Rep. Michele Bachmann to the Class of 2012: 'This Country Needs Achievers'

The will be holding the 136th Graduation Commencement for more than 800 graduating seniors on Saturday, June 9 at Roy Wilkins Auditorium.

The commencement will begin at 7 p.m.

Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) recently wrote this letter to high school seniors:

"You did it! You reached your last few days of high school. Soon, your tests will be finished and you’ll say your goodbyes. Soon, you will stand proudly beside your classmates and receive your diplomas. Soon, you will close a chapter of your education knowing that years of hard work paid off.

Over the years, I’ve been to my fair share of graduations. I can tell you as a parent, watching my biological children and my foster children receive their diplomas was bittersweet. There is elation at the milestone being achieved. And I can say, some happiness that late nights with calculus, countless parent-teacher conferences, explosive science projects, teenage heartthrobs and heartache have come to an end. But it is sad to see our children leave the nest.

With graduation comes a great new independence. From this moment forward, you are free to pursue paths of careers, education and exploration. You have so many possibilities. Staring at your entire future before you may seem a bit daunting, but you are now prepared with an education to propel you forward.

America’s history is one of risk-takers and challenge-seekers. The fact that we can celebrate the amazing freedoms of education and self-determination today is because we stand in the shadow of great men and women who set goals and reached them, ensuring America would be a place where dreams are born and come true. But nothing earned was earned without a struggle. And this country is facing a time of struggle.

So, class of 2012, this is no time to take a back seat. Work hard so that the generations that follow you will enjoy the freedoms you’ve come to cherish.

Soon, you will be receiving a diploma that means something. It wasn’t just handed to you; you earned it. Similarly, your future will not be handed to you.  I urge you to set a goal and begin a journey towards it. If it’s learning how to repair cars – put all of yourself into it. If it’s becoming a teacher – don’t cut corners. If it’s becoming a scientist – don’t give up. This country needs achievers.

Some might say the future is bleak for this year’s graduates, but I don’t believe that. I believe in America. I believe in you. I believe that when you face an uphill battle, you will keep climbing, daring and dreaming. After all, your future is our nation’s future."