In the future, they will have the dubious honour of being able to say they were the COVID cohort - dealing with a disrupted study year and limitations on the usual rites of passage that graduating Year 12s normally enjoy.

Despite these difficulties, in recent weeks we have seen our school students participate in campaigns to fight mental health issues among the young, and raise money for cancer research.

We congratulate this year's graduating students on their resilience and spirit. We wish each and every one of you well.

This week we also reported on a campaign to support Griffith born baby Leo, a little battler who needs a hand right now.

We celebrated with Coralie O'Connor, Griffith's newest centenarian, and spoke to her family about why she is such a loved and respected figure.

Local rail supporter Peter Knox told us how he'd like to see more young people discovering the convenience and affordability of train travel.

There was also plenty happening in our local wine scene with Keith and Jim McWilliams being honoured as legends of the industry at the Riverina Wine Show.

We took a look at the contribution of Griffith's Trimboli family, whose forebears grew grapes in their hometown in Reggio, Calabria.

Like many, the family escaped poverty in Europe to come to Griffith, which was already becoming known as "Little Italy."

The coveted 2020 Sean Hampel Trophy for Best Shiraz was won by Berton Vineyards for their 2019 Metal Label Black Shiraz.

The hard work continues, with rural lobby group "Speak Up", formed to advance the rights of producers, has received welcome corporate support from DeBortoli's managing director Darren DeBortoli.

Enjoy the week to come,

Declan Rurenga, editor

drurenga@areanews.com.au