It’s that time of year. The sweet music of graduation looms in the air as students prepare to close an important chapter in their lives.

Whether it be high school or college, graduation is a significant milestone that will forever symbolize the hard work, friendships and mental growth that has prepared them.

In Charlotte County, there are many graduations at different educational levels to look forward to. including preschool, elementary, high school and college. While each of these achievements deserves to be recognized and commended, perhaps one of the most significant graduation celebrations most individuals will participate in will be from high school.

Graduation from high school is particularly gratifying for a variety of reasons. In a small county like Charlotte, most students have attended school with many of the same classmates since the elementary days. These students have helped each other to grow and navigate some of life’s most challenging times.

After high school graduation, some friendships dissipate as other priorities in life are pushed to the forefront such as college, marriage, starting a new career or moving away. However, the memories do not fade.

A popular song by artist Vitamin C said, “as we go on we remember, all the times we had together and our lives change, come whatever we will still be friends forever.”

As adults, many we will go on to lead different lifestyles and meet people from all walks of life along the way. In spite of this, Randolph-Henry graduates share a common bond. Going to school did not feel like a small fish in a pond of big piranhas, but an extension of the our own families. Even while away from home and out in the community, there was always a friendly face to be counted on.

To the R-H graduates of 2016, congratulations on a job well done. May you conquer the world and never forget the friendships and good times.