Aloha kakou! Students, proud parents, friends, National Guard officials, program instructors, and distinguished guests, it is my great pleasure to join you to celebrate the accomplishments of a remarkable group of young men and women–the graduates of Hawaii’s Youth Challenge Program.

First and foremost, congratulations to our graduates on a job well-done! On your special day, it is a privilege for me to share a few words of encouragement as you successfully complete this rigorous program and prepare for new challenges.

Thank you Major Jeffrey Nishikawa [deputy director of the program and Master of Ceremonies for the graduation, set to introduce you] for that gracious introduction. Mahalo and congratulations to you, Colonel Robert Watanabe [director of the Youth Challenge Program], General Rick Richardson, Mr. Daniel Donohue of the National Guard Bureau, and all the members of the Hawaii National Guard who participate in this outstanding program. You are instrumental to the success and accomplishments of our Youth Challenge graduates and your service to our community is appreciated. It is also good to see our Lieutenant Governor Mazie Hirono.

I have had the opportunity to attend a number of Youth Challenge graduation ceremonies and to visit your campus. It is always an uplifting experience to celebrate the end of your long journey, the fulfilment of an important goal in your young lives. You made the right choices and accepted the responsibilities that will make a positive difference in your lives.

Back in March, over 50 of you wrote to me about your experiences and told me how the Hawaii National Guard Youth Challenge Program has helped you to change your lives. From what I have read, and from what I have seen today, you have done a good job in setting a promising course for your future.

I just know that this will be a springboard to the rest of your life. Corps members, I urge you to use the positive experiences you’ve had, use what you have learned and do the best you can in whatever comes tomorrow.

You told me that you have worked hard, overcome adversity, and grown as responsible young men and women. You have demonstrated the strength and courage to grow and mature into young adults. In your own words, self-discipline, responsibility, and integrity are three important qualities that you have gained through the Youth Challenge experience. These qualities will serve you well no matter what course you chart for your future. You now move forward from this ceremony with the basic tools and confidence to continue a lifetime of learning, sharing, and contributing to your community.

When you first accepted this challenge, some of you may have questioned if you would survive the first day. But you accepted the task at hand; you didn’t quit. By your actions, with the kokua of your fellow Corps members, instructors, and counselors, you have earned the respect of your family and peers, and carried out the responsibilities expected of you.

Your graduation this afternoon is a new beginning for you. Whether you enter the workforce, enlist in the military, continue in school, or enroll in college or vocational college, you should apply and use the same motivation, discipline, and confidence that saw you through the Youth Challenge program. I encourage each and every one of you to continue your commitment to excellence. Your efforts and your success are important to your families, your peers, your friends, the vitality of our communities, and the future of Hawaii and our country.

Don't be afraid to take risks. I know many of you, despite your young age, have had your share of disappointment, distraction, and discouragement. You are stronger and wiser for your participation in the Challenge Program, and our community is better for it. I also want to urge you to embrace and share the spirit of aloha which makes Hawaii such a special place. Don't forget that the meaning of aloha has to be transmitted to others. Aloha really is in the giving, not the taking. When you give, you share aloha.

Corps members, again, I am proud of you and I am certain that your families are proud of you too. We wish for you a future of good achievements and a life of happiness. Take the high road. In Hawaiian it means, “Kulia i ka nu`nu”; “reach for the best.” Malama pono and God Bless You!