The unofficial start of summer is just around the corner and so is Memorial Day. This Monday don’t forget to take a moment out of your day to remember and honor those who died while protecting the freedoms we celebrate in this county. PinalCentral Arts & Entertainment Editor Melissa St. Aude has a list of events and ceremonies that are going on this weekend in honor of Memorial Day.

This weekend also signals the end of the school year for many local students. The cities are starting to open their pools and the Casa Grande library has a full schedule of summer activities for kids. See some more ideas to keep your kids happy this summer below.

And while the kids are hanging out at the pool or are away at camp, you might want to check out this coming-of-age novel from a former Maricopa resident. It’s her first novel and it’s set in France.

Also, speaking of the end of the school year. Congratulations to all of the new graduates. We’ve got plenty of photos online We’ve got photos from the graduation ceremonies of Vista Grande, Poston Butte, Coolidge, Combs, ALA-Ironwood, Imagine Prep, Casa Grande Unionand Santa Cruz Valley Union high schools and Central Arizona College’s graduation. Keep checking back we’ll be adding more photos from other graduation ceremonies throughout the weekend.