Congratulations and welcome!

In the beautiful month of May -- surrounded by grasses of sparkling green and trees with flowering buds -- stories of success and good fortune are abundant. Just look around and listen to what's happening.

Republican Valley Graduation

In a story repeated in commencement ceremonies throughout Southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas, the graduates of Republican Valley High School did exceptionally well in the scholarship department.

During the exercises Sunday afternoon, the 28 graduates at RV were announced as the winners of $275,000 in scholarships.

Wow! That's an average of close to $10,000 per student. The scholarships are not only a great credit to the efforts of students, they are also a testament to the tutelage of teachers and the support of parents. Well done, everyone! May the scholarship awards be the bridge to lives of success and service.

Baccalaureate Ceremony

One of the most striking aspects of McCook High School's baccalaureate service Sunday evening was the fact that all three of the main speakers are newcomers to the community.

The Rev. Harland Waskowiak of St. Patrick's Catholic Church; the Rev. Allen Wilkerson of the McCook Church of Christ; and the Rev. Brian Gregg of the Evangelical Free Church all began their pastoral assignments in McCook within the last year.

They did an excellent job Sunday evening of telling graduates about the importance of spiritual commitment in life. With their inspiring words, the young clergymen remind us how important it is to have new ideas flowing into our community.

It also reminds us of the importance of having a welcoming spirit; opening our congregations and our community to the many newcomers who move here on a near daily basis.

Morrisons Return

And how good it makes us feel, too, when former residents return. That's why we were so elated last week upon learning that former Gov. Frank Morrison and his wife, Maxine, have come back to McCook to make their home.

They are a truly amazing couple. Frank, at 98, and Maxine, at 86, are marvels of community involvement and exceptional examples for living lives of service.

Welcome home, Frank and Maxine! And best wishes with your plan of transforming the northeast corner of Norris Avenue and H Street into Heritage Park. It will be a great improvement ... made even more special by your involvement.