It is a time of celebration for the Class of 2018, but also a period for this new crop of adults to make grown-up choices.

Before walking across that stage to receive their high school diploma, most have decided for some time if their path will include furthering their education through college, and others have decided to advance their training in a technical field. Some will join the military or perhaps law enforcement and protect the freedoms we enjoy by putting their lives on the line. Others will enter the workforce in a variety of industries — from tourism to food and beverage.

Their families, educators and those they trust have guided them and molded them into the young people they are today, but ultimately it is up to them in deciding which direction their path through life will take them.

From here on out, it will be all about choices for these young people and the freedom to choose wisely in how they will live their lives.

Graduation is just the culmination of one chapter in their lives and it is their choice to write the pages that follow.

What ever their choice, we hope the Class of 2018 chooses to be productive citizens of society with an eye towards improving their lives, the lives of others and their community.

Congratulations on your accomplishment and choose wisely in writing the rest of your book.