This week is a special one. Between Bainbridge High School and Grace Christian Academy, 399 students will receive their high school diplomas, checking off one of life’s most important accomplishments from their lists of goals.

Families, friends and loved ones get to celebrate and spoil these kids. Gifts, delicious meals and joyful moments rain down on them from all directions. There are parties and celebrations of all kinds. Memories are made.

There might have been snags in the road getting to this point, but what worthwhile journey doesn’t have those? Sometimes we merely stubbed our toes, and sometimes we wiped out completely. But the fact that the class of 2019 now holds this certificate of accomplishment shows that they picked themselves up, whatever the hiccup might have been, and put themselves back on course. They’ve graduated.

For some parents, their first born walked across that stage the other night. Others have done the drill multiple times over. It never gets old, though. As a brother, seeing three of my sisters in their high school caps and gowns is a wonderful feeling. Whether you’re a father, mother, grandparent, uncle, aunt, cousin, brother, sister, friend, dog (any dogs reading right now?), show the graduate in your life some love and encourage them to keep up the good work, whatever their next chapter is.

Things are about to change, and they should. Many of these kids will head off to colleges and universities, some near and some far, pursuing new opportunities in a brand new environment. Others will join the military, becoming the next generation of men and women that will protect and serve the greatest country in the world. Some will take on a trade, some will go to work on their family’s farm, some will leave Bainbridge forever.

Whatever is next, welcome change with open arms. Put yourself out of your comfort zone. Embrace new experiences. Learn. See. Do. It’ll only make you a stronger person.

I am excited and proud of Bainbridge High School’s and Grace Christian Academy’s classes of 2019. Congratulations to each and every one of you.

Now get out there and make it happen.