Caddo Schools Class of 2024: Read Lamar Goree's last letter to students

As I write this letter, I am filled with immense pride and joy. Graduation marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. As the 11th graduating class during my tenure as superintendent of Caddo Parish Public Schools, I have witnessed nearly 27,000 students, just like you, walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. Each class has left a unique mark on our district, and this week, it has been your turn to shine.

Graduation is a milestone, a testament to your resilience, and a gateway to the numerous possibilities that lie ahead. You have faced challenges and navigated through uncertain times with courage and determination. Your journey has not been easy, but it has shaped you into the remarkable individuals you are today.

As you step into this new chapter of your lives, remember that education is not confined to the walls of a classroom. It is a lifelong journey of discovery, growth, and transformation. The knowledge and skills you have developed during your time in Caddo are the foundation for your future. However, it is your character, your integrity, and your compassion that will define your success. These skills, which I like to say are everything you learned while in kindergarten, are the skills that will shape so much of your journey.

I encourage you to dream big and to relentlessly pursue your passions. Do not be afraid to take risks, to fail, and to try again. It is in the failures and falls, that we see who we really are. Embrace every opportunity to learn, to grow, and to make a positive impact in the world around you.

Remember, you are not alone on this journey. You are part of a community that believes in you, supports you, and celebrates your achievements. Your teachers, your family, and your friends have been your biggest supports and will continue to be.

Carry with you the values that have been instilled in you—respect, empathy, and a commitment to growth. You are a source of hope for many with a future that is full of limitless possibilities. Use your talents and your education to inspire, uplift, and advocate for a better world.

Class of 2024, the world is waiting for your unique contributions, your fresh perspectives, and your energy. Strive for greatness, and never forget the potential that lies within you.

Congratulations on your graduation. As you step into the future, know that you carry with you the pride and best wishes of the entire Caddo Parish Public Schools family. I am confident that you will make us all proud, and I look forward to seeing all that you will accomplish in the years to come.

Dr. T. Lamar Goree is Superintendent of Caddo Parish Public Schools.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Read the Caddo Superintendent's letter to the 2024 graduates.