As the school year winds down, let me take this opportunity to congratulate the Class of 2008.

Whether you are about to begin college, or enter the work force, each of you stands on the brink of a new and exciting beginning.

But before taking that next step, please take a moment to reflect on how you came to this milestone and to take the time to say "thank you" to your parents, guardians and loved ones. For years they make you lunch, drove you to school, supported your dozens of extracurricular activities and supported you in countless other ways.

Long Island schools are among the best in the nation with the highest graduation rates and proportion of students that attend post-secondary education. And that is due to all the teachers who devote their careers to giving you access to the best possible education. They, too, should be thanked.

This is a time of celebration and a recognition of your achievements. Take the time to enjoy yourselves and spend time with friends and family members.

But don't take too long, because we need you.

We have so many talented and motivated students in our schools and I urge them to harness their talents and gifts to make the world a better place.

With each new generation comes new energy and new ideas. Healthcare needs to be fixed and made affordable for everyone. Cures for disease need to be found. Global warming needs to be stopped, and our dependency on foreign oil needs to be stemmed.

Within each of you lies the potential to solve these, and an infinite number of other challenges that we face.

I am very confident that the Class of 2008 will rise to the occasion.

Please accept my congratulations and keep it with you as you forge your own path in life.

As your state senator, I promise to fight to uphold the quality of our schools and to make Long Island a place of opportunity and affordability.

Once again, congrats and good luck.