No matter what type of graduation (from pre-school to high school to undergraduate and beyond), graduation represents another milestone reached and the beginning of a new course in life. It is important to honor these milestones with celebration and ceremony, and recognize the accomplishments of the graduate or graduates. Here is a collection of the top ten graduation-related quotes that are perfect for use in graduation announcements, cards, scrapbooks, parties, or more.
#1:
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who’ll decide where to go.” – Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You’ll Go
Oh, The Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss, while technically a children’s book, is appropriate for graduates of any level. Certainly, a college graduate can relate to “…You’re on your own…You are the guy who’ll decide where to go.” The entire story is full of quotable gems, so it would be great read-aloud material for a graduation ceremony or party!
#2: “Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
This quote is appropriate for graduates of all levels, as it encourages innovation and creativity in lieu of taking a traditional route, be it in further education or a career.
#3: “To the uneducated, an A is just three sticks.” – A.A. Milne
A.A. Milne spoke a quote that is as whimsical and charming as his character Winnie the Pooh. This quote is appropriate for younger graduates, as they have just learned the basics of their A-B-C’s, but also for those older graduates who can appreciate how much they have learned and how far they have come.
#4: “Dream no small dreams for they have no power to move the hearts of men.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
This stirring quote by von Goethe is, again, able to be used for graduates of all levels.
#5: “The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.” – Sydney J. Harris
This quote expresses the belief that education has the power to make people greater understand and appreciate the world around them. This quote, I believe, is especially appropriate for elementary and high school graduation, as this is the time in which students begin to see others instead of only themselves.
#6: “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” – Les Brown
Les Brown’s classic quote can be used for graduation at all levels.
#7: “I hope your dreams take you to the corners of your smiles, to the highest of your hopes, to the windows of your opportunities, and to the most special places your heart has ever known.” – Anonymous
This sentiment would be perfect for an inscription in a memory book or graduation card, and would be perfect for the occasion of a high school or undergraduate graduation.
#8: “You are educated. Your certification is in your degree. You may think of it as the ticket to the good life. Let me ask you to think of an alternative. Think of it as your ticket to change the world.” – Tom Brokaw
This quote by Tom Brokaw is most appropriate for an undergraduate or graduate education, as those students are of age to be ready to not only live the good life, but have the passion and drive to change the world. #9: “A man who has never gone to school may steal from a freight car; but if he has a university education, he may steal the whole railroad.” – Theodore Roosevelt
A humorous quote from a former president shows that education can make any situation better. This quote is best used for a university graduation.
#10: “Your schooling may be over, but remember that your education still continues.” – Anonymous
We end with this quote from an anonymous source. This is a perfect quote for those who are ending their school days, but are now ready to face all the upcoming challenges and “lessons” of the real world.
