The 2010 Vashon High School class graduates on Saturday — and it’s a time, of course, to reflect on all they’ve accomplished. Like those who have come before them, they’re a smart, colorful and talented class, and their paths are rich and varied.

Take a look at the special insert in this week’s Beachcomber — a tribute to the Island teens who are graduating this month — and you’ll see what we mean. Some are headed to academically rigorous colleges, some to fine trade schools. A few are traveling to far corners, taking a so-called “gap” year before heading to college; others are going to work for a year, saving money so they can afford the college of their choice.

None, it seems, is sitting around. They’re headed into the world, taking with them not only all the love and support their families and community could offer, but also, we believe, a decent high school education.

Indeed, to read the entries many of them submitted is to get a sense of just how rich that high school education was. Several mention their academic success, as well as the rigors of one class or another, as one of the high points in their last few years of school.

Unfortunately, as these young people graduate, Vashon school administrators are not only relishing the bittersweet moment of bidding adieu to more than 130 young people: They’re also working hard to find a way to ensure that the students who follow receive a similarly decent public education.

A cadre of concerned citizens — board members, administrators and volunteers — will be out in force on Saturday, answering questions about the school district’s financial situation, seeking donations and advocating for what some see as a long-term solution to the district’s perennial funding crisis — a foundation.

Tables will be set up in front of U.S. Bank — where the group’s newly crafted tag line will likely be writ large: Education is a guaranteed investment.

It’s no coincidence that they’ll be out on graduation day. They don’t want to steal any thunder from the VHS graduates on their special day, said Anne Atwell, one of the organizers. “At the same time,” she said, “we’re saying, ‘Let’s give these younger kids the opportunity to have what our graduates have had.’”

The district hopes to raise $500,000, enough money to restore several of the teaching positions it’s had to cut and to maintain a suite of electives — from drama and debate to psychology and economics — that has made VHS particularly strong.

It’s frustrating that education funding has come to this. It diminishes the role of the public — as in everyone — in“public education.” But long-term solutions — a stronger and more equitable tax base, for instance — are years away. And meanwhile, kids are going to our schools, signing up for classes and dreaming of their future.

So as we say goodbye to yet another incredible crop of kids, let’s do our best by those who remain. Let’s support our public schools.