Graduation season has arrived, and a certain poignancy exists.
    Commencement ceremonies are June 5-6 at the three Hood River County high schools — Hood River Valley, Cascade Locks, and Horizon Christian.

The Class of 2009 appears to be the final one to receive diplomas at Cascade Locks High School. Efforts remain afoot to keep a K-12 school in place, but what is all but certain at this point is that members of the Class of 2010 will be enrolling this fall at HRVHS and other schools.

For the class of 2009, June brings its usual array of opportunities and challenges. Unemployment is high in Oregon, a concern for high school and college graduates entering the job market as well as for more experienced workers.

The state budget deficit compounds the issue for youths entering state higher education this fall: the budget crisis will certainly mean increased tuition for already strapped families, no matter what school their son or daughter attends.

As diploma times near for the class of 2009, graduates in these uncertain times need all the encouragement they can get.

One way is to support this year’s graduates by donating to Hood River Valley’s graduation party, organized by parents of seniors. Donations of cash or gifts can still be made by calling Melissa Ing at 308-6694.

The party is a safe and fun way for new grads to celebrate “one last time” as a class. Businesses, organizations and individuals have long been generous in their support of the tradition; those in the community who have not yet done so this year are encouraged to call Ing and find out what is needed.

The sendoff is a meaningful gift from the community. In turn, the students can take away from the experience the realization that wherever they go in their lives, they are cared for by the people in their hometown.