For High Schoolers: Short Messages for the Graduation Anthology — A Collection of Memorable Phrases
A graduation anthology created as the culmination of high school life.
Many of you may find yourselves unsure what to write, even if you’d like to add a short message.
You may have plenty you want to express—resolutions and hopes for the future, words to rally us as graduates—but when you pick up the pen, it’s hard to choose.
In this article, we introduce short, fitting messages for a high school graduation anthology.
Find the one that feels right, and be sure to include it in your graduation collection!
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[For High School Students] Short Messages for Graduation Yearbooks: A Collection of Memorable Phrases (41–50)
Blue sky beyond the clouds
Ungai Sōten (雲外蒼天) is a four-character idiom meaning “Beyond the clouds, the blue sky awaits,” or more broadly, “After enduring hardships, a clear, bright future lies ahead.” For example, even if studying for a test is tough, if you don’t give up and keep trying, it can lead to good results and greater confidence.
You might use it like this: “I thought it was impossible, but I kept practicing without giving up and finally did it.
It truly felt like ‘ungai sōten.’” Just as there is always blue sky above the clouds, this saying teaches us that no matter how hard things get, a brighter future surely awaits beyond.
When times are tough, remember these words and keep moving forward!
A sudden resolve; making a firm decision (to start afresh).
Ichinenhokki (一念発起) means making a firm decision—like saying, “Alright, let’s do this!”—and renewing your mindset to work hard.
For example: “I’m slow at running, but after I made up my mind and practiced running every day, I was chosen for the relay team at the school sports day!” That’s ichinenhokki—deciding to give your best from today on and taking action, even in areas like studying or sports that you’ve always found difficult.
It’s okay to fail.
What matters is the heart that stands back up without giving up.
If you set your mind toward your dreams and goals and take that first step, you can change your future.
Make up your mind—ichinenhokki—and carve out your own future!
indomitable; unyielding
It is a four-character idiom that means not giving up and facing challenges with a strong will, no matter what difficulties you encounter.
It teaches the importance of continuing to work hard without losing heart, even when things don’t go as planned in daily life—whether in studies, sports, or friendships.
Even for elementary school children, it conveys the importance of having the inner strength to keep trying despite failure.
By keeping this phrase in mind, you gain the courage to approach things positively and nurture the determination to never give up, even in tough situations.
It is a courageous saying that gives you the strength to step forward toward the future.
bright future
These are words that express the idea that the future is full of hope and possibilities.
In children’s lives—studying at school, playing sports, and building friendships—there are many opportunities for new discoveries and challenges.
Knowing this four-character idiom can give you the courage to believe that even when you face difficulties, there is surely a bright path ahead.
It serves as emotional support for elementary school students who have the potential to succeed in a wide range of fields, such as academics, sports, and hobbies, helping them move positively toward their dreams and goals.
It is a phrase that gives you the strength to believe in days filled with hope.
fair and square
Before an important test or a sports match where you want to deliver results, you might be filled with anxiety.
In those moments, remember these words and hold your head high as you give it your best.
This phrase describes facing what’s in front of you without fear and with dignity.
It’s often used in athletes’ oaths at school sports days and high school baseball.
If you’ve prepared well to overcome the challenge before you, there’s nothing to be afraid of.
Face it head-on, fair and square!
being absorbed in something; being frantic; in a daze; wholeheartedly; with all one’s might
Have you ever found that time had passed without you noticing because you were working so hard? This state—when you forget both time and yourself as you focus on what’s in front of you—can be expressed with this phrase.
Many people can lose track of time when it’s something they love.
On the other hand, when it’s something you dislike, like studying, you might find it hard to concentrate and keep checking the time, wondering, “When will this be over?” Try finding a trigger to get started or setting a reward for after you reach your goal, and give it your all, just as you would with something you enjoy.
If you do, a bright future may be waiting for you.
a miraculous comeback
These words express the act of getting back up even in the ultimate pinch—when you feel you can’t go on or stand up again.
There have been, and will be, many moments in life when you think, “This is impossible.
I can’t handle it.
I’m going to lose.” If you give up there, nothing about your situation will change, and it may even get worse.
If you’re someone who quickly gives up or throws in the towel with a “I’m done,” remember these words and try shifting your mindset to, “Let me try one more time.”