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3 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » Obits Blogs TV Listings Movie Listings Oregon Outdoors Oregon Healthy Living Special Sections Business Services NEWS NOW Southwest Oregon fire season starts Friday ... Mother of missing boy Kyron Horman: 'It doesn't get easier with time' ... Craterian Performances announces 2015-16 season ... Southwest Oregon fire season starts Friday ... Mother of missing boy Kyron Horman: 'It doesn't get easier with time' ... Craterian Performances announces 2015-16 season ... OUR VIEW Our View: Get a load of these top graduates Comment MailTribune.com Writer Posted May. 31, 2015 at 12:01 AM Posted May. 31, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Social News It's a popular — and time-worn — refrain among those of a certain age: Kids these days have it easy, and they don't have the academic skills to succeed in college, much less in life. While the sentiment is nothing new, it has gained in volume in recent years with the explosion of technology and the shrinkage of discourse to 140-character tweets and split-second text messages. There is a sense that young people have been too indulged, provided with everything they desire and lacking the motivation to work for what they want. While that may be true of some of the emerging generation, it is by no means the rule.  So it is with great pride and a healthy measure of respect that we present this year's valedictorians: the cream of the crop of about-to-be high school graduates, ready to take on the world and, we must say, clearly well prepared to do so. Say what you will about graduation rates and the quality of public education, these young people have excelled, and there is every reason to expect they will continue to push boundaries as they move on to college. Today's Mail Tribune features more than 50 graduates with top grade-point averages from 16 local high schools. Many, though by no means all, plan to study for careers in medicine. Others want to pursue degrees in mechanical and chemical engineering, or prepare to work in scientific research. Not all are headed for science-related fields, however. Among this year's crop of standouts are an award-winning artist who wants to study interior design in Europe, an accomplished singer who plans a career in musical theater and a student who aspires to work in public relations for nonprofit organizations addressing the problems of the world. Others plan to become teachers. Along their path to this launching point, they have amassed an impressive list of accomplishments. Several are  outstanding athletes. One is a nationally ranked debater. Others have excelled at music, art and writing. All are determined to continue their educations, many planning studies beyond a four-year degree. We salute them, and their parents, who are undoubtedly proud of their accomplishments. Look out, world.         MailTribune.com Writer Posted May. 31, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501