Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Nevada graduates told to remember the golden rule

Members of the graduating class of 2004 were told about the importance of the "golden rule", at the commencement exercises Thursday, May 20.

Circuit Judge Jim Gunter was the keynote speaker at the event held in the Nevada gymnasium.

"I know you're ready to graduate," he said, "and you've all looked forward to this day and are ready to celebrate. You're parents are happy.

"But what is it exactly? For some of you it's an ending, a goal finished. For others, it's freedom. No more homework, no more tests, no more dress codes and no more rules."

For others, he said, graduation is a begging as they will venture on to college, join the workforce or perhaps join the military. To those considering joining the armed forces, Gunter said his hat is off to them.

"I hope you use graduation as a springboard to the rest of your lives and focus on what comes next. As you begin the rest of your lives there will be rules, tests, homework and dress codes."

Some of the rules the graduates will be dealing with, he said, are laws, and there are consequences for breaking them. Laws, are a guide to allow people to live peaceably together without fear.

Employers, he said, have rules. These are set up so the workplace can be more efficient, safe and effective. Breaking these rules could wind up costing someone their job.

There are also rules for those who go to college or join the military, as well as consequences for breaking them.

But, Gunter said, there are some rules unwritten. These rules can be imposed upon us by families, society, friends, spouses and children.

In many cases, these aren't really rules, he said, but expectations. Things like courtesy, cooperation, dedication, loyalty and protection. "How you handle these will determine who you are and who you become in life."

Those who obey the law stay free, and those obeying the rules at work usually keep their job. Following the rules at college can result in obtaining a diploma. "The unwritten rules require more," he said, "but sometimes you don't know what they are. You can't look them up, but if you break them, someone will let you know what they are."

How a person handles these unwritten rules, he said, is important. People can talk to their friends about them, finding out what they expect from one another and deal with what happens should one or the other not live up to the expectations.

"Learn the unwritten rules for those who are holding the expectations," he said. "If you listen well, you'll learn them as you get acquainted and develop a relationship.

"You will have enough problems in life," he told the graduates, "and don't need them with the people closest to you. There is an old rule, you've heard it said, you can apply to relationships, and if you use it, it will make things easier  Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

"Yes, the golden rule. It will solve most relationship problems, and if you live by it you'll develop a reputation and most people will adore you."

Gunter said living by the golden rule will result in attracting attention and will show up in a person's attitude. "If you follow it, you won't have to worry about the written rules."

Zach Niemeyer presented the honors address, saying the class begin in 1991 as a bunch of scared five and six year olds, but their journey has come to an end. "Part of me wants to stay, but part can't wait to leave and expand my horizons."

He talked about how all students had their own spot on the floor in kindergarten, but were trusted to sit in chairs when they started the first grade. All thought they were cool when they entered junior high, only to learn they were the young punks older students would pick on.

"It's time to put our childhood behind us," he said. "Some may move off and become millionaires. Others may stay close and have families. But we'll never forget this place."

Jessica Potts gave the parents recognition, saying the students wouldn't be there without them.

Brandon Evans gave the farewell, saying his speech was a combination of things. "It seems like yesterday we were on the playground, playing basketball and pushing girls down. Graduation was so far away.

"We need to consider how we got here," he said. "It doesn't end here, we can dream what we want and go where we want. We only have one life. We will go our separate ways, but will always have our memories."

Nevada Superintendent Rick McAfee gave the administrative address, saying he doesn't envy the students graduating into the world the way things are, but added the country would be all right in their hands.

"I'm proud of you guys," he said. "I look into your bright eyes and see the future ahead of you. I offer my congratulations for the commitments and challenges you have conquered , the goals you have reached and surpassed.

"Twenty-first century America belongs to you  take good care of it."