At this time of year, we're immersed in high school graduations and college commencements. No doubt, it's a great time to recognize the accomplishments of the class of 2009 as its members receive their diplomas and degrees and move to the next phase of their lives.
Next Saturday, we'll join our oldest son, Nathan, in celebrating his graduation from Portland State University with degrees in business and marketing. (More on him later this week.)
Within the larger community, there's much to admire, too, in the hard work and dedication of this year's Academic Achievers -- some 456 valedictorians and straight-A students from Portland-area schools -- who were recognized in The Oregonian.
Three personal stories stood out to me in recent days. I share them here as models of inspiration, desire and redemption:
Stephanie Lutz, overcoming homelessness and her mom's drug problems, to graduate as a star athlete and student from a working-class school on Portland's east side. "From chaos, with honors."
Berenise Delgado, above, rising above cultural and economic barriers to excel at one of Portland's poorest schools. "A valedictorian at Roosevelt pursues her dream of college."
Courtney Bliss, floundering at first but then finding herself at a small, alternative high school in Portland that few people even know about: "Finding an educational fit."
Seeing Courtney and her classmates graduate Thursday inspired me to write something as well on "Portland's Focus High School."
I've always been a strong believer in the opportunities that public education can bring. As these young ladies demonstrate, you've got to want it ... because no one is going to just hand it to you.
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