This week is graduation week for Boone County high schools.

This is a time of year that all seniors dream about. They have achieved the goal they have strived for since their first day of pre-school. They have finally received their reward for all of the homework and tests they have endured over this journey. For them, this is one of the happiest days of their lives.

For their parents, it is a day full of mixed emotions -- The pride they feel for their child who has worked so hard to get where they are, the joy in knowing this stressful year is finally over and the sadness in realizing their child is all grown up and ready to take on the world.

Congratulations to you all. I wish you great success for whichever ways your paths may go.

BIRTHDAYS

A special happy birthday wish goes out to Sarah Browning, of Madison, on May 23.

A very happy birthday wish to our mom, Teresa Meadows, of Wharton, on May 23. Love, Jackie and Mandi.

A happy birthday to our nana, Teresa Meadows, of Wharton, on May 23. Love your grandbabies, Chris, Keavi, and "D."

Happy fourth birthday to Lucas Isaac Mullins on May 24.

Happy birthday to Debbie Baldwin, of Barrett, who will celebrate her birthday on May 22.

Barry Brown, of Bob White, will celebrate his birthday on May 22.

Birthday wishes go out to Cody Brown, of Barrett, on May 22. Happy Birthday, Cody!

Happy birthday to Susan Harless, of Bald Knob, on May 22.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to D.J. and Leanne Smith on the birth of their baby girl, Jaden Claire Smith. She was born on May 9, weighing 8 pounds, 10 ounces and measuring 19 3/4 inches. She has one older brother, Gavin Weaver.

Congratulations to Van High School's baseball team for winning its sectional tournament. Way to go, boys! We are so proud of you!

GET WELL

Get well wishes go out to Tookie Weaver, of Bandytown, who had heart surgery on May 13.

SYMPATHY

Deepest sympathy wishes go out to the family of Richard Warren Webb, 77, of Twilight, who passed away on May 7.

Sympathy wishes go out to the family of Delbert Branham, 75, of Wharton, who passed away on May 8.

SCHOOL NEWS

Van High School's graduation is scheduled for May 23 at 6 p.m.

The Van Junior-Senior High School-Middle School Academic Bowl is set for May 27-30 at Camp Thomas E. Lightfoot.

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If you have any news or information you want to put in this column, please send it to me at vanwhartonnews@yahoo.com or HC 78 Box 13, Wharton, WV 25208. You also can call me at 247-6917. I need your information by 5 p.m. on Thursdays.

Until next week, take care.