One of the lessons parents hope they teach their children as they move from high school to college is to think of others and to do what they know in their hearts is right.

Saturday, May 06, 2000

One of the lessons parents hope they teach their children as they move from high school to college is to think of others and to do what they know in their hearts is right.

Friday, a group of Rock Hill High School seniors proved they were listening.

More than 25 students gave their time to help out at the Special Olympics events, which were held at Rock Hill Middle School.

They helped with events, cheered on the athletes and otherwise gave their time to make the day special for these young men and women.

Although wonderful, their contribution in itself was not unique, there were volunteers from high schools all over the county at the event.

What made their participation different was that today was Senior Skip Day at Rock Hill High School. This is not a school-sanctioned event. It is more of a traditional shedding of schoolwork for the day to commemorate the students’ upcoming graduation.

So, while many of their classmates called off sick or otherwise did their own thing Friday, this group of students decided instead to donate their time to make the day memorable for someone else.

That should make their parents very proud as they get ready to send their children off to college on their way to adulthood.

Getting good grades is an achievement, and those students who manage to keep their averages up deserve our respect and applause. But as the county prepares to celebrate high school graduations over the next year, we should also honor those who have served their schools and communities.

A perfect report card is a reason for congratulations, but equally as impressive is a student who has learned that there is a world out there beyond his or her own wants and desires.

Those Rock Hill seniors proved that they not only understand what it means to be an adult, but also that they are ready to take responsibility for making their world a better place.

And for that they deserve our respect and thanks.

That is exactly the kind of generation we want to leave in charge of our county, our nation and the world.