With late spring comes graduations — an ending, but also a beginning.

Students in the Black Belt region will begin to receive diplomas from kindergarten, primary school, middle school, high school and college. They will celebrate these achievements with their families and begin to look to the future.

None of us knows what the days ahead will hold for any of us. Some of these students will realize their dreams; others will not, but will take another route.

Before students and their families become too involved with tomorrow, it’s a good practice to stop for a moment to enjoy the accomplishments of today.

Graduates, you have earned this day through hard work and focus.

Parents, undoubtedly that sense of pride is also a realization that you, too, have worked hard with and for your children.

Congratulations to all the graduates in the Black Belt region and to their families.