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This week marks the end of high school careers for seniors with Albert Lea Area Schools, as well as students at some of the other area schools, with more to come in the upcoming weeks.

Though things have turned out differently than most seniors would have liked, we encourage these students to be proud of their accomplishments. What they have accomplished is no small task, and it does not go unnoticed.

We hope the seniors at all of our area schools can find a way to celebrate their successes — though in an altered way.

This senior class was born in the difficult months surrounding the 9/11 attack and is dealing with difficult times again. We encourage them to let this circumstance and the resiliency they are learning from these times move them forward to achieve great things. Whatever they choose to do after this chapter of their lives — whether that be work, community college or a four-year university, we know they have the capability to achieve whatever they set their minds to.

We remind them that friends, family and the community are here to root them on, and we encourage them to remember that they will always be welcomed back to the community with open arms.