This week was a big one on the Sunshine Coast - if you were a high school graduate, parent, grandparent or educator.
The Class of 2013 took its final step in high school as graduation ceremonies were held at Pender Harbour, Chatelech and Elphinstone secondary schools and the Alternative School.
The ceremonies were filled with pomp and circumstance. All the students looked fantastic in their grad dresses, suits and ties, smiles brimming from ear to ear, eager to turn the page on this chapter in their life.
We have had the pleasure and honour of covering many a graduating class over the years here on the Sunshine Coast. Each class is unique. Each class has its own personalities, its own quirks and its own character. Every year we are amazed at the wonderfully talented and gifted young people who have been fostered and nurtured by this community. This year's class is no different.
Among the group are young people who aspire to be doctors or lawyers, pursue athletics at a higher level, go into the performing arts or the trades, travel the world or seek fame and fortune. We are astounded by the passion and the talent, the drive in these young people. It gives us hope that the future will be left in very capable hands.
And this community should all give themselves a well deserved pat on the back for helping these young people get to this important life achievement. The parents and extended family are, of course, integral to this success, and the business community and service organizations play a vital role as well.
Did you know that close to $200,000 in scholarships were handed out to these deserving students at all the graduation ceremonies? And that doesn't include the tens of thousands that were achieved by some students in post-secondary school scholarships.
This community opens up their hearts - and their wallets - to ensure that our students have the best chance possible to move forward and achieve their goals, whatever those may be. We're certain that for a school district of our size, this community gives way more than most. The generosity is simply fantastic.
On July 12, Coast Reporter will publish its annual salute to the grads with lots of pictures and memories from all the graduating events. It's our way of saying thanks to the community and celebrating this wonderful milestone.
So, as we have said many times before, congratulations to the latest Coast graduates. The world is yours. Go out there and experience it to the fullest. May all your dreams be fulfilled.
