With the end of the school year upon us, it is a nostalgic time to reflect on the special young people who are graduating and will move on with their lives.

Personally, I have been fortunate, not only as a father, but I have been impacted by many fine young people over the last 10 years. As a girls' softball coach, I have known you all since you were 7 or 8 years old. In the blink of an eye, you have all grown up. Through cold April nights and hot July days, and everything in between, I had a lot of fun being around you all and I hope you did, too. I was far from the best softball coach, but I hope you all know how special those times are to me.

To Nicole Bartlewitz, Barbie Broschart, Jennifer Bulkley (JB), Jill Cromwell, Joanna DeFelice, Deirdre Donovan, Kathleen Fuentes, Rebecca Groy, Kristin Lupardo, Theresa Mantello, Christine O'Connor, Jessica Pappas, Lauren Russell, Jillian Scinocco, Janine Tedesco, and, of course, Jenny Zollo and Rosie Zollo, thanks for some wonderful memories, and best wishes for a happy and prosperous future.

To my daughter, Christine, I hope that you have enjoyed the last 17 years as much as I have.

Gus Costa