"my graduation from high school" - generic thank you/graduation announcement

I am writing this letter to send in all my graduation announcements, as I am not having a graduation party, but would like to update my family that I don't exactly stay in constant contact with. Also, I want this to be as formal and polite as possible, and generically personal.

I know that sounds kind of confusing, but I hope you understand what I'm trying to get at.

Thank you in advance for all of your comments and corrections.

Dear Family and Friends:

I did it! I am completely overjoyed to announce my graduation from "Unnamed" High School. Now I'm moving onward and upward, but I realize I couldn't have done it without all of you. I want to thank each of you for your love, support and patience these past 12 years. I know it was not easy, but I hope you know how much I appreciated it. It's because of you that I have come this far.

Also, I would like to inform you that I was accepted into Oakland University's Honors College Program and am really looking forward to attending in the fall. I'm planning my classes around a bachelor's degree in communications. This is a liberal arts major designed to engage students in creating a voice for influencing our social world. My ultimate goal however is to earn a master's degree of library and information science from Wayne State University. I hope to use my education to the maximum capacity, and continue to benefit from all that I have been, and will be taught.

My love of learning has motivated me to peruse a career in either a library, due to the infinite amount of resources to answer any question; or a museum, which has thousands of years worth of knowledge in one building. One day, I wish to inspire someone to dream big, think for themselves and become a lifelong learner-just like I have been encouraged by each of you.

Special thanks to everyone who has congratulated my success or contributed in my benefit. I know it's difficult to make ends meet sometimes -especially in today's economy. I am so grateful for the help provided in funding for books and supplies I will need in the years ahead.

Thank you again for influencing me to be the person I am today. I will never forget your help!

Best wishes to you all,

Me

This is a liberal arts major, designed to engage students in creating a voice for influencing our social world.

My ultimate goal however, is to earn a master's degree of library and information science from Wayne State University.

My love of learning has motivated me to pursue a career in either a library, due to the infinite amount of resources to answer any question, or a museum, which has thousands of years worth of knowledge in one building.

One day, I wish to inspire someone to dream big, think for themselves and become a lifelong learner-just like I have been encouraged to do by each of you.

Special thanks to everyone who has congratulated my success or contributed in my benefit . ---I'm not sure if this is right, maybe it should say, '..to my benefit?...unless they held a benefit for you!

I know it's difficult to make ends meet sometimes -especially in today's economy. I am so grateful for the help provided in funding for books and supplies I will need in the years ahead.---This sound like you're thanking people in advance for the money you want them to give you!

Congratulations on your graduation! Have fun in college!

:)