Moving Up and Moving On

This time of year is always celebratory as we watch our local youngsters attend proms, graduate and move up and on in their lives.

I've always been impressed however with the students who - despite the awkwardness of being a teenager, the general pressures of being a kid in the age of access, excess and outside influence - excelled to earn the distinguished honor of becoming their school's valedictorian or salutatorian.

As we wrap up the 2011 school year, a handfull of these young men and women - some of whom have been featured here on Brookhaven Patch as Whiz Kids - proved that they could overcome any personal challenges and stand out as the area's best and brightest.

The Brookhaven Reporter compiled a round up of the area's top students, and we could not allow the opportunity to pass without extending a hearty congratulations to them all.

For graduates who have chosen to attend college, don't forget to keep in touch to let us know how you are from time to time.

Good luck to all the graduates!