A note to the Class of 2010

It means a lot to me to have this opportunity to congratulate our graduating seniors as they celebrate a big accomplishment and move on to new opportunities. Our young people are the Treasure State's greatest resource. You are our future, and we celebrate this milestone with you.

This is an exciting time for young Montanans, as well as their families, friends and teachers who helped shape the values and experiences that you will take with you for the rest of your lives.

I'm sure most of you have plans for the future. Maybe it is college, or the military. Maybe it is to take over the family business, or one day start a family of your own.

As you go forward, I want you to know that I am doing everything I can to keep Montana a great place to live, work and raise a family.

This means working together with folks across the state to make sure there are enough good-paying jobs so you can stay in Montana and earn a decent living.

This means making sure you have the help you need to further your education and get the skills necessary to be competitive in a twenty-first century job force.

This means protecting our rich outdoor heritage so your children and grandchildren can hunt, fish, and hike in our majestic forests and rivers.

It also meant passing meaningful health care reform so you can stay on your parents' insurances plans until you can stand on your own feet and have a plan of your own.

Montana offers the class of 2010 a wealth of opportunities. You can reach for the stars in Big Sky Country, and I am happy to help you in any way that I can.

In return, I encourage you to find a way to serve others in your community. I have long said that service is the most honorable thing a person can do. Whether it is service to one's country, school, community, church or family, service is truly the noblest of all endeavors.

Service can take a thousand different forms, but no matter what you do, I promise you it will make a difference, and Montana will need your help to continue moving forward.

Graduates, this is your state and your future. You have your whole lives ahead of you, now it is time to go and enjoy it.

Max Baucus is Montana's senior U.S. Senator. He is chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.