This was the speech that I delivered as Valedictorian of the Indian Springs High School graduating class in June of 1991. --Joshua Brauer

Robert Frost, a noted American poet, once said of choosing between two roads: "I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference."

We and the society into which we are entering must look to the road less traveled. Unemployment, pollution, traffic, crime, and homelessness are all becoming more common. Financial institutions and the whole of the economy are in big trouble. Annually we spend billions of dollars building the militaries of many nations. Yet we do not fund social programs to feed, house, and educate those who are less fortunately than we are.

We have come to a point in time where we must change things or forever forfeit our way of life. As a class in high school we have strived for excellence, dedication, and innovation. Now these must also be part of our daily lives. Additionally we must be role models and leaders for the next generation

In order to have a greater impact we must become leaders wherever we are and in whatever we do. Certain qualities are necessary for good leadership. I would like to share a few of these with you.

Dedication - people must be dedicated to what they are doing. If you are involved in things you enjoy, dedication comes more easily, so persue a career you are interested in.

Courage - at times every leader faces tough situations. They must have the courage to not just adequately handle the current situation but also stand up fro what is right in the long run.

Plans - before we can lead others into the future we must first decide where we are going. Don't however become a slave to plans. If an opportunity arise that warrants changing plans then DO IT.

Dreams - often we are told "Leaders are dreamers." True, but so I might add are followers. Leaders are dreamers who make their dreams come true.

All of these qualities are within each of us. The process of education and learning goes toward developing these qualities.

In no way am I suggesting we all go out and become politicians. Often good leadership involves being able to choose good leaders. We must all be involved. We must exercise the rights granted us by the Bill of Rights 200 years ago this year. And in the face of adversity we must be prepared to stand together to the very end as the students in Tienneman Square did two years ago tonight. Individually we have quite a bit to accomplish. However if we work together with our friends form the past several years and with those we will meet as we journey through life we can change the world.

In closing I would like to return to this quote by Robert Frost -

"I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference."

We have the strength to take the less traveled road and make all the difference.