Today’s graduation of 132 seniors at Brookings-Harbor High School and 50 at Gold Beach High School marks an important achievement in their lives.

It’s also an achievement in which the community as a whole can take pride.

As these young men and women accept their diplomas and cross the threshold into the adult world, it’s time to applaud the thousands of individuals who have supported them throughout the years.

Success for each students starts well before school age, when family members and friends provide a wealth of guidance and wisdom that forms a foundation for life.

As children enter school, the influence of outside volunteers increases, with people helping in the classroom, organizing sports programs and summer school events and leading youth groups, just to name a few.

We can think of dozens of people – coaches, referees, musicians, firemen, politicians, business owners – who, over the years, have shaped and taught the children of our community after school hours. 

Still more who have never had direct contact with the students, but provided them with opportunities through donations of money, time and support.

The fruits of the community’s labors are apparent: 84 percent of this year’s graduates have registered for some type of post-secondary education. It’s the highest number yet in an ongoing trend.

The entire community contributes to the raising and educating of successful young adults, and we can all take some pride in saying, “Congratulations!”