On Sunday, June 24,2001, my family and I were privileged to attend the graduation of my son and his classmates from Garden City High School. The young men and women assembled there were bright and impressive as a group and were about to embark on what we hope to be long, healthy and happy lives. Students, faculty and guests made speeches designed to inspire the audience with the limitless possibilities they would face in the future.

Senator Charles Schumer offered sage advice about his life's decisions on love and life, and about doing things "his way" regardless of parental advice and concern. His main point was "go for it." He said they would fail at times, but all they would have to do is pick themselves up, dust themselves off and try again. Eventually they would succeed. Others spoke of fear and how to control it, faith in oneself, and fate (which would surely smile on all of the graduates). After all, we live in Garden City and are people of great privilege.

The majority of the graduating class (89 percent we were told) were extremely bright and were to receive Regents diplomas. They scored well on their tests and would most certainly do well and "succeed." I wonder how the other 11 percent of the students were feeling about themselves. Those who were unable to score as well on tests may feel that they will be unable to achieve such glorious educational and material futures as their more academically gifted peers!

I understand very well that Garden City High School is a public school and therefore supported by public funds. I know that the student body, faculty and staff come from diverse religious or non-religious backgrounds. Because of interpretations of existing federal and state laws by our courts, and the efforts of the ACLU, one is led to believe that the mention of God (or anything of a religious nature) is forbidden. However, as I sat and listened to the speeches and hopes of the students, I couldn't help but think of Forrest Gump and the floating feather of fate.

The secularization of America has taken place. Gone are the days when rabbis, priests and ministers were invited to sit on the dais and invoke the name of God in a prayer of benediction. Gone are the days of the Puritans who started Harvard and Princeton Universities, who believed in the providence, transcendence and immanence of a God who cares for and controls all things by the pleasure of His will.

For thousands of years, people of faith have found the comfort and strength needed to face the future by trusting in the Lord with all their hearts and not on their own understanding of things. They knew that if they

acknowledged Him, He would direct their paths (Proverbs 3:5-6 paraphrased). As St. Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).

I felt badly that God was not acknowledged or even invited to the graduation ceremony at our high school. It is really our loss, not His. I also hope and pray that our children have more to hold on to than faith in themselves and good luck. Faith is useless unless it is deposited in something or someone worthy of it. I urge you to remember that ignoring God does not mean He doesn't exist. He does and He can be found by those who diligently seek Him.

-Dr. James W. LaRocca