In praising the Class of 2006, let's not forget average students

High school graduations were on the schedules of many families the past two weeks.

From small alternative high schools where challenged teens were given a new lease on life, to huge public schools where dozens graduated with honors, the Class of 2006 is moving on.

Some have won top awards and already possess impressive resumes; others were lucky just to graduate. Education is basically an opportunity, a chance for students to wear different hats to discover the ones that fit best. The smartest students will probably do well in life, but don't count out the "average Joes." Many of them have worked hard for their diplomas.

Ten years from now, some of the "can't miss" students will be leading mediocre lives, while some of today's lesser knowns will be tomorrow's major surprises.

In school, so-called average students weren't leaders for two reasons--some because they were prejudged and others because they resisted publicity. They weren't academic achievers and they weren't in the top 10 percent.

But "average" implies neither weakness nor brilliance. Any student who earned a diploma or will take training in one of the trades deserves to have parents as proud as the moms and dads of valedictorians.

Average students should be commended as much as those with incredible GPAs.

Education, after all, is a lifelong process. Those who succeed must continue to learn and adapt.

The Class of 2006 should remember, too, that happiness is not measured by income and there's no single formula for success.

We wish our best to all of the graduates, not just the popular and brainy ones.

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