Graduation represents a milestone in the lives of young people,as they prepare to make the transition from high school to collegeor into the work force.

More than 650 high school seniors have begun graduating fromarea schools. We congratulate these students and their proudparents on this significant occasion.

Also under way are senior parties, post-graduation events andother gatherings. We urge students and their parents to be mindfulof what could happen at the parties.

Students should make good decisions – adult decisions – aboutwhat parties to attend. Parents should make an effort to know wheretheir children are, who they’re with and what they might be doing.Although these “kids” are growing up, parents are still right toshow care and concern.

We also urge everyone to exercise caution on their way to andfrom commencement exercises and post-graduation events.

Graduation is certainly a time for celebration, and we don’twant to put a damper on the festivities. However, carelessdecisions often have tragic consequences – consequences that can beavoided with a little planning and forethought.

After all, graduates have the rest of their lives to live and weall want to see them lived to their fullest.