Left to right: Students Kalani Baker and Ariannah Walker are ready to hand out the diplomas.

Are you a hero?

A hero has long been characterized as a person of distinguished courage or ability, someone who is ad-mired for their brave deeds and noble qualities. Heroes are expected to be anonymous, clothed in masks, tights and capes, and have the ultimate goal of saving the day.

During the monthly CPP graduation on Oct. 1, 36 heroes were recognized for their brave deed of making it through the first phase of the Job Corp Program. While their blue shirts and khaki pants are much differ-ent than tights and capes, each of our heroes, much like the ones in comic books or on the big screen, have turned their struggles into strengths that are pushing them to do good.

Each speaker, from the commencement address giv-en by Mr. Collier to the closing remarks by Jovanni Serrano, reflected on a hero’s mark of excellence; from their ability to gain rewards from pain to having a heart that is more powerful than Superman’s Kryptonite.

Salutatorian Bria Jackson compared her current drive for success to the super strength of Wonder Woman. She has also embraced the spirt of being truthful with herself and removing the option to quit from her life.

Valedictorian Leianna Sullivan credited Jesus, her superhero, with being able to do the impossible and noting that with him anything can be done. There was also a nod to the superhero sidekicks, Robin, Krypto and, yes, the CPP staff! Leianna acknowledged CPP and the other staff members as being sidekicks who offer support to all of the superheroes emerging on Cen-ter.

“A hero can be anyone,” Mr. Collier said, quoting the Dark Knight.

So maybe you haven’t thought of yourself as a hero, but you are! You have been secretly turning struggles into strengths. Continue on that path, stand for what you believe and use your strengths save the day for yourself and your family.