Hundreds of students graduate this week and next from local schools.

The commencement schedule: Crosspoint Academy, 7 p.m. June 3 at Gateway Fellowship in Poulsbo; Klahowya Secondary School, 7 p.m. June 9, Kitsap County Fairgrounds pavilion; East and West Alternative High School, 1 p.m. June 10, Admiral Theatre; Olympic High School, 7 p.m. June 10, fairgrounds pavilion; Central Kitsap High School, 7 p.m. June 11, fairgrounds pavilion.

The graduation ceremonies are open to the public.

Now, to the Class of 2016, we offer this: Congratulations on reaching this milestone in your life. As you stand on the threshold of adulthood, prepared to take on the world, here are some things we want you to know.

The world you inherit is different than the one that existed that first day of school. In your lifetime, the U.S. has fought in two wars and weathered the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. We have been changed by these experiences. But you have what it takes to thrive and be catalysts for positive change in this brave new world.

You have the confidence that comes from pushing yourself. You know about teamwork and fair play, both in the classroom and on the sports field.

You have resilience, something that you learned from living in this unique place. All of your life here, you’ve seen how your community won’t say “no” when the chips are down. When someone in the community needed help, you joined your neighbors in coming to aid. When tragedy struck other parts of the country or the world, you joined your neighbors in responding with compassion and giving. When a local cause needed support, you joined your neighbors in meeting the need.

And now, here you are, ready to don cap and gown and get that well-deserved diploma. Sure, the world poses different challenges for you than it did for us on our graduation day. But you are ready. And your community has confidence in you.

We eagerly anticipate news of the heights you will scale, the goals you will achieve, the changes you will bring to the communities you will touch.