Suttons Bay grads, “Take the trail that challenges you to grow”

Photo: TenBrink (l) gave Suttons Bay’s commencement address on May 29.

By Bekah TenBrink

Sun contributor

Bekah TenBrink, founder and director of LIFT Teen Center—a free, out-of-schooltime program to support 6th through 12th graders in Leelanau County schools—gave the commencement address at Suttons Bay High School’s graduation ceremony on May 29. Below is the text of her address:

Good evening, graduates, families, teachers, and everyone who believes in these incredible students. Thank you for being here tonight.

I am deeply humbled to speak on behalf of the Class of 2026.

I have known many of you since you were in sixth grade, and I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside you through some pretty awkward years and trust me, I have stories. But more importantly, I have had the honor of watching you grow into not only remarkable students, but truly incredible human beings. I can confidently say that every one of you has impacted my life and helped put the “why” behind LIFT’s mission.

Over the years, we have shared so many adventures together. From theme parks and hiking trails to snow-covered mountains, lunch gatherings (where you somehow cleared out every snack in one fell swoop) , paintball battles, beach bonfires, and water balloon fights on the last day of school… the list could go on.

Through all of it, we learned together. You shared your journeys, your hardships, your victories, and the moments in between. And getting to witness who you are becoming has been an incredible gift.

Class of 2026, tonight I want to take you on one last metaphorical adventure.

When you arrive at a trailhead, and you are preparing for your hike there is usually a map. It outlines the distance of the hike, maybe some terrain notes, and possible routes ahead. But most importantly, somewhere on that map is an arrow circled with the words:

“YOU ARE HERE.”

What I love most about that marker is that it does not tell you everything that will happen next. It does not list every challenge you will face, every turn you will take, or every obstacle waiting ahead.

It simply reminds you where you are right now.

And from here, anything is possible.

Tonight, you stand at an entirely new trailhead. Some of you already know which direction you want to take. Others are still figuring it out. And I want you to know that both are beautiful places to be.

Because in life, sometimes the hardest thing to do is simply begin.

I am learning that in order to move forward with purpose, you first have to recognize how far you have already come. Tonight marks the end of your time at Suttons Bay Schools. Both of your feet are planted firmly in this moment in the now.

So take time to celebrate it.

Celebrate the people who supported you, encouraged you, challenged you, and loved you enough to help get you HERE.

There is something else I have learned about trails over the years.

Sometimes the path is clear and well marked. Other times, you lose sight of it completely. Sometimes you reach the top faster than expected, and sometimes the climb feels impossibly steep.

There will be seasons in your life when you feel confident and certain, and seasons when you feel completely lost. And wandering

But feeling lost does not mean you have failed.

It simply means you are still moving.

Still learning.

Still becoming.

The truth is, no trail map could ever fully prepare you for the life ahead of you. It cannot show heartbreak, unexpected opportunities, friendships that will change you, or moments that completely redefine who you are.

What matters is not whether you always know exactly where you are going. With or without the map

What matters is how you choose to walk the path in front of you.

Be kind.

Be curious, not judgmental

Be brave enough to try.

Be willing to take the long road and dirt paths if it leads to something meaningful.

And when you stumble because everyone does, keep going.

Class of 2026, you do not need to have your entire future figured out tonight. You only need to take the next step.

Because “You Are Here” is not just a marker on a map.

It is a reminder that this moment matters.

Your community matters.

Your story matters.

And from this exact place with everything you have learned and everyone who has loved you along the way, because you are capable of more than you know.

So celebrate tonight.

Hold onto the people beside you.

Thank the ones who helped guide you here.

And then, when the time comes, step forward with courage.

Take the trail that scares you a little.

Take the trail that challenges you to grow.

Take the trail that helps someone else feel less alone.

Because the world needs successful people AND

It needs compassionate people.

Brave people.

People who choose kindness when it is hard.

People who make others feel seen.

People who leave things better than they found them.

And I believe with my whole heart that you are those people.

Class of 2026, your story is just beginning

Enjoy the journey.