Keyauna Sharise DuBree
Morgan Nicole Ewing
Trevoy Ezekiel Grays
Emily E Hill-Forero
Kelsy Dannae Horn
Trevor James Leatherman
Xavier J Rodriguez
Jermaine Asif Taj Jr
Derrick Eugene Morris
Anthony Xavier AcunaLinares
Haylee Ambriz
Jose Arias Villegas
Itzel Avalos-Tellez
Destiney Mariah Baysinger
Crystal L Beck
Rosalina Casillas Martinez
Lukas Allen Cope
Hunter W Davidson
Theresa Kay Dobson
Katelyn Marie Fisher
Destiny Hope Foss
Konstance J Gosser
Alexander Hernandez
Adriana M Hernandez
Jorge Luis Hernandez
Colton D Herndon
Saul F Ibarra-Zapata
Katie Nicole Jacobs
Emilio Antonio Jurado
Lucy Clarice Knapp
Alma I Lemus
Julian Charles Lerch Davila
Mackaira Lanaee Lorick
Veronica Madrigal
Ofelia Magana
Donavan Mahnke
Geri Minton
Rosa M Murillo
Karissa Rylinn Nash
Alessandro Christian Ortiz
Espinoza
First Name Middle Name
Last Name
Jesus M Ramirez
Manuel Renteria Lara Jr
Samantha Ruby Robledo
Saul Rodriguez Jr
Silvia S Sanchez
Wilmer Y Sandoval
Flor Idalia Sandoval Cerritos
Adam Adriel Torres
Viviana N Vasquez
Dear
Karla Pecina
Donovan James Perez
Adolfo Angel Viveros
John David Weatherhead
*list is correct as of 04/22/2023, list is subject to change before actual graduation date.
We are so proud of you! Keep reaching for the stars! LEBO
Throughout your academic journey, you have worked tirelessly, overcome countless obstacles, and made significant progress. You have matured, gained new perspectives and discovered your passions. You have made lasting memories and have formed bonds that will last a lifetime.
While this has been a challenging year, you have shown tremendous resilience, perseverance, and strength. You have adapted and persevered. Your dedication and determination to succeed have truly been inspiring to witness.
Now, as you move forward into the next chapter of your lives, remember to take this moment to reflect proudly on all you have accomplished. Take the time to express gratitude towards those who helped you get here, your teachers, your family, your friends. Together, we celebrate your achievements and look forward to the unique journeys you will take in the future.
As you embark on this new journey, know that the skills you have learned, the experiences you have had, and the relationships you have formed will undoubtedly help you navigate this next phase of your life with confidence and strength.
Congratulations, graduating seniors! I am proud of you! Your communities are proud of all that you have accomplished and excited for all that you will achieve. Best of luck in your future endeavors!
Sincerely,
Perry Ott 2606 West 12th Avenue, Emporia, KS 620.342.1313 • agentperryott.com/ Auto | Home | Life Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company,* Western Agricultural Insurance Company,* Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company*/West Des Moines, IA. *Company providers of Farm Bureau Financial Services. PR-SM-A (9-22)
Mr. Ford Superintendent
Engel
Amy Engel and Ron Engel
Austin Scott Bailey
Tamera Rose Branstetter
Parker Reece Combes
Chalie Marie Crouch
Colton Lee Crouch
Luke Kenneth Davies
Isaac John Durst
Ian Michael Engel
Ashton Fate Mounkes
Ferguson
Landon Scott Grimmett
Anna Christine Hasenclever
Landon Grimmett
Jeff and Erica Grimmett
Brooklyn Nicole Jones
Ethan Karl Lattimer
Daegony Timothy-Lew
Lochmann
Elena Milan
Delia Muraru
Abbie Alida Shields
Addison Hunter Smith
Scott Thomas Smith
Kadyn Diane Speer
Kristopher Michael Stephens
Delaney E. Adams
Tyron Aguirre
Angel Aldrete
Gabriela Alejo Geronimo
Jonaus A. Anderson
Logan Ryan Anderson
Bryan G. Antonio Cruz
Xander Lane Armstrong
Omar Antonio Arriola
Laura Kathleen Baldwin
Breckin Elizabeth Barnett
Hayden M. Basler
Roman Bastida Arevalo
Addison Joan Baumgardner
Zalachi C. Beach
Rudy Ivan Bedolla Jr.
Omar Bedolla
Cynthia Benitez Espitia
Olivia K. Boettcher
Amy Bolaños -Sanchez
Brayden M. Bowen
Cooper Jax Brooks
Alison Dracine Brown
Jenna N. Brown
Cadence N. Butler
Britney Kiara Calderon
Cristian G. Carrillo
Johanna K. Castillo
Jesse Cerritos
Brenda Elisa Cervantes
Adrian Santiago Chavez Martinez
Antony Ismael Chavez
Victoria Rose Christiansen
Remington Jarrett Clark
Kyndal D’Lynn Collins
Clara N. Coltrane
Giovanni Coria
Kiara Alyssa Cortina
Samantha Marie Countryman
Abigail Nicole Craney
Brayden John Criger
Lenia A’lei Crouch
Mia RaeLee Dawn Crouch
Lane Daniel Crum
Anyelina Cristina Cruz
Yahayra Cuevas
Rebecca Anne Cunningham
Kiley Davidson
Cooper L. Davis
Ellett Adam Davis
Jaxon G. Dial
Leanna Lynn Diaz
Vanessa Renee Diaz
Ava Grace Dixon-Kopecky
Luis A. Dominguez Estrada
Sydney Rae Douglas
Garrett Wayne Duncan
Avary Renae Eckert
Olivia Irene Eckert
Aubrianna Lynne Ehr
Hadassah Elizabeth Enabnit
Kristoffer Charles Engberg
Nikki Neftaly Enríquez
Ashley Yahoska Escorcia
Isaiah M. Esquivel
Reina Mechell Estrada
Chloe Elizabeth Eubanks
Kinverly Johanna Figueroa Magana
Jesse Fleck
Kiana J Flores-Delgado
Lillee A. Frank
Anthony A. Fusaro
Catherine Johanna Galdamez
Carolina Jade Garate
Alan Erick Garcia
Giovanni Garcia
Giovanni Garcilazo
Jairo Garcilazo Diaz
Ashlyn Marie Garriott
Israel Geronimo
Roohi Ghanchi
Shaylee Marie Ginter
Caden T. Goekler
Canyon F. Goekler
Mats Goerres
Jose Roberto Gonzalez Jr
Julissa Gonzalez Vega
Daniela Isabel Gonzalez
Daniella Ester Gonzalez
Giovanni I. Gonzalez
Marilyn Guadalupe Gonzalez
Kayla Grace Goodno
Pedro Granillo Lopez
Mackenzie Jean Gray
Zaira Galilea Guerrero
Christian J. Hagemann
Lukas M. Hainline
Rylee Ann Hall
Arianna C. Hamilton
Halle D. Hardin
Alpha Dejah Harrier
Darby Elise Hauff
Chloe’ Soleil Haynes
Shane Hyrum Henderson
Eli James Hendry
Elijah G Hensley
Brian Hernandez
Adriana Cruz Hernandez
Ulises Hernandez
Kimberly Celest Herrick
Andrew K. Hess
Braxton Eugene Higgins
Reece Stephen Hines
Talyn Janae Hinrichs
Reagan R. Hitt
Nathan Kyle Hollenbeck
Kyle Andrew Holloway
Olivia Kathryn Huebner
Ethan L. Irwin
Aurora Irene Jackson
Fred Samul Jackson
Emma Jung
Armando Jackson Karcher
Derrick A Keys
Aralee Khamphouy
David Lee Khamphouy
Jalyn Mardale King
Atlanta M. Krueger
Ian Jud Lackey
Jonathan Cole Laudie
Parker Leeds
Kenadie Rene’ Lewis
Jefry Hernan Linares
Cesar Lopez
Alfonso Luna
Madisyn Rose Magallanez
Shawn Keith Major II
Nicholas R. Marcum
Iris A. Marin
John Jose Marquez Ortiz
Alan Martinez
Ana Camila Martinez
Jonathan A. Martinez-Romero
Caden M. Massey
Hudson Sakae McClellan
Braxton L. McDowell
Jordyn Trinity McGhee
Marissa L. McHaley
Joanna Andrea Miranda Rodriguez
Maddox Galloway Misak
Brittany Leighann Mohling
Brayden Alexander Morgan
Levi David Morton
Nickolas D. Mosiman
Jazmin C. Murillo Espinoza
Daniela Michelle Navarro
Austin C. Nichols
Marisa A. Nichols
Kyle C. Obermeyer
Azia Arianna Obregon
Aiden S. Oller
Christian Alexis Ortiz
Miguel Angel Ortiz
Vishvani Paranavithana
Andy Brandon Paredes
Chase Easton Parks
Alejandra Patino
Sendy I. Peraza
Erick Josue Perez Fajardo
Adriana Nakohl Perez
Lourdes J. Plancarte
Triston Dale Powell
Maci K. Preeo
Breanna L. Pugh
Olivia M. Ralston
Bryan Ramirez
Ricardo Ramos
Alfonso G. Rascon
Kaylee Marie Reimer
Alondra G. Reyes Chavira
Diego Damian Reyes
Kailey Adriana Reynoso
Garrett Michael Rhoads
Noah Da’sean Roberts
Marco Lee Robinson
Onterrio Lee Robinson
Ryan A. Rodriguez
Emily Victoria Rosales
Guillermo Alejandro Rosales
Barrios
Edgar E. Nava
Abril E Ruiz Campos
Brooklynn Annette Ruiz
Amiyah M. Russell
Gisella Saldana
Luis Sanchez Flores
Khalil J. Sanchez
Kelvin A. Sandoval
Christopher D. Rivera
Dustyn William Scrivner
Anahi Meza Segovia
Francesco Sforza
Kassidee N. Shane
Audrey Sheeley
Tabitha Lynn Shepard
Sebastian A. Simon
Shayla Millie Raven Skaggs
Aiden C. Skiles
Kimberlie Jean Skirvin
Troy Allen Smart
Jadin Lewis Smith Heins
Rebecca B. Snyder
Ethan Sebastian Soto
Abigail Nicole Spellman
Leia Belle Starr
Alexis M. Stewart
Draven James Stubbs
Colin Isaac Stutesman
Jacey K. Stutler
Miguel Antonio Tabares
Talan J. Tabares
LeiLani Mariah Tapscott
Allissa B. Telfer
Jaden R. Thomas
Nathan Eric Thomas
Ny’kel I. Thomas
Yazmine S. Tovar
James Micheal Trively
Maryn Helene TRUE
Roberto E Trujillo III
Thalia Evelia Sylvia Trujillo
Xerarch J. Tungjaroenkul
Olivia R. Tuttle
Jesse Ultreras
Aridany J. Velarde
Kaitlyn Reese Velasquez
Journey Marie Walburn
Emelie R. Weast
Aiden P. Webster
Davian M. White
Elizabeth Jean Willhite
Aubrey E. Williams
Christopher Thomas Williams
James Robert Williams
David Alan Wise
Portia Adalia Wolfe
Haylie L. Wood
Andrew J. Wright
Carlee LaVerne Wright
Carlos A. Zapata
Emily,
We’re so proud of your hard work and determination. Your legacy lives on in the lives you saved through organ donation. We love you and wish you were here.
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Frank and Megan Ruiz
You have accomplished so much during your high school years! We are so proud of you!
Khalil Sanchez
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Melanie Dreasher
Congratulations Son! We are all so proud of you! Good luck at Barton! Always be who you are and you’ll go far! Your number one cheerleader Forever!!!
Love Mom and Your Family
Drew Hess
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Eric and Kari, Bree Hess
We are so proud of you Drew Hess! God has great plans for you. We love you a bunch.
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Jason and Natalie Spellman
Congratulations Abby. Good luck finishing up your Graphic Design from FHTC and then ESU. Love you!
Elizabeth
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Brian Willhite
We are so proud of you!
Best of luck running at Emporia State! Stingers up!
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Ashley Kopecky
We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what the future holds!
Love Mom, Nana and Papa Wayne, Papa Bob, G.G. and Papa Joe
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Matt and Jennifer Collins
We are so proud of you and cannot wait to see where your future takes you!
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Jeff and Alexa Brown
Congratulations! We couldn’t be more proud. Reach for the stars!
Good luck next year at UNK.
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Ashley Strawder
We’re so proud of you! Always remember to follow your passions and stay true to yourself!
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Russ and Alicia Criger
Today is the first of many proud moments for you.
Congratulations Brayden!
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Greg and Carmen Leeds
Attending: Emporia State University; Major: Athletic Training; Member of Hornet Football.
Congratulations Parker!
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Bryan and Lori Douglas
You are an amazing soul & such a blessing! You are loved so much!!
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Matt and Melissa Eller
We are very proud of you.
Just be you and keep being amazing! Love you always!
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Ryan and Mandi Higgins
Good luck on your next adventure! We are so proud of you, Love Mom, Dad, Skyler, and Brelee!
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Pamela Major Congrads!
I am so proud of you!
Love Mom
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Kara and Jerid Thomas
#78 You have filled our lives with pride, laughter, and love. You are a great son, brother, friend and teammate. We wish you all the best on your next journey… and we’ll be right here cheering you on.
Love ya, Mom, Dad, and Paige
Leia Starr
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Jacob and Tonya Starr
Congratulations Leia! You’re a strong, beautiful, caring daughter! Good luck at KU!
Nate Thomas
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Terri Kaiser and Don Weast
Congratulations, Emma! You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Brian and Jen Thomas
We are proud of you, Nate, and we wish you all the best at ESU. Love Mom, Dad, Kaylee and Jordan
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Joe Douglas and Katie Adams
Jamie and Heather Adams
So proud of you girl! Lots of luck at ESU! You are going to make an amazing nurse! Love Joe, Mom, Macey, grandma and grandpa!
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Misty, Brian, and Kacen Lawson Congratulation!
We are proud of you! Continue to do your best as you accomplish your dreams!
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Nate and Atana Velasquez
Congratulations, Kiddo! We are so proud of you!
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Jesus and Jackie Rosales
Good Luck at Washburn! We love you!
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Troy Dial and Lisa, Kelley Dial and Brad Congratulations Jaxon! Couldn’t be more proud of you. Excited to see your next chapter in life!
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Tomasu Gonzalez
Grandparents: Isidro and Sylvia Gonzalez
Congratulations Thalia! We love you and are so very proud of you!
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Sharae Slater and Bryan Crouch
We are so proud of you, Lenia, and can’t wait to see you excel at ESU!
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Jessica and Jason Herrick
Felipe and Peggy Perez
We are so proud of you. Best of luck with your next journey.
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Katrina Leatherman, Daniel Smith and the late Todd Leatherman
We are so unbelievably proud of you and love you so much! Congrats! You made it!
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Rick and Beth Ginter
Congratulations, Shaylee!
We are proud of you and are excited to watch you chase your dreams!
NORTHERN HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL
Jamie and Terry
Congratulations! Love from all your Family, we have enjoyed the challenge of you for many year. Love Grandpa Teddy and Grandma Frankie Carr
NORTHERN HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL
Roger and Debbie Fields
Congratulations Drew! We are so excited to see what your future holds! You will do well!
To the Northern Heights High School Graduating Class of 2023.
NORTHERN HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL
John and Becky Maxwell
Congratulations Emily! You continue to inspire us everyday. Wishing you nothing but the best at ESU!
NORTHERN HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL
Richard and Kimberly Davidson
Good Luck at FHTC! We are so proud of you! Love, Dad, Mom, Rylea, and Grandma
NORTHERN HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL
Josh and Jana Smart
Congratulations Hunter!
“It’s all just water under the fridge.” Love Mom, Dad, Courtny and Caleigh!
Wyatt Lee Anderson
Connor Nicholas Arb
Kayleen Emma Baldridge
Austin Lynn Becker
First off, thank you. Thank you for making my first year at NHHS memorable and special. Coming to a new school you never know what you are going to get, but what a great group of seniors to start my career at NHHS. Thanks for the memories, thanks for the fun, thanks for adjusting to the changes made without much grumbling. I want to congratulate each and every one of you. For the past 12 years you have had joys, tears, fun and hopefully learned some things along the way. But most importantly, you have grown into young adults ready to embark upon the next journey of life and developed lifelong friends along the way. Remember, you didn’t get where you are today alone, so thank those that helped you achieve this milestone and never forget that although your new road may take you far from home, you will always be a Wildcat and always welcome at NHHS. Good Luck!
Dave Watkins Northern Heights High School PrincipalInformation:
Graduation will be Sunday, May 20, 7:00 pm in the gymnasium.
Seth Alan Becker
Hannah Nichole Brammell
Allison Irene Brewer
Allie Lee Carnell
Tristan Bryon Cullor
Drew Henson Fields
Piper Lenea Hall
Teagan Jean Hines
Brayden Jon Hoffer
Natalia Katja Humphreys
Gabriel Mason King
Dylan Michelle Kosinski
Benjamin Wayne Lacey
Brett Ryan Malcolm
Emily Elizabeth Maxwell
Danielle Lea McElfresh
Shayne Morgan McGee
Davis Kendell Plankinton
Taylor Jean Pringle
Alyssa Janelle Redelfs
Kolden Michael Ryberg
Leyna Jocelyne Sanders
Kailyn Noel Schlimme
Hunter Ray Smart
McKinsey Ann Thompson
Grady Jason Tiffany
Caroline Hope Wells
Macie Diane Wells
Kylee May White
Congratulations to all of you for your accomplishments and upcoming graduation! You are a very special group as I have had the honor and privilege to walk with you on your educational journey from early start through your senior year. It is hard to believe that the little people who entered the school building 14 years ago are now grown and ready to take on adulting. You have made a significant impact on my life and I am blessed to have the opportunity to watch you become successful men and women! Thank you for giving us all great memories and I wish you the best as you start the next chapter of your lives!
Craig and Carrie Kueser
Congratulations Connor! Best wishes at the University of Kansas this fall! Love Mom, Dad and Mallory
Truman Lee Bailey
Makenna Lynn Broyles
Ava Rose Clark
Garret Alan Cole
Victoria Mae Daniel-Harper
Andrew Jeffrey Foraker
Anthony Joseph Foraker
Drew Elizabeth Haag
Darren Shane Heins
Mia Deon Kingsley
Connor Bryant Kueser
Makayla Noel Jean Linden
Grace Ella Markowitz
Riley Marie Nuessen
Blake Eugene Redeker
Nolan Mathew Rhodes
Jenna Kay Smith
Andon Matthew Temeyer
Karsyn Raine Young
Jenna Smith
Michael and Janice Smith
You’re going to do amazing things! We are proud of you and good luck at ESU!
Tim and Heather Bailey
Congrats Truman!
Good luck at ESU. Love Mom, Dad, Abbott and Milly.
Avia K Banks
James K Bell
Mitchell P Budke
Dominic S Cauthers
Toby S Cobb
Alexis R DeLong
Mayah M Dorsey
Aidan J Eidman
Kaleb B Fetrow
Clarissa R Fleshman
Gavyn M Francis
Leaya S Francis
Paden Jahnke
Abby R Jones
Cal S Kohlmeier
Hunter McCorgary
Taverli M McCorgary
Emily E R Miser
Jade M Nurnberg
Grace E O’Brien
Chayla A Owen
Taylor J Palenske
Jerrick
Cooper A Schroer
Jacob C Sollner
Paxton M Vogel
Ashlee M Williams
Makayla Y Zirkel
Rafael Zuniga-Peres
MADISON CLASS OF 2023
A LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Madison High School Graduating Class of 2023--Thank you for all your hard work during the past 12 years. Congratulations and good luck in your future endeavors! Ms. Baird
Tammy Baird
Madison High School Principal
Luke Fankhauser
Ava Foltz
Gavin Hinrichs
Jack Hinrichs
Gavin Isch
Monica Lopez
Yolaine Luthi
Sarah Miser
Treyton Rockhill
Logan Roth
Rachel Trower
Bryson Turner
Braxton Worrel
Monica Nichole Lopez
MADISON HIGH SCHOOL
Kimberly Shaw
Congratulations Monica!
I’m excited to see what the future holds for you.
I love you.
Information:
The graduation ceremony is Saturday, May 13, 3 p.m. in the high school gym
This time of year can be extremely exciting and stressful. As a first year principal. I am right there with you all in that facet!
Remember as you graduate and move forward to be proud of your accomplishments and the fact that you were able to reach this goal. But also remember there is a large road ahead of you laced with opportunities in a world that is always changing.
I hope that as you move forward, you are prepared for your next steps and can accomplish the goals you set for yourself. Beware, some challenges will test you to your limits while other triumphs might not be quite for yourself. Beware, some challenges will test you to your limits while other triumphs might not be quite as thrilling as you imagined.
Nevertheless, always remember that this too shall pass...
Are you at rock bottom? Keep pushing forward, this too shall pass.
Think you’ve got it all figured out? Just wait, this too shall pass. Keep in mind, the challenges and achievements we face are never really the end. Move forward and on to the next challenge or goal.
Congratulations Class of 2023
Sincerely,
Mr. Whitson Hartford High School PrincipalHARTFORD HIGH SCHOOL
Gary and Elizabeth Smith
Make your dreams come true.
Congratulations!
Love, Mom, Dad, Perry, Devon and Kevin
Saturday, May 13, 1 p.m. in the high school gym
HARTFORD HIGH SCHOOL
Mike and Carrie Leseberg
Congratulations Bash!! We are so proud of you! And we are so ready for you to move out of the house ; )
Love Mom, Dad, Madison
Homer Bomar
HARTFORD HIGH SCHOOL
Savannah Stephenson and Dustin Brandes
I don’t know how we were able to produce an Amazing kid like you. Kidding. You’re from the best parents, of course you will be awesome. Congrats! We are so proud of you.
Love Mom and Dad
Duncan James Baker
Adam James Blankley
Aniston Taylor Blomquist
Damion Rae Bomar
Emma Josephine Dailey
Chloe Madison GieskenMears
Aspyn Dawn Goering
Ashton Lee Goodman
Elizabeth Mae Kelley
Emily Irene Kelley
Sebastian Michael Leseberg
Blaine Ashton McComsey
Alyssa Kay McMurphy
Jordan Wayne Morris
Damien Darrel Pohl
Bruce Jerred Short
Ali Jackson Smith
Caide Ryan Timmons
Senior year of high school can be a whirlwind of activity. The early months are spent wrapping up standardized testing and applying to college. Since many colleges and universities ask for mid-year transcripts for students to aid with class placement and/or make final admissions deci -
sions, students also need to maintain their studies and grades throughout the fall and winter.
Come the spring, when graduating seniors have already picked a college, students with their eyes on the finish line may feel like pulling back a bit. According to
Southern New Hampshire University, the term “senioritis” refers to a common condition reflecting a lack of motivation by students who are reaching the end of their coursework. While it occurs in high school seniors and college seniors, those in trade schools or other programs also can experience
senioritis. Students hope that they can simply coast until the end of school. It’s important not to let senioritis set in to the point that students’ academic futures are suddenly compromised.
✦ Consider the repercussions. According to the University of the People, many colleges
have a policy that incoming freshmen must maintain a certain GPA to become students at their institutions. Letting grades slip can ruin chances of attending the school you worked hard to get into, even if you’ve al -
Please see Senioritis, Page 12
May 20. 10 - 11 a.m.
William Lindsay White Civic Auditorium
From PAGE 11
ready been accepted. Dartmouth College, for example, notes that they reserve the right to rescind an offer if “the student’s final academic record has lowered significantly.” A similar policy is enforced by Stanford University.
✦ Schedule breaks. Take advantage of time off from school and on the weekends to engage in fun activities. Respites from school work can help you return to studies fresh and ready to engage anew.
Earning a four-year degree is one path toward a rewarding career. However, that path is the only one available to aspiring professionals. Enrolling in a vocational program can provide students with the skills necessary to engage in high-demand and wellpaying jobs.
Vocational school, often referred to as “trade school,” can be an advantageous route for many people who are looking for an alternative to college. In 2020, the National Center for Education Statistics said a four-year private college cost around $50,300 for a student living on campus, while a four-year public college was roughly $24,300 annually. A 2018 poll from The Learning House, a skills training and coursework company, found 35 percent of students said tuition and other fees were their primary concerns when choos -
✦ Plan your senior courses wisely. Work with your guidance counselor to schedule courses throughout your time at school so your senior year schedule features few rigorous classes and includes more enjoyable electives.
✦ Hold each other accountable. Get together with a close group of classmates to inspire one another to continue to study and maintain good grades. Accountability to another person can serve as motivation.
✦ Ask for help and support. It’s common for seniors to want to slack off if they’re feel -
ing college programs. Trade schools can cost three times less than other schooling, making them more palatable to young people concerned about the high costs of college.
Career and Technical Education programs number around 1,200 in the United States alone. Many students begin vocational career tracks in high school, according to American Education Services. Here are some benefits to pursuing an education in the trades.
✦ LOWER COST: According to NCES, trade schools cost significantly less than four-year institutions.
Data from the U.S. Department of Education says programs may run between $3,600 to $16,000 per year. Most vocational programs last two years, meaning that students graduate with far
ing overwhelmed and stressed. If various factors in your life are causing you anxiety, reach out to your parents and friends for help.
✦ Establish strong habits. Learning to stay focused even throughout the spring of senior year can help set the course for good habits that spill over into college, like time management and focus.
Avoiding a case of senioritis can be challenging, but it is in students’ best interests to stay focused on their work until they don their caps and gowns
less debt than they might accrue when pursuing a four-year college program.
✦ INDIVIDUALIZED ATTENTION: Many trade programs offer instruction in very intimate settings, with experienced practitioners serving as mentors and trainers. While each program is different,
vocational training schools tend to have lower faculty-tostudent ratios than traditional colleges.
✦ FEWER ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: Trade schools may not have the same stringent application and admissions processes as colleges. Course prerequisites and grade point average require -
ments also may not dictate trade school admissions policies.
✦ DIRECT, HANDS-ON TRAINING: Unlike a traditional college that marries general education courses with those specific to a major, trade school programs focus only on skills and training relevant to each student’s chosen career path.
✦ LESS TIME TO COMPLETE SCHOOLING: More direct lessons means that students can complete their certifications or degrees in shorter times and enter the workforce much more quickly than their counterparts at traditional colleges and universities.
The class of 2023 soon will be donning their caps and gowns and receiving their diplomas. After commencement ceremonies, graduation parties will soon follow. For party guests, that means finding the right gifts for grads. Some high school graduates will continue their studies at colleges and universities. Others may pursue careers in various trades. Still, some graduates may be ready to enter the workforce right away. No matter the direction, these gifts can treat graduates to something special.
Graduates may want to go on a trip before they take the next step in their lives. Quality travel gear
is a worthy investment. Select luggage that won’t exceed airport carry-on limits so grads can cut the baggage check lines when they dart away to locales near or far. Carry-on bags also fit easily in bus cargo areas or in the trunks of cars. Pair the gifts with standard or digital luggage tags.
While it’s certainly possible to watch favorite shows or films on mobile devices, viewing is that much clearer on televisions. Rather than graduates having to invest in cable television wherever they go, streaming devices like AppleTV or Roku are portable, which means they can be used at
home, in a dorm room or on vacation.
Individuals typically are eligible to apply for credit cards once they reach age 18, which is the age most students are when they graduate high school. Credit cards are one method of establishing solid credit, so it can be beneficial for a teen to have one. But it can be challenging for individuals with no credit histories to get approval. A secured card, according to CapitalOne, is a credit card that requires money deposited with the credit card issuer in order to open the account. This security deposit is held by the issuer as long as the account is
open. Often the security deposit is the same as the credit limit. Gift-givers can help establish secured cards for grads by providing the funds for the security deposits.
Upgrade grads’ audio with the newest wireless earbuds or headphones. This way they can take them to the gym or use them to listen to shows or music while sharing spaces with others, including college roommates.
Teenagers are seldom without their phones. A smartphone wallet case enables graduates to stash
IDs, credit or debit cards and some cash into specially designed pockets built into the phone cases. This keeps all essentials in one spot.
Whether a graduate
was a star athlete or a premier member of the marching band, giftgivers can provide special memories of time spent in school. Frame ticket stubs, sports jerseys, show programs, or other memorabilia that commemorates a graduate’s glory days at their alma mater.
Attending Michigan State University
Area of Study - Environment
Studies and Sustainability
Daughter of Eleazar Tovar
Attending University of Missouri, Kansas City
Area of Study - Psychology
Daughter of Alejandro Reynoso
Attending Kansas State University
Area of Study
- Interior Design
Daughter of Dolores Herrick
Attending Flint Hills
Technical College
Area of Study
- Multimedia Design
EMPORIA TYSON COMPLEX HAS AWARDED $4,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS TO THE CHILDREN OF 4 OF THE COMPANY’S TEAM MEMBERS.
BEST WISHES, DREAM BIG, AIM HIGH CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GRADUATING CLASS OF 2023!
Graduation is an accomplishment so significant that many families commemorate grads’ hard work with a party. Whether students are graduating from elementary school, middle school, high school, or college, the decision to fete that feat with a party is pretty popular.
That so many families choose to celebrate graduation with a party underscores the need to plan ahead. The following are some early planning pointers families can consider as students draw closer to the day when they will don their caps and gowns.
✦ Pick a date and let it be known. The dates of commencement ceremonies are typically announced months in advance. That affords party planners ample time to pick a date for the celebration. The earlier planners can pick a date, the greater the likelihood that they’ll get to pick a date of their choosing. The longer planners wait, the more likely it is that many dates will be snatched up by the families of fellow grads. Once a date has been chosen, send out save-the-dates so others can avoid scheduling a party on the same day.
✦ Speak with fellow parents. Parents typically plan graduation parties, so one easy way to avoid scheduling conflicts is to work with fellow moms and dads. A joint party might make the most sense if families are planning
summer travel or have limited flexibility regarding when they can host.
✦ Book reservations early. Though many graduation parties are held at private homes, some families prefer large family dinners at local restaurants or gatherings at other public venues. Families who aren’t hosting at home should study venue locations well in advance and book reservations as soon as possible. It’s especially important to book reservations early, as graduation season typically coincides with the dawn of wedding season, which means there could be steep competition for venues or limited availability.
✦ Remain flexible and open to new ideas. Even early birds may find it hard to book
vendors and venues, and planners may not want to settle for second or third options when celebrating an occasion as momentous as graduation. If preferred venues and vendors aren’t available during peak graduation season, or if scheduling conflicts are making it hard to pick a date, remain flexible and open to new ideas. One alternative is to schedule a graduation party in mid-summer. This can serve as a sendoff to high school graduates about to leave for college or provide a great way for college grads to get back together with friends before the end of summer. Another option could be to finance a trip for grads and their friends to a nearby amusement park.
