We send hearty congratulations to Richmond Public Schools’ valedictorians, as well as all high school seniors in Richmond and the surrounding counties as they graduate this month.

It has been a tough year for these young adults and their families during the many changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and the shifts in learning, expectations and interactions with teachers, classmates and friends.

Reaching graduation means they have persevered through the ups and downs and possess the resilience, focus and flexibility they will need in future endeavors. Area students showed those qualities as they continued to study, learn, grow, develop and mature during these unstable times and successfully met the requirements to earn a diploma.

We know this day wouldn’t be possible without community — the ring of parents, guardians, families, teachers, principals and others whose love, support and caring helped each student reach this special milepost.

This is a time like no other — a real commencement, a beginning of the next stage of education, career path and life.

As the celebrations get underway, we wish for our area graduates an enduring sense of courage, clarity, purpose and community as they continue on their journey.

Congratulations!