seen our nation at war. They witnessed an attack on American soil on September 11, 2001.
Ask your grandparents. They saw tough economic times and wars, too. Some of you may have great grandparents who knew what it was like in our country during the Great Depression.
The best advice we can give is don't lose hope. That is not even an option. If you have the courage to lead, the courage to prevail, you will help guide our communities and our great nation forward.
You have given examples of your ability to do this. We have watched the fundraisers for worthy causes that students have gotten involved in and helped those less fortunate.
We have seen students rally around classmates who have lost a parent or a dear friend.
We have seen those crippled by a serious injury fight back and have a chance at a normal, productive life.
Those are just a few of the wonderful things our graduates have already done in their short lives.
So, keep the faith. Keep exhibiting the true grit needed to succeed.
Our hope is the Class of 2011 will see there is a big wonderful world out there that needs you to be a part of it.
May you learn from your mistakes. May you stay the course.