Barton Community College will recognize outstanding graduates, exceptional faculty and student ambassadors of the year Friday with the college’s 52nd commencement.

For the individuals to be recognized, this represents years of working toward a goal. Along the way, they’ve been exposed to new ideas and people with different backgrounds. They’ve had the opportunity to learn and hone skills.

It is worth noting that a Pew Research survey showed roughly six in 10 college graduates with two- or four-year degrees think their degree was very useful for helping them grow personally.

That being said, a college education is not the only path, and indeed not every student set to be honored Friday is earning an associate degree. Students who have completed their GEDs, certificates and/or associate degrees will be recognized. Earlier in the day, MLT (Medical Lab Technicians) and nursing program graduates will have pinning ceremonies and students completing the paramedic program will have a cording ceremony.

Along with the pomp and circumstance at Barton, area high school graduations have begun. As graduates celebrate their personal milestones, they should not think, as the Alice Cooper song claims, that “school’s out forever!” This is one goal reached — and congratulations for seeing it through! This is, however, not the end. It is exciting to realize that we can all be lifelong learners.