The end of May approaches and with it another seasonal rite of passage goes by, too, as proud parents see their children graduate from high school.

But the event is more than just a milestone for the graduates and their families; it’s a mini watershed event for our community.

As the valedictorians and salutatorians speak to their classmates about looking to the future and remembering to be true to the values instilled by their parents, teachers and the community as a whole, the community should be listening and looking to the future, too.

Commencement speakers almost always say the graduates are at a great point in their lives. They’re about to either continue their education in colleges and universities or launch into the work force.

And, while the graduates may feel as if they have the world by the tail, they’re counting on adults for something that they may not yet fully comprehend. They’re counting on us to do what we can to promote business growth in their hometowns.

A strong economy is the single best route to providing a great place for the graduates of 2007 to find a future in their home.

All too often our area — and many other non-metropolitan areas — experience an exodus of sorts as our best and brightest leave the area permanently to find the fortunes of their futures.

With hard work and a singular focus, our community can begin changing that trend. If the economy is flying high here, more of our young adults will return here to start their families.

That simple goal is more difficult than it sounds. And like the proverbial “village” that it took to raise each member of the class of 2007, success will require the community’s collective effort. With all of us pulling in the same direction and working for the common economic good, nothing can stop us from succeeding.