The tassels, the caps, the gowns, the speeches, the balloons, the achievement. The stage is set, and the future is waiting.

This week in Franklin County, a milestone is being reached by hundreds of high school seniors. We want to extend heartfelt congratulations to all of you who will soon graduate and start your next chapter in the great adventure of life.

This is a time of proud achievement, and we congratulate you for the work you have put into your education to this point. Years of organized education – worksheets, essays, study groups, projects, presentations, tests and more – have now come to fruition. Spurred on by the tireless commitment and encouragement of your teachers, counselors, administrators, coaches and more, you have triumphantly reached the pinnacle – at least, the pinnacle of this phase.

We’re excited for you to experience this important rite of passage.

Graduating seniors of Russellville and Franklin County Schools will take many different paths after this week and after this summer. Some will continue into higher education, whether at a local school, like Northwest Shoals or the University of North Alabama, or somewhere farther away, like Alabama, Auburn, or even out of state. Some are headed into the workforce, whether that’s leveraging a part-time job into full-time or starting a career straight of school. Others are seeking technical training and certificates while others are joining the military.

Whatever your choice, you are helping shape the future for us all, and we are proud of you. We hope you will embrace a spirit of tenacity and a determined commitment to achieving your goals and dreams.

Local commencement ceremonies are set for Thursday and Friday. Parents, grandparents, family, friends, teachers and more will watch as hard-working students cross that stage to accept their diplomas and take an important step toward adulthood.

This is and should be one of the proudest days of your life. This is a major accomplishment. We join all your family, friends and other supporters in wishing you all the best of whatever is coming next in your lives.