Nursing students received their pins at the South County Career Center and East Bay High School held a baccalaureate ceremony. These are the formal rites of passage, the recognition of achievement for a long process of education and growing up.

The world these young people are facing is, more than ever, in a constant state of flux. The world is an ever changing place that demands a new sense of flexibility.

This graduating class, however, seems to be up to the challenge. They’ve been through a lot together. They have literally seen their world change in the blink of an eye. This graduating class seems to have a renewed sense of motivation, they have their eyes on goals and are making plans to achieve those goals.

There is little doubt that many of them will do just that.

More than a thousand south county high school seniors will soon walk across a stage to shake hands and receive their diploma. All of them deserve respect and congratulations for that achievement. However, six young people have managed to stand out from this impressive group.

Three from East Bay High School and three from Riverview High School have excelled beyond the high standards set by this class. Each of their stories are different, yet for each the outcome will likely be the same. They will likely find success. The roads they are choosing are different, the pavement will not always be smooth but all six have their eyes firmly fixed on what they want to achieve. To them, the bumps in the road are a part of the learning process.

From East Bay, Valedictorian Katie Relihan, Salutatorian Patrick Thornton and class president Sandy DonLevy have been friends throughout the years of their education. Together they have managed to stand out, to stand tall.

From Riverview Valedictorian Wesley Gladin, Salutatorian Lynsey Ellis and class president Jazmin Martinez have all clearly demonstrated that they have the motivation and the talent to succeed.

In many ways, these six students represent their classes. Given this impressive group of young people, that is definitely saying something.

Congratulations to all of the graduating seniors of the class of 2003.