June is high school graduation season in Maine.  At Fryeburg Academy, not far from where I live, a senior by the name of Thu Pham gave a graduation speech titled – “Stay Gritty”.  In her commencement talk Thu cited the work of Angela Lee Duckworth who has been studying the characteristics that define success in school.  Angela has concluded that the #1 determinant of success is not IQ, social ability or good looks.  The key to success is GRIT.

“Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals.  Grit is having stamina.  Grit is sticking with your future, day in, day out, not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years, and working really hard to make that future a reality.  Grit is living life like it’s a marathon, not a sprint.” – A. Duckworth

I love this idea and it immediately made me think of Pine Ridge, one of the grittiest places I have ever been connected to.  The people of Pine Ridge have endured hardship and oppression for generations yet the reservation is still filled with big-hearted people who are resilient and proud.

If being gritty is the key to long-term success than Pine Ridge has good things coming its way!  Stay gritty Pine Ridge!