Top of their class

This is the time of year when we recognize high school valedictorians from 19 area high schools. Over the next several Thursdays, starting with yesterday's paper, the education page will highlight those at the top of their graduating class.

These young people are quite impressive. Many have achieved a perfect GPA, some while keeping busy extracurricular schedules and an advanced course load. Each has a unique story and plan for their future. But likely similarities among all include personal drive and the support received from parents or other authority figures.

Kaitlyn Bess and Lauren Bess were featured in Thursday's paper. The first cousins were valedictorians at Jackson and Meadow Heights, and both attributed much of their success to the support received at home.

"Failure wasn't portrayed as an option, and by the time I did figure out it was possible for me to slack off and get by, it was too deeply ingrained in me to change," Kaitlyn Bess said.

"My parents weren't forceful. It was just that when I went to school it was expected that I do well, and I knew I could because they believed I could," Lauren Bess said.

Congratulations to all of this year's valedictorians. This is but one of many significant accomplishments we're confident you'll celebrate.