Laurels to all those who formed teams and held events to raise money, all those who gave and all those who showed up Friday to walk all night or support those who did at Relay for Life. This annual event began in 1985 when Tacoma, Wash., colorectal surgeon Dr. Gordy Klatt ran and walked around a track for 24 hours to raise money for the American Cancer Society. It has since grown into the worldís largest movement to eradicate cancer, with more than 3.5 million people in U.S. 5,000 communities, and more communities in 20 other countries, taking part in Relay events to raise money for research and awareness about cancer. And a special laurel to all those who walked the Survivorís Lap. They deserve it.

Dart to Rowan County Commissioner Jon Barber for collecting his second DWI charge since 2008. While innocent until proven guilty, Barber eventually admitted guilt in the first case and served two years probation. In 2008, Barber was discovered passed out in his car by the side of the road. The latest charge came after he wrecked his car Sunday on Graham Road in western Rowan. It was a single-vehicle accident, according to the N.C. Highway Patrol. If it hadnít been, Barberís trouble could be far worse. And if that werenít enough, the latest DWI charge came just days after authorities acknowledged Barber is a suspect in shoplifting wine from a local convenience store and less than a year after he resigned his teaching job amid allegations he went to class drunk. Also, a tentative laurel to Barber for announcing Friday that heís entered a long-term inpatient rehabilitation program that will ěevaluate, treat and recommend ongoing treatment for my recovery.î Itís tentative because weíve heard Barber admit to having a problem and promise to get help before. We hope he gets the help he needs.

Laurel to all those graduating today from Catawba College, Hood Theological Seminary and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, and those who graduated last week from Livingstone College and Pfeiffer University. These young (and some not-so-young) scholars deserve their pomp and circumstance after years of hard work. Some are just starting out in life. Others are trying to make a new life after losing jobs. Whether theyíre heading off for even higher education or hoping to begin a new career, we wish them all success.