Last year, shortly after graduation at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School, we picked up several garbage bags full of mylar balloons that had washed up on the beach at Quansoo. Nineteen out of 20 of the balloons carried messages of congratulations for graduation. I understand why balloons feel celebratory, but I am asking the high school seniors to consider something equally celebratory that is not so damaging to the environment. Thank you for considering this, seniors, and congratulations to the Class of 2018.

Ellen Williams
Chilmark