Shiny futures

As the school year winds down and the Class of 2018 prepares to accept its high school diplomas, I invite you to get a glimpse of some the accomplished faces of that class.

On a side note, most of this class was born in 2000. Depending on where you stand in the debate as to when the 21st century began, this class is either the last graduating class born in the 20th century or the first born in the 21st.

Baltimore County Public Schools officials are publishing a new senior spotlight each day through May 25, the last day of classes for seniors.

I don’t know any of these kids, but reading their stories made me proud of them and excited for their futures.

I was introduced to this series of biographical sketches after seeing the link to Kenwood High (my alma mater) senior Christopher Ospina posted on Facebook. Christopher is headed to the U.S. Naval Academy this summer.

Christopher Ospina (photo from BCPS website)

After reading through a few of the profiles, I came to the conclusion each story was more impressive than the previous one. Stories of kids coming to this country, knowing no English, as recently as two years ago and satisfying graduation requirements in just those two years; stories of kids who hope to become doctors, architects, public servants and dancers; kids who hope to be the first of their families to graduate from college; kids who are working to help the family and serving as mentors to younger siblings.

With the news of four Baltimore teenagers charged with first-degree murder in the death of Baltimore County Police Officer Amy Caprio plastered everywhere, it’s important to remember that there are scores of accomplished, focused, dream-driven young people for each one in the news for all the wrong reasons.

When you have a moment, check out these stories, revel in the accomplishments of these young people and remember they are the ones representative of their generation and our hope for the future.