HIT: To high school graduation weekend.

Hundreds of area families are celebrating as their young adults prepare for life after high school.

And while there's still a need for improvement, we were encouraged to see that most local graduation rates are on the rise. The numbers mean that teachers and students alike are doing their share to contribute to quality education.

And to all those local high school graduates, we wish them congratulations for a job well done. Good luck in your future endeavors.

MISS: To a recent theft of nearly a half ton of bronze alloy. The material, which is used to make parts for U.S. Navy ships, was stolen from an Auburn business two weeks ago.

Higher costs for materials have created an increase in these kinds of thefts.

Authorities have put in place measures to catch illegal sales and apprehend the thieves.

It's good to know the scrap yards, where the materials are being sold, are participating in this process.

HIT: To a ceremony held at Fort Hill Cemetery this week in which a local Civil War soldier's grave site was given its headstone.

The headstone had been stored in South Carolina and was actually in the process of being thrown out when it was discovered and saved.

Now, Pvt. Andrew Bulkley can finally rest easy with a proper monument to his service to his country in its bloodiest conflict.

HIT: To Jeremy Morin, an Auburn native, who is expected to be selected in the National Hockey League's Entry Draft, which starts tonight.

It's rare when an athlete reaches the highest level of their sport, so we salute Morin on his hard work of reaching entry to the NHL.

Youth hockey players put in long hours, miles away from home to attain their goal of playing in the NHL.

It's great to see a local player get his shot.