Letter from the editor
This week, thousands of area graduates will accept their diplomas and toss their caps into the air in celebration. It’s a moment of triumph — a bridge between yesterday’s lessons and tomorrow’s opportunities.
Graduation is a deeply emotional milestone, not only for the students but also for the families who have supported them along the way. For the graduates, it marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with freedom and self-discovery. For parents, it’s a poignant reminder of how quickly time passes.
We’re given 18 years to guide and nurture our children before they take flight. When mine were little, I was swept up in the whirlwind of diapers, school projects, sports practices and sleepless nights. There were moments I wished for the chaos to slow down. But time has a way of slipping by, and before we know it, the busyness fades — and the quiet settles in.
Few moments capture that shift as profoundly as graduation. Watching your child walk across the stage brings pride, joy and a pang of nostalgia. In an instant, they’re no longer the small child you once held, but a young adult stepping into their future.
To the parents: trust in the seeds you’ve planted. The lessons, values and love you’ve given are the roots they’ll grow from. Though they are forever our hearts walking outside our bodies, they were never ours to keep.
To the graduates: this is your moment. Go boldly. Don’t fear failure — some of life’s greatest lessons come from it. Stand firm in your values, pursue your dreams with passion and always lead with kindness.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025. The future is yours — make it extraordinary.
Peace & Love, Cindy
