It’s June, and that means young men and women throughout the Tidewater area are graduating from high school. Some of them, like the graduates of Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, whose ceremonies were held last Saturday, already have made the walk across the stage for their diplomas. Others, like Suffolk’s public high schools and Suffolk Christian Academy, will receive their diplomas this Saturday.

This is a big step in the journey, as these students complete one phase of their life.

As they go forth to universities, community colleges, apprentice schools or into the workforce, these young people will be leaving behind childhood and getting ready to move into adulthood. Decisions will take on new meaning, and the time for depending on Mom and Dad to make those decisions comes to an end.

We wish these young people well. As they embark on this journey, we hope they will take with them the values instilled into them by their teachers, coaches and mentors, as well as their parents, pastors and civic leaders. We hope they will take with them lessons learned in the classroom, in Scouts, in sports and in extracurricular activities.

Going forth into the unknown can be scary and daunting, but being raised in a place like Suffolk should have given these young adults a foundation of clarity and perseverance that will make the transition much smoother. As these young people become established in adulthood and finish their educations, the community can hope for their return and eventual contributions to the quality of life in Suffolk.

Good luck to all graduates of the Class of 2013. We have faith in you and look forward to watching your future achievements and successes.