This past Saturday, four Beaufort County high schools recognized graduating seniors, sending them out into the world. For some, this will mean going into the workforce. For others, military service might be their calling. Others still will continue their education, either at a four-year university or community college.

It’s often said that the world owes a person nothing, and that one has to make one’s own way in life. To some extent, that’s true. Each of these young people will have to navigate the slings and arrows of an uncaring world to achieve their goals.

But that doesn’t mean that we should stop supporting them.

It isn’t easy setting out on your own as a young person. Suddenly having to contend with rent, bills, finding a place to live, and all the other hallmarks of independence that come with young adulthood, transitioning from high school to “the real world” can be tough.

While the ultimate responsibility for making things work will rest on these young peoples’ shoulders (sometimes with a little help from mom and dad), we should do everything in our power as a community to help lift them up.

Maybe that means taking a chance on a fresh, young high school graduate as your next hire as a business owner. Maybe that means sharing options available when it comes to job training or opportunities at Beaufort County Community College. Perhaps it’s as simple as letting a young person know about an opportunity for affordable rent.

Some of these graduating seniors will not stay in Beaufort County. They’ll go on to the military or college or to a bigger city to find work. Others, however, will want to stay here. While it’s true that we individually don’t have any responsibility to help out these young people, as a society, we owe them a chance to lead productive, fulfilling lives right here at home.

Just because they’ve lost the backpacks doesn’t mean they’re fully mature and ready to face down the world. They still need role models to look up to, teachers to learn from and friends to help them along the path.

Here’s wishing the best to the Class of 2019. We salute your achievements, and have no doubt you’ll chase down your dreams. To the rest of Beaufort County, lets keep supporting our young people, and give them a reason to keep calling this place home.