As the school year begins, I am reminded that learning is never finished. In my own work, stepping into the role of Senate majority floor leader has already taught me a great deal, and I know there is even more ahead. That is the way life works. No matter how far you go, there is always something new to understand, a skill to sharpen, or a perspective to gain.
I see the same truth in my role as a father of four. My children have reached, or are reaching, ages where they are starting to fly from the nest, each on their own path, each finding their place in the world. As parents, we do our best to prepare our children for the world, but we also rely on the helping hands that guide them along the way. Teachers, coaches, and mentors give their time, energy, and care to teach, encourage, and inspire our young people. You help shape character, build confidence, and give our students the wings they need to soar.
For our students, this school year is another important step in preparing for the future. The workforce you will enter is evolving quickly. It will need innovators, problem solvers, and people who know how to work hard and work well with others. Whether your path leads you to college, a technical program, the military, or straight into a job, the lessons you learn now will form the foundation of your success.
I encourage you to see each assignment, project, and challenge as part of your training for the opportunities ahead. Build habits of responsibility and follow through. Learn how to communicate clearly, think critically, and adapt when plans change. Never let adversity get the best of you. These are the skills that employers value, and they will serve you in every stage of life. Kentucky needs you, and your success is the commonwealth’s success.
To every teacher and school employee across our district, thank you for investing in our students. Your work has a lasting impact not just on individual lives, but on our entire community. You help prepare our young people to take flight and to return with the knowledge, character, and drive that strengthen the bluegrass.
Here’s to a school year filled with growth, purpose, and preparation for the journeys ahead.
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Sen. Max Wise, R-Campbellsville, represents the 16th Senate District, including Adair, Allen, Metcalfe, Monroe, and Taylor Counties and eastern Warren County. He is the Senate Majority Floor Leader. As a member of Senate majority leadership, he serves on the Legislative Research Commission. Wise is a member of the Interim Joint Committees on Economic Development and Workforce Investment; Education; Families and Children; and Tourism, Small Business, and Information Technology.
(Dustin R. Isaacs – Office of Senate Majority Floor Leader Max Wise)