On Tuesday, some of the best and brightest seniors in Pike County were recognized at an awards ceremony.

The 2013 P.R.A.I.S.E. Scholarships sponsored by the Pike County Chamber of Commerce Education Committee and Troy Bank & Trust were handed out to four deserving seniors, and two seniors earned Academy Scholarships.

Ceremonies, such as the one held Tuesday, will become more and more frequent as summer draws near and Pike County seniors prepare to “leave the nest.”

Graduation is an exciting, and scary, reality for many students who will be going to college next fall. Some will stay locally. Some will venture to other parts of the state and other parts of the country.

But no matter where Pike County’s young adults decide to further their education, there is no doubt they will need our support.

We, as a community, can begin to give that support now. Through encouragement, through mentoring, through offers of help in finding places to live and jobs in areas of the country where we have connections.

Reach out!

While the success of these graduates isn’t necessarily dependent on us, we can make their journey easier and give them a welcomed boost toward their goals.