On March 25, I watched as three College Park High School seniors were recognized at a National Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony in Pleasant Hill.

What was really moving about the presentation was the fact that these three – Matthew Farnitano, Alex McDonald and Nick Kennen – had been friends through elementary, middle and high school, and were now sharing another special day receiving recognition for earning the rank of Eagle Scout.

Their parents had prepared a slide show for the occasion with photos of the boys growing up together. There were the three of them mugging for the camera with smiles at every age.

And now, with June upon us, these three young men are facing yet another milestone as they graduate high school and go on to college.

Having a graduating senior is a milestone for parents as well. As Matthew’s mother Lisa put it, “It is so hard to put 18 years of experience into words. I’m realizing I will miss so many things about Matthew, but then it is hard to be sad when he is about to go do all the things that I hoped, prayed and tried to prepare him for.”

Lisa and Chris Farnitano met at Duke University, and that is where their son Matthew is headed as well. Lisa and Chris are excited that Matthew will be carrying on the family tradition at Duke.

Matthew had a great senior year, and will take with him memories of going to Los Angeles with the band, earning the rank of Eagle Scout and acting as the accompanying pianist for the school musical. But he is looking forward to college, too.

In his words, “Senior year has been amazing! I have connected with my friends much more than before. I am excited to meet new people next year, but I really will miss my high school friends.”

Nick’s mother Elizabeth Kennen expressed the feelings of many parents when she said, “June 2012 seemed so far way for so long, but now it’s here. Didn’t they just start high school? We are happy and excited for Nicholas – looking toward the future with hope, and as always, lots of love and support.”

From Nick’s perspective, “Graduation is definitely going to be bittersweet. On one hand, I am very excited to be attending Saint Mary’s College in the fall, but on the other, I will miss the time I’ve had at College Park and I’ll miss my friends.”

If you have seniors going off to college or another post-high school adventure, then you really know what Nick means by “bittersweet.” Sad to see them go, but happy because they are ready.

Congratulations to the Kennens, Farnitanos, McDonalds and all of our graduating seniors, their families, teachers and mentors. Hats off to you and we wish the class of 2012 all the best!

You can reach Julie at julieakross@comcast.net