With the days counting down to graduation for many local schools, spring is definitely in the air.

In this Friday’s Mission Times Courier print edition:

• Freelance writer Charlize Tungol talks to fellow San Diego State University students preparing for graduation. What advice do they have for incoming students in the fall? Would they do anything differently if they could start their SDSU days again?
• Fellow SDSU student Emma Kepfer looks at plans on campus to build more housing. Do current students think they will ever get to benefit from the housing that won’t be done for a while?
• I had the chance to chat with Kimberly Morris, a computer science teacher at Patrick Henry High School. Morris was recently named the District 78 Teacher of the Year. Read what she has to say about this honor.
• We highlight some of the PHHS spring sports teams and their recent accomplishments. As someone who played sports in high school, I know the time commitment that comes with it. Kudos to all these young men and women for proudly representing the Patriots.
• We also catch up with Iowa Meat Farms employee Dom Gagliardi. Gagliardi came out of retirement after many years of teaching to work at the Grantville business. Read his thoughts on going from an educator of students to educating consumers on the right wines to buy.
• Restaurant writer Robin Dohrn-Simpson brings you a taste of Peru with her review of Mama G’s.
• Local attractions San Carlos Community Garden and Mission Trails Regional Park have exciting things going on in spring and summer, respectively. Take some time to see their stories and how you can benefit from visiting both of these great venues.

That and more await you when you pick up this Friday’s copy of Mission Times Courier.

As always, we greatly appreciate the time you take to read your hometown publication.

Softball photo credit: Derrick Tuskan