Everyone who graduates from high school or college is deserving of great applause for that accomplishment. Below are just a few of the area's inspiring graduates.

Congratulate your favorite graduate and share his or her inspiring story by uploading a photo or leaving a comment in this story.

One week after Villanova University’s commencement, Erin Mack will embark on a 70-day, 4,000 mile charity bike ride from Baltimore to San Francisco.

The event, called the 4K for Cancer, has raised over a million dollars to date to support cancer patients and their families through organizations like its parent organization, Ulman Cancer Fund.

Mack is one of 30 college students from around the country taking part in this journey.

Eastern University shared this story:

Soon after Lynette Taylor began her MBA program at Eastern University in 2010, she learned that she had cancer.  She was just short of five years in remission from a previous bout of cancer. Determined, Lynette kept coming to class even while undergoing chemotherapy.

In the fall of 2011, Lynette had a stroke that left her with no movement from the neck down. But she recovered from the stroke, and on February 12, 2012, her shocked doctors told Lynette that she was cancer-free.

By the grace of God, and supported by her family, friends, and her Eastern University family, Lynette is marching in the graduation procession and receiving her MBA on May 12.