It is May, and that means graduation time is here for high school seniors in the area. To their parents it probably seems like only yesterday when these students began kindergarten.

We congratulate the outgoing senior class of the River Parishes and wish graduates well in their future endeavors. Given the standards of academic achievement are set so high for students, the commencement of their high school careers is quite a noteworthy achievement.

Our advice to the seniors is to celebrate, cherish and build on the moment.

It is certainly a time for celebration, but the revelry should be tempered with a liberal dose of common sense. Poor judgment can ruin an otherwise joyous time, or worse yet it could reap grim consequences.

The upcoming days will provide ample opportunity for reminiscence among the outgoing seniors.

Some students may have been together for the last 13 years, and their influence upon one another will last a lifetime.

We encourage the Class of 2010 to make an effort to strengthen the priceless ties among classmates, teachers, coaches and administrators as much as possible.

Finally, we send off members of the Class of 2010 knowing that their graduation will be the first of many accomplishments in their lifetimes. With college, career and families of their own ahead of them, we eagerly await their future contributions to the community and the world at large.

Best wishes to the Class of 2010. Make us proud.