All commencements are special events. Graduations are proud, happy occasions reflecting high hopes, inspirations, goals, ideals and achievements. Education helps you discover how to bring commitment, focus and discipline into your life. Struggles, achievements and success open doors to a meaningful life.

Graduates energetically face the future, hoping to convert their ideas into new forms and hoping to make their dreams realities. Inspired, they will take much with them when they leave for university. We congratulate these young people, and the parents who raised them to value the education offered to them. Today, they stand on the threshold of tomorrow, keeping a belief in themselves while walking into a new journey.

One of the principles of personal achievements listed in Napoleon Hill’s book “Keys to Success” reads: “Our most natural resource is not our mineral deposits or our beautiful forests. It is the mental attitude and the imagination of the people of every generation, who have mixed experience with education, to deliver goods and services that improve the lives of both Americans and people around the world. Our real wealth is the intangible power of thought.”

Helping graduates journey toward their destiny, the York County Retired Educators Association was honored to present its 2014 scholarship to three deserving young ladies. Through hard work, determination and dedication, these students, each in her own special way, have accomplished much. The three recipients are:

Ӣ Amber Mondor, who graduated from Biddeford High School recently, taking with her an outstanding high school transcript. She has chosen Boston University to further her education. She said she is eager to become a teacher and pay back to education the gift that has been given her to accomplish so much.

Ӣ Ryanne Desjardins, who also graduated from Biddeford High School, has an outstanding and varied transcript as well, including honors-level math courses and AP English Literature. Dreaming of becoming an educator and making a difference in the lives of hundreds of children, she will be attending Colby College in the fall of 2014, she said.

”¢ Sarah Jenkins, who graduated from Old Orchard Beach High School this month, got a 91 as the lowest quarterly grade on her transcript ”“ the rest average at least 98. Sarah said she has always been in love with school, and plans to attend the University of Maine at Farmington in the fall of 2014.

In other news, the First Parish Unitarian Universalist spiritual community wants the public to know all are welcome ”“ bring all that you are, energy, ideas, humor, love and friendship, and they will joyfully share theirs. Services begin at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings in the historic building across from the Kennebunk Town Hall. On Sunday, Bruce Childress, musician and instrument maker, will present “Music of the Spheres,” followed by refreshments in the hall.

For more information, call 985-3700 or visit the church’s website.

— Zaffie Hadiaris of Saco is the host of “Zaffie,” a weekly television talk show on Channel 3 Biddeford public access. It can also be seen at biddefordmaine.org. Contact Hadiaris at [email protected].