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(Kiki's Corner by Kiki Angelos - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

Pretty much all the colleges are done for this year. It is hard to believe that the high school season is almost over and all our local high school seniors will be graduating next week. There is so much that goes on before and after the graduation, so much preparation for the family and of course for the graduate.

There are graduation parties, family gatherings, vacations and the final goodbye that is so sad for so many students. They have built lifetime friendships of many years in the same classrooms in the same school, and they are ready to spread their wings, ready to fly and discover and explore the next chapter in their life like we all did, to go to the college of their choice.

Of course, I know the majority of students have already made up their mind where they will go to college some time ago, and who their roommates will be and what college classes they will attend. There is so much going on in their lives right now.

I will share a few things for the graduates, and you can share those with them

Good planning requires thinking ahead, setting priorities and staying disciplined. It helps you use your time wisely and stay focused on what matters, and also reduces stress and confusion because you know what to do next. Tell them there will be things that will change in their life. First of all, learning to be alone is an important skill in life. When I say alone, I mean away from family, but they will have friends around. At times it helps us become stronger and more independent. Many students and people in general use their alone time to learn new things and improve themselves.

As we advise them to work for their dreams, it means to put in effort and dedication so they can achieve what they truly want in life. There will be challenges that will come, but they should never give up. They should believe in themselves and keep trying, even when things are difficult. Avoid distractions and use your time wisely. With strong determination and positive thinking, they can turn their dreams into reality and build a successful and meaningful life.

I know every graduate has a dream, and by believing in themselves and staying focused on their goals, they can succeed. No one is perfect. Let’s learn from our mistakes and use them as lessons for improvement. Try to be around people that are positive; that can be very encouraging. Always challenge yourself to do better.

Tell them once they start their new chapter in their life, going to college, it’s a huge commitment. Staying dedicated means giving your time, effort and focus without giving up easily. When you’re committed, you take responsibility and keep working until you achieve your goal .Success often comes to those who stay committed, regardless of what challenges they face. It’s not always easy to achieve everything that we have planned, and trust me there will be a lot of distractions in between. But you need to concentrate. Now it’s time to build your future.

Everyone’s future does not happen by chance; it’s a daily challenge. Many students focus too much on quick results and forget the importance of long-term growth. Trust me, down the road, they will see the results of their efforts.

Graduates, this is my advice to you: Discipline and patience are key to success. Instead of making excuses, take responsibility and keep moving forward. When you think positively and believe in yourself, you create new opportunities. Life is a beautiful journey and is all about learning, growing, loving and creating meaningful memories. I know that’s a little bit deep, but a good life is built through gratitude.

Don’t forget honesty, and don’t forget to make sure you treat others the way you like to be treated. And don’t forget, family, friendship and health are some of the most valuable parts of life. Every day we should try to improve ourselves. Don’t forget it’s never too late to learn and build confidence. Don’t forget the importance of goals in life.

Don’t forget dreams are the beginning of success, and also they give meaning and motivation to life. At the same time, life will test you. Be strong enough to go through tough times. You might not want to hear that, but you’re responsible for your actions. Learn, adjust, and keep going!

I want to wish all the graduates in the Mid Ohio Valley, from the bottom of my heart, HAPPY GRADUATION! May your life be full of health, happiness and success!

And in a few years, hopefully, I want to see all of you come back to the Mid-Ohio Valley, having the best jobs: lawyers, doctors, teachers, business people, bankers, insurance people, electricians, plumbers, farmers, etc. May all your dreams come true!

Don’t forget life is beautiful and we are behind you all the way and very proud of you!

GOD BLESS YOU ALL !

I know for sure, I will be praying for all of you!

Till next week

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Perfect recipe for your graduation gatherings.

Lady Gregory truffle

1(8 oz sponge cake)

1(10 oz) jar Strawberry or raspberry jam

1 (17 oz) jar fruits for salad, drained

2 ounces Irish whiskey

1 cup whipping cream, whipped

Fresh fruit in season

Split the sponge cake in half, and spread each half with jam. Put halves together again, and cut into small squares. Place cake squares in a crystal bowl. Cut large pieces of fruit for salad in half and add fruit to the bowl. Sprinkle with Irish whiskey and pour boiled custard over all. Chill.

Garnish with whipped cream and fresh fruit.

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Boiled custard

1 pint of milk

1/2 cup of sugar

1/2 teaspoon of flour

1 egg, beaten

1/2 Teaspoon vanilla

In the top of a double boiler, bring milk just to a boil. Blend sugar and flour. Add egg. slowly add hot milk and vanilla to egg mixture. Then return the custard to the top of double boiler. Cook over hot water until the custard thickens slightly. Pour 3 tablespoons crème de cassis over individual servings of orange sherbet. Garnish with a sprig of mint.

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Another perfect unusual dessert for your graduation dinner party or buffet!

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar

2 tablespoons vanilla

6 eggs, separated

2 cups chopped pecans, toasted

18 ladyfingers

24 stale almond macaroons, crushed

1 cup whipping cream

2 tablespoons of powdered sugar

1 teaspoon Sherry wine, optional

Cream, butter and sugar, and add vanilla. Beat egg yolks until lemon colored.

Then add to the butter mixture and beat for 10 minutes on high speed. Beat egg whites until stiff and fold into the butter mixture along with pecans. Line 2(7×11-inch) Pyrex dishes. Sprinkle macaroons on top. Refrigerate mixture overnight. Whip cream with sugar and Sherry, if desired, and top each serving with a spoonful. Serves 16.