We congratulate the hundreds of young people in Decatur County who have recently earned their graduation, whether it’s from high school, a college or a university. In this time of economic turmoil, there is no doubt that having additional education makes it easier to find a job, and opens the doors to higher pay and advancement.

It might be cliché to say it, but graduation is truly a beginning and not an end. In the coming years, these graduates will not only go off to college, or join the military, or enter the workforce, but they will mature and take the steps to become the future leaders of our county, state and nation. Their success is also our success.

We realize that many of our graduates will leave Decatur County and go to different states and even nations, in order to make their marks and begin their new lives. However, we hope that they don’t forget the great lessons they learned while at Bainbridge High School, Grace Christian Academy, or Bainbridge College, among other local institutions. We hope that the friendships and knowledge gained from living in Decatur County will serve them well in the future, and we know they will be wonderful representatives of our community no matter where they go.

Whether you graduates decide to stay in Decatur County or go elsewhere, we hope that you put your talents and skills to the best use and make your communities better. It’s been said that it only takes a spark to get a fire going, and we believe that our graduates have the ability to be that spark that lights the fire of positive change.

Once again, congratulations to our graduates, and good luck in the rest of your future lives.