By Emily Stonehouse

It’s that time of year again. June is forever the month of whirlwind obligations. Graduations, ceremonies, dances, recitals, tournaments, races, open houses.

Every day there’s another note from the school about an upcoming event. And if public school isn’t enough, we also mix in the winding down of extra-curriculars, nice weather, and buzzing kids.

But as I looked up from the pile of both personal and professional commitments, I realized the joy of celebrating these kids.

I spent some time speaking with Aurora Wesley this past week. She’s graduating high school this month, but has spent her entire adolescence giving back. Between cancer fundraisers, supporting a school in India, clean water initiatives, and local food programs, her impact has spanned far beyond her years.

A traumatic twist in her senior year flipped Aurora’s life upside down, and suddenly she was on the receiving end of food banks and holiday hampers.

But she never slowed down.

If anything, she kicked it into high gear, now knowing first-hand what challenges really felt like, and decided she wanted to do everything she could to prevent others from experiencing what she had felt.

These kids are alright.

When we look at the state of the world, we’re quick to forget that our words, our thoughts, our experiences can all cloud the sky of a kid just starting out.

There’s a whole world ahead of them, and while many adults are doing their part to burn this planet to absolute ashes, we have to remember the next generation.

While stigmas and stereotypes stick and swirl to the adults of tomorrow (and I am sure some may be justified), we can’t be the bullies of the ones who will be taking care of us in the future. The ones who we will need to solve our problems, to mend our fences, to build our bridges.

These kids are alright.

I have been privileged to watch the local school graduations for the past few years, and while it feels like a whirlwind, I truly appreciate every moment I am there.

It’s never a quick in and out photo op. I stay from start to finish. Clap for every grad. Cheer for every student.

Because over the years, I’ve seen that these kids care. They see a world ahead of them not yet clouded by fear and judgement and pain and taxes. They see opportunity and excitement and the sunrise of a new day.

So as we go into graduation time, let’s remember that it’s not our place to clip the winds of anyone wanting to fly. These kids are alright, and they’ll soar right through the clouds.