I’m often accused of being too positive, and compared to some other things people have said about me over my lifetime, I can live with this charge.

I think this week I’ve actually got good reason to be overly excited about something.

On Tuesday of this week, the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International awarded their annual Girl of the Year Award to Morgan Academy senior Anna Kate Mock-Jordan.

Two days later, Mock-Jordan’s classmate Matthew Alston Ivey took home the Selma-Dallas County YMCA’s Paul M. Grist Boy of the Year honor.

While it was undoubtedly a big week for the students, parents, faculty and staff at Morgan, it was a bigger week for Selma.

Like I said, I can sometimes be too positive.

Looking over the accomplishments of the 19 girls and 13 boys who were finalists for the two distinguished awards, it’s clear that Anna Kate and Matthew are not alone in the great hope they hold for the future of Selma.

The laundry list of accomplisments and accolades earned over their high school careers are simply stunning.

Many of the finalists were at the top of their class academically, while also being captains of numerous varisty sports.

Even as an adult, I can say that finding that balance of work and play is not easy to do. So, I congratulate all the finalists on the ability to do that and more.

When describing themselves, the vast majority of the students included which church they attend. Membership in a local church is huge for the development of both the member, but also the community itself.

While the academic and athletic accomplishments of the finalists were striking, what impressed me most was the amount of volunteering they have done over the span of their high school careers.

Some volunteered at their high school, others as lifeguards or at bible schools. Some took time from their busy schedules to work blood drives and sports camps.

For me, this volunteering attitude is a reason for hope and optimism because it is exactly what Selma needs, both now and in the future.

This class of graduates have clearly shown they are not children any more.

They are the people who will lead Selma into its bright future.

The lessons they have learned in high school — in the classroom, on the ballfield, or while volunteering —  will serve them well in the future.

Selma’s future hinges on the education and preparedness of the next generation, and this generation of graduates has shown they are ready.

Forgive me if this column has been too positive for your taste, but it’s good to know Selma’s future is bright.