Editorial: Education

We are often told of the high value of education.

Seemingly without fail, we are reminded of that around graduation time. Each class yields inspirational stories.

The Spring 2006 class at International College, based in North Naples, is no exception.

One grad, age 44, told of returning to college to finish her bachelor's degree at the prodding of her 12-year-old son. A few months later, her son was struck and killed by a car while riding his bicycle. Sunday's bittersweet graduation came exactly one year later.

Then there is the 42-year-old father who enrolled three years ago and challenged his four children, now ages 13 through 18, to study hard along with him. He told them he would get straight A's and challenged them to do the same.

He did and they have come close.

As dad, who also held down a full-time job while going to school, puts it: "Lead by example."

He goes on to say what the family has accomplished so far can keep going — and rub off on his grandchildren.

It is a classic understatement for him to say of education, "It opens a lot of doors for you."

Education also has a way of turning students into teachers and role models — two more of the values of education.