I should wish you success, but it seems more important to wish you meaning in your life. Success for many is easy, but a meaningful life is difficult to attain. It will take hard work, understanding, and faith in the worth of mankind to build meaning into your life.

All of you are endowed with talents. Many are fortunate enough to be endowed with ten talents while some may have only one. One‑talent persons as well as ten‑talent persons can excel. There is something you can do better than anyone else if you are willing to do your best.

During the last two or three years many changes have taken place in our nation and its people. In past years most graduates held great expectations and were confident about the future. Today a feeling of uncertainly seems to prevail, and for many people great expectations have ended in great disenchantments.

Disenchantment must serve as a reminder to each of you to work harder and develop a greater understanding and faith in the worth of mankind. Each of you must continue to seek wiser guidance as you put your talents to use. Follow these suggestions, Seniors, and enchantment, not disillusionment, will he ahead.

The 1969 Commencement Exercises in the new Maine West Gymnasium will mark the beginning of a new phase in your lives.

I am hopeful that the training you have received at Maine West will give you the preparation you need regardless of whether you go to college, attend a technical school, or enter the world of work.

Good luck to all of you!

Herman L. Rider, Principal