More than 2,000 students across Brevard County walked commencement stages this week as schools held graduation ceremonies from Cocoa to Melbourne. Cocoa High School honored its Class of 2026 on May 18, followed by Palm Bay Magnet High the next day. Heritage High’s evening ceremony drew over 500 attendees, while Astronaut High’s 224 graduates marched under the War Eagle banner. Meanwhile, Merritt Island High’s Class of 2026 gathered for a sunrise ceremony at the school’s football field. A woman struck by a freight train near Cocoa on May 19 has raised questions about safety along the CSX line that runs through the city. First responders arrived within minutes but could not revive the victim, whose identity has not been released. The crash occurred near the intersection of State Road 520 and Highway 521, a route frequently used by commuters. Local officials have not yet commented on the incident. At Melbourne Central Catholic, graduates received diplomas amid applause from families. Eau Gallie High’s ceremony featured a time-travel theme, with students wearing period costumes during the procession. Titusville High’s Class of 2026 celebrated with a traditional march through the school’s halls. The Space Coast Jr./Sr. High graduation drew attention for its student-led speeches, which addressed climate change and mental health. At Heritage High, valedictorian Sarah Nguyen urged peers to pursue STEM careers, citing the region’s growing aerospace industry. The train collision comes as Brevard County officials continue efforts to reduce litter along highways, though state data shows Florida’s overall litter rates dropped 12% in 2023. Local clean-up crews report persistent issues with plastic waste near launch pads and along the Indian River. With graduations and the recent incident dominating local news, residents are balancing celebration with concern over infrastructure safety.