Monitor reporters and photographers attended a slew of graduations last weekend, returning with diverse and fascinating stories about the members of the Class of 2009. Like this young woman in Bow who survived homelessness and health troubles or this tale of narrowly-avoided senioritis. And don't forget this crew of students who encountered swine flu, a wayward deer and a flap over water canned by Budweiser.

Concord's Bishop Brady High School held its annual awards night this week. Here's a list of some of the top honors and the students who earned them: 

Nearly 190 people graduated last Sunday from Granite State College, a public school with several locations around the state. The college helps students create programs suited to their professional and personal needs. This year's ceremony was held in Concord, at the Capital Center for the Arts. Here are some highlights taken from the school's press release: 

Graduation season isn't just about ceremony, scholarships and (if you're lucky) presents. It's also prime time for big family parties. Panicked about what to feed the masses? Click here.  Then share your own favorite party dish by emailing mheckman@cmonitor.com.  We'll post our favorites here. 

Education reporter Karen Langley helps kick off graduation season with this report: 

Coe-Brown Graduation

Welcome to the Concord Monitor's Class of 2009 blog. And congratulations to this spring's graduates.

Before the end of June, Monitor reporters and photographers will cover roughly 20 high school graduations. In print and online you'll read about the speeches, the awards, the pageantry associated with this academic rite of spring. We'll also aim to tell you stories about students with interesting plans.