Graduation 2023

William Allen

Gabriella Alvarez

Gabriel Amoss

Dylan Aultz

Anthony Aurand

Donavan Austin

Rylie Baker

Kristen Bankert

Samantha Bankert

Cameron Barben

Megan Baumgardner

Damien Beaston

Gatlin Beeler

Ashlyn Beers

Addison Bell

Ava Hope Benner

Ava Kathleen Benner

Jack Benner

Aidan Berich

Skylar Betlyon

Kaitlin Bickhart

Anastin Bilger

Aija Binder

Elizabeth Bingman

Elijah Bloom

Mikayla Bodley

Austin Bolig

Abagail Bossinger

James Bowers

Morgan Bowersox

Lily Bowles

Deven Bowman

Austin Bowsman

Luke Breneman

Daniel Breon

Bryson Bubb

Tru Bumgardner

Mackenzie Burdge

Kierra Burk

Emma Byler

Hallee Carter

Alexis Casner

Derek Cavanaugh

Eric Chadick

Ethan Charles

Anna Clark

Gabrielle Clark

Jocelynne Clark

Conrad Coffey

Marley Cole

Jesse Colyer

Savahanna

Emily Conaway

Thalia Cook

Hunter Corbin

Ava Cox

Destiny Cox

Austin Crosson

Joshua Cruz

Jacob Cunningham

Pennelope Darerow

Dakota Dashem

David DeVecchis

Brenna

Sage

Continued from Page 3

Gianna Fate

Levi Feagley

Talik Fernandez

Sadie Fike

Cheyenne Fisher

Meechellie Flanigan

Erin Foltz

Mason Force

Carter Forshey

Evan Forshey

Samantha Forshey

Charles Fought

Jaxon Foulk

Jacob Frank

Braydon Freed

Cory French

Kassandra Fry

Kylee Fultz

Mackenna Fultz

Blaise Gahagan

Luis Garcia-Natal

Destiney Gardner

Xayvion Gardner

Haylee Giardino

Evan Gilkey

Marissa Gingrich

Anthony Goldenbaum

Isandro Gonzalez

Xana Goodman

Autumn Goss

Indya Goss

Wyatt Goss

Sacajae Green

Luke Grove

Owen Grove

Malley Grubb

Hannah Guss

Brianna Gutshall

Hailey Guyer

Ayden Gwilym

Riley Habbershon

Summer Jo Habbershon

Colby Hagan

Jadyn Hamilton-Davis

Kyle Hampton

Joan Hannon

Michael Harris

Jonathan Hartzler

Julianna Hartzler

Emalee Harvey

Alycen Hassinger

Kortlynn Hassinger

Gavyn Haubert

Desmyn Haughwout

Brian Hecker

Mackenzie Henry

Keragyn

Miranda

Evan Hosterman

Wyatt Howell

Alexia Hoy

Kamden Hoy

School

Calla Small

Graduate Miffin County High School

Mackenna Yoder

Graduate Miffin County High School

Continued from Page 4

Nahfee Jones

Ella Kammerer

Sarah Kanagy

Hailey Kauffman

Alecia Keiser-Russell

Alexander Keller

County High School

Keagan Scyoc

Graduate Miffin County High School

Steven Albert Honor Graduate Miffin County High School

Leah Kenepp

Liam Kerstetter

Jayden King

Madison Kinley

Karley Kirchoff

Rylee Kline

Ella Knepp

Courtney Kohler

Kaydence Kosack

Ezra Kratzer

Madison Kuhn

Samantha Kyle

Sophie McCurdy

Graduate Miffin County High School

Jaxon Foulk Honor Graduate Miffin County High School

Maxwell Laudermilch

Cole Lauver

Adeline Leason

Sarah Leason

Kaitlyn LeFevre

Alexandria Leonard

Andy Liang

Samuel Liggett

Sally Lin

Gabriel Lucci

Emily Conaway Honor Graduate Miffin County High

Cole Scyoc Honor Graduate Miffin

Photo unavailable

Austin Bolig Honor Graduate Miffin County High School

Sophia Plank Honor Graduate Miffin County High School

Aubrey Strohecker Honor Graduate Miffin County High School

Riley Reed Honor Graduate Miffin County High School

Honor

Honor

Honor

Honor

MCHS

Continued from Page 7

Sofa Magill

Cristian Majano-Carcamo

Ashley Malago

Andrew Manbeck

Qua’dree Manbeck

Faith Mateer

Isabella Mattern

Hayden McCardle

Airis McCarty

Skylar McCaslin

Sophie McCurdy

Isabella McFarlane-Ziegler

Aida McKalips

Aidan McMahon

Richard McMillin

Spencer McNaight

Bailey McNitt

Seth Miles

Avery Miller

Caitlin Miller

Laine Miller

Lillian Miller

Kace Millhollin

Patrick Milligan

Kirsten Milliron

Lorraine Miner

Alexander Mitchell

Kaden Mitchell

Tanner Mitchell

Zane Moist

Glenn Moore

Nathan Morehead

Kelsey Morrison

Makayla Moyle

Conner Munson

Mason Naugle

GavinNavedo-Brought

Lillyanna Navedo-Brought

Olivia Niman

Lillian Nixdorf

Megan Olson

Elijah Osborne

Hannah Paige

Logan Parks

Jordan Parson

Yanis Patel

Alijah Pawally

Zoe Pearson

Austin Pecht

Owen Peck

Malia Pellman

Madisyn Pennebaker

Sophia Plank

Janae Potutschnig

Sarah Powell

Gracy Ramey

Justin Reed

Riley Reed

Margo Reeder

Trentin Reese

Kaden Reid

Rory Reinhardt

Faith Renninger

Tevelyn Renninger

Mia Rhoades

Brody Rishel

Elise Ross

Ally Royer

Dillon Royer

Dillyn Royer

Ryan Royer

Tara Rush

Pedro Salomon-Perez

Dawson Salvatore

Cole Scyoc

Keagan Scyoc

Malia Scyoc

Grace Seaholtz

Hailey Seby

Josiah Sechler

Dustin Secrest

Shawn Settle

Reagan Shafranich

Emily Shank

Peyton Shawver

Justice Sheaffer

Olivia Sheaffer

Emma Sheetz

Hailee Sheetz

Lucas Sheetz

Katelyn Shirk

Graciella Siennick-San-

tiago

Tika Silks

Bode Sipe

Calla Small

Caleb Smith

Collin Smith

Jaiden Smith

William Smith

Hunter Snyder

Brennan Specht

Summer Specht

Mason Spickler

Emma Stahl

Ryan Stahl

Kierra Stains

Jack Staub

Cody Stein

Preslee Steinbach

Connor Stewart

Logan Stimely

Willow Stimely

Sadie Stine

Kylie Strawser

Blake Stringfellow

James Stringfellow

Madison Stringfellow

See MCHS / Page 9

Hailey Kauffman

Honor Graduate

Miffin County High School

Dylan Aultz

Honor Graduate

Miffin County High School

Grace Varner

Honor Graduate

Miffin County High School

MCHS

Continued from Page 8

Aubrey Strohecker

Braeden Stuck

Kaleb Swartz

Chloe Torres

Karen Treaster

Damien Tyson

Lillian Ulsh

Hannah Urich

Jade Vance

Aliyah Varner

Grace Varner

Ashton Vega

Sarah Vermeulin

Aidan Vinson

Liam Kerstetter

Honor Graduate

Miffin County High School

Cheyenne Fisher

Honor Graduate

Miffin County High School

Riley Dippery Honor Graduate

Miffin County High School

Cody Wagner

Elise Wagner

Gunnar Wagner

Isabell Wagner

Morgan Wagner

Arizona Walters

Samuel Ward

Abbygale Warner

Emily Weaver

Quaid Westlin

Dominic Weyman

Halena Whistler

Alexis Wilson

Isaac Wilson

Conner Winfree

Madison Wolfgang

Lindsay Wolfey

Jamie Woodling

Haylen Yocum

Photo unavailable

Raven Dickerson

Honor Graduate

Miffin County High School

Lillian Ulsh

Honor Graduate

Miffin County High School

Ezra Kratzer

Honor Graduate

Miffin County High School

Gabriel Yoder

Jaron Yoder

MacKenna Yoder

Erynn Yorks

Charli Zendt

Skylar Zendt

Jayden Zimmerman

The JHS Annual Baccalaureate Service will be held Sunday, May 21, 2023 starting at 7:00 pm at Good News Lutheran Brethren Church, McAlisterville. Senior Awards Night will be held on Monday, May 22, 2023 starting at 7:00 pm in the Juniata High School auditorium. The Commencement Program at Juniata High School will be held on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at 7:00 pm. The ceremony will be held on the Juniata High School athletic feld, weather permitting, or in the high school auditorium. The prelude by the high school band, under the direction of Mr. Bradley Eargle, will be followed by the class processional march and the ceremony will begin with the Invocation by senior Peyton Sheaffer. She will be followed by Principal Mrs. Kelli Strawser with the Welcome.

The Class of 2023 Valedictorian and Class Salutatorian will be introduced by Vice Principal, Mr. Brett Kennington.

Superintendent Christie L. Holderman will present the Class of 2023. Accepting the Class will be Mrs. Angela J. Varner, President of the Board of School Directors; diplomas will then be awarded by High School Principal Mrs. Kelli Strawser. Class President, Chloe Beckenbaugh will accept the diplomas along with the graduating seniors.

The evening will be concluded with the Benediction by senior Sage Klauss.

Haley Adair-Maldonado

Gabriella Alessio

Haley Anderson

Livia Arentz

Deivi Arias Taveras

Tyson Aurand

Michael Baranello

Destiny Barry

Nathan Bastian

Derrick Beasom

Chloe Beckenbaugh

Summer Bloom

Brayden Boozel

Gavyn Boreman

Thaddeus Bowersox

Aiden Brackbill

Taylor Brown

Madilynn Bruce

Ethan Bryner

Teresa Bryner

Willow Campbell

Luis Caraballo

Isabella Chablé

Ashley Cienfuegos

Autumn Clark

Mason Cooper

Kaitlyn Copeland

Nathaniel Cornwell

Holden Crouse

Kimberly Cruz Molina

Jordan Dickinson

Kierstyn Dickinson

Drake Dressler

Malena Dressler

Gage Duncan

Riley Dunlap

Braidyn Dunn

Ethan Eaton

Brayden Ehrenzeller

Waylon Ehrenzeller

Isaac Elliott

Natasha Evener

Lyndsey Fisher

Verna Fisher

Frances Fitzgerald

Tylor Foltz

Victory Frantz

Daniel Freed

Owen Fry

Tessa Fry

Aidan Gardner

Charles-Scott Garman

Simon Gloss

Ebel Gonzalez Guante

Autumn Graybill

Anna Hand

Akira Harris

Dantae Harris

Natalie Haubert

William Hazard

Alexia Henry

Giovanni Hernandez

Aisha Hernandez-Vazquez

Mikaila Hooper

Thomas Howard

Nicole Huentequeo

Makih Hunt

Seth Hunter

Jesse Hysick

Chloe Jackson

Cara Jones

Mason Jones

Lydia Karschner

Jonathan Kauffman

Dylan Keller

Kaitlyn King

Lillian Kinsloe

Caleb Kirk

Cheyenne Kirk

Nicholas Kirkland

Sage Klauss

Konnor Little

Julian Lopez

Evin Love

Mackenzie Lyter

Edgard Maldonado Ra-

mos

Mary Manbeck

Hailie Martinez

Brooke Miller

Layna Minium

Mirwais Mirzad

Henry Montoya

Any Moreno

Cora Musser

Alayna Niman

Rylie Noss

Lorena Ortiz

Juan Ovando

Valentino Pariso

Colin Parson

Dylan Peck

Jonathon Peck

Maria Penteado Bertoncello

Connor Peterson

Tania Ramirez

Madison Randolph

Briar Rhea

Abby Richardson

Aliza Rivera

Ethan Rook

Ian Rosenberry

Logan Rumberger

Bryce Rush

Malaree Rusho

Jemily Sanchez-Cordero

William Saner

Michthaniel Sath

Kaden Schlegel

Larissa Scott

Louden Sheaffer

See JHS / Page 15

Diploma display ideas

the proudest moments in students’ academic careers. Diplomas are symbolic of hours spent honing skills and working on assignments and, ultimately, success in the classroom. High school diplomas represent an opportunity to go on to higher learning or a trade, while college degrees indicate young people are ready to begin their professional lives.

Many graduates are excited about the prospect of receiving their diplomas. Once in hand, the document can be put on display. The following are some

unique ways to showcase diplomas at home or at work.

Framing

One of the classic ways to display a diploma is in a frame. Many businesses offer customized framing where the frame material and the matting can be chosen. Some grads may want to include a photograph of the school or a picture of the graduate above the diploma. Graduates also may want to select a frame and mat that coordinates with school colors.

Create a shadow box

Consider displaying the diploma with other mementos from school. A shadow box is a large, deep display frame that can house items that are thicker than photographs or papers. Items such as a graduation tassel, medal or other award, a varsity jacket patch, or a program from a school performance or awards ceremony can be placed in the shadow box.

Create a photo wall

Display the diploma among other framed photos from school activities.

This can elicit a trip down memory lane every time the wall is viewed. Some families may want to display their diplomas together, especially if multiple family members attended the same school.

Make a work of art

Various online art vendors can turn the diploma into different works of art. For example, engravers can laser engrave the diploma onto a wooden plaque. Then the diploma can be displayed in one location and the wood plaque in another.

Place it under glass

Display the diploma beneath the glass top of a coffee table. When entertaining guests, the diploma can make for a unique conversation piece.

A school diploma is worthy of recognition. There are various creative ways to display these documents that refect the hard work and success of their recipients.

AIJA BINDER

Mifflin County High School

We are so proud of you!

Good luck with all your future goals!

Mom, Johnny, Aiden, Adi, Gram, & Meem

BRAYDEN EHRENZELLER

Juniata High School

Good Luck at Penn State.

Grandma & Papaw Mummah

BRAYDEN KLINE

Mount Union High School

We are so proud of you. Good luck at Penn State/ Altoona.

Love, Your Family

COURTNEY KOHLER

Mifflin County High School

Congratulations! We are so proud of you.

Love you, Mamaw and Bill

ELISE ROSS

Mifflin County High School

Congrats! We love you!

From, Makayla, Joe, Ethan, Maddalynn

HANNAH GUSS

Mifflin County High School

Love you lots. Good luck at college. So proud of you.

Nan & Pap Cooper

HUNTER G. CORBIN

Mifflin County High School

We are so proud of you, Best of Luck at Penn West, Edinboro.

Love, Mom, Dan, and Ruger

MADISON “MADDY” WOLFGANG

Mifflin County High School

We are so proud of you!! Good luck at PS Hazelton.

Love, Dad, Mom, Clayton, and Morgan

MADISYN LEE PENNEBAKER

Mifflin County High School

Congratulations! We love you & are proud of you.

Meme & Pap Todaro

Our graduation ceremony will be held Thursday, May 25 at 6:00 pm in the auditorium.

The members of the class of 2023:

Bree Arentz

Jasmine Arnold

Madison Arnold

Elizabeth Auker

Jeremiah Brackbill

Dacah Burke

Macy Buskey

Owen Dressler

Shane Dressler

Xavier Dunn

Joseph Elsasser

Joseph Erdly

Katelynn Frantz

Nathaniel Freed

Aden Fronk

Caden Geedey

Sheldon Goodling

Devin Graybill

Dylan Graybill

Kelly Hagans

Ashley Hammill

Rachael Hammill

Nathan Haubert

Maddison Heidler

Lindsay Hepner

Grace Hibbs

Jack Hoffman

MacKenzie Hoke

Natalie Hoskins

Owen Hubley

Ashton Imes

Tate Jamison

Aaron Kanagy

Emily Kerstetter

Emily Kerstetter

Faith Landis

Benjamin Von Losch

Andrea Maneval

Kaylene Mann

Cora Martin

Dontae Martin

Taylor McElwee

Ethan McKnight

Kimberlly Messimer

Isaiah Molitor

Brandon Nace

Noah Poorman

Shayanne Pyle

Louis Reisinger

Brady Roe

Anna Shaffer

Jazlynn Sheaffer

Jaysen Sheeler

Zander Sims

Andrew Smith

Valerie Smith

Kyle Spade

Strawser

Walker Stutts

Shirley Symmerman Hayden Treaster

Congrats

EJHS

Page

Dylan Wagner

Lilliana Wagner

Brenna Watts

Emma Willow

Hailey Yeater

Marshall Yeater

Nathaniel Yeater

Our seniors will be graduating on Friday, May 26th. The ceremony starts at 7:30 pm.

MIDD WEST SENIORS

Lacie Aucker

Lauryn Aucker

Miles Aurand

Matthias Barge

Gage Bassler

Ella Benner

Tessa Berkheimer

Kyle Boonie

Rashed Boutaiban

Aiden Boyle

Cadense Brown

Eli Brown

Aaliyah Day

Austin Dorman

Noah Dorman

Trinity Druckemiller

Taylor Dunn

Jenay Dupuy

Jayson Elliott

Easton Erb

Aidan Everly

Abigail Ewing

Sophia Feitosa

Kyle Ferster

Trinity Foulds

Brennan Getz

Colin Gilbert

Isaiah Graf

Tyler Grove

Whitney Gudonis

Blake Hackenberg

Lauren Hackenberg

Zander Hackenberg

Nastassja Hall

Wyatt Harkness

Ryan Hartman

Delaney Hassinger

Wyatt Heble

Conner Heckman

Britney Heintzelman

Jesse Herman

Marley Herman

Tyler Hockenberry

Emily Hoffman

Ty Hoffman

Jeremiah Houser

Julianna Jordan

Aleah Kahley

Chase Keister

Matthew Kerstetter

Joshua Kline

Delaney Klingler

Isaac Knepp

Zachary Knepp

Erik Knox

Jaden Koch

Eli Kratzer

Gage Kuhns

Kaitlynn Leitzel

Nathaniel Leitzel

Shawn Lightner

Brohgan Long

Tyler Long

Holden Longenecker

Lucius Maines

Sophia Maneval

Emma Martin

Summer Martin

Kiersten Mast

Hayden Miller

Paul Minium

Connor Motel

Shayla Mummey

Donovan Murphy

Carley Nevel

Gavin Nipple

Dravin O’Bryant

Lorna Oldt

Emma Osborne

Taylor Owens

Griffen Paige

Kaylyn Peachy

Anyssa Peters

Alexis Phillips

Lana Plummer

Rachael Reich

Autumn Renninger

Hunter Richard

Dakota Roush

Alexis Sampsell

Chloe Sauer

Amberlyn Schreck

Arianna Schreck

Paris Seibel

Jaden Seitz

Lincoln Shaffer

Sarah Shupp

Matthew Skinner

Keiley Smith

Brandi Snook

Corbin Snook

Dylan Snyder

Robert Snyder

Rylee Snyder

Owen Solomon

Ava Soucy

Valarie South

Brenyn Spatz

Dylanger Spencer

Grace Spigelmyer

Gracie Stahl

Robert Stahl

Alexandria Stenger

Kelsey Stewart

Brody Stone

Koby Sullivan

Chase Swartz

Brai Tate

Sierra Thomas

Trish Thomas-Harding

Alexcia Wagner

Gunther Wagner

Jack Wagner

Jaden Wagner

Colby Walter

Nicholas Walter

Sara Walter

Rylee Weaver

Matthew Weimer

Noah Will

Haylee Wolfey

Jason Womer

Sydney Yerg

Hayden Yerger

Kylee Zieber

Our seniors will be graduating on Friday, May 26th. The ceremony starts at 6:00 pm.

MOUNT UNION SENIORS

Lillian Anderson

Gabriel Atherton

Ryan Baker

Lucas Barksdale

Mason Beatty

Cory Blair

Kelly Bliss

Shelly Bliss

Abigail Brodbeck

Jayvien Brumbaugh

Evan Coder

Daulton Collins

Conner Copenhaver

Dominique Coulter

Gracey Cramer

Andrew Cuff

Trinna Decker

Caleb Donahue

Cameron Donaldson

Calder Eisenhart

Jocelyn Flagle

Quentin Flasher

Erika Forgy

Abigail Forshey

Aalajah Fortson

Clayton Fultz

Kendra Gardner

Philip Gladfelter

Bradley Goshorn

Wanda Grijalva

Kaleb Hagans

Trinity Henry

Dawson Hess

Makaelyn Huffnagle

Lydia Immel

Broc Jaymes

Dyson Jenkins

Landon Johnson

Brayden Kline

Braylan Knable

Andrew Kreis

Christopher Kreis

Madasyn Krepps

Austin Landrum

Carter Landrum

Riley Lemin

Sadiya Marant

Logan Matney

Antonio Matos

Derek Member-Meneh

Noah Morgan

Tabitha Neely

Christopher Ortiz

Holden Park

Rex Payne

Shemara Peck

Jerrell Perkins

Ryan Plank

Jackson Porter

Peirson Price

Skylar Reck

Tyana Ridley

Deegan Rittenhouse

Erica Ryan

Analeah Santiago

Ryan Scott

Skip Secrest

Brady Shaver

Shamma Sheeder

Elliot Simpson

Bria Sites

Emma Smith

Matthew Smith

Sophie Smith

Linden Smoyer

Chase Snyder

Michia Steele

Gabriel Stewart

Lisa Stoner

Zachary Stoner

Kailey Taylor

Logan Varner

Jonnell Welsh

Kendra Wertz

Chelsea Williams

Donovan Williams

Dremen Williams

Lainie Williamson

Ellison Zook

Popular graduation traditions

Graduation is steeped in tradition. Come the day of graduation, many grads-to-be might be focusing on receiving their diplomas and then celebrating after the ceremony. The hard work students put in affords them every right to celebrate once they’re offcially anointed as new

grads, but before the party begins it can be fun to refect on the many traditions associated with graduation ceremonies.

Cap and gown

Graduation ceremonies simply wouldn’t be the same without caps and gowns. The tradition is anything but new, as Co-

lumbia University notes caps and gowns have been linked to academia since the 12th century. Back then, students wore gowns and hoods to emulate the clergy who taught them, but also to stay warm. Many universities dressed their scholars in gowns from the 1700s onward. In 1786, one school, Brown University, even mandated that degree candidates be clad in fowing robes and caps at commencement ceremonies. Though educators and students may no longer wear caps and gowns when attending class or around campus, the tradition of doing so at commencement ceremonies has endured.

Tassel turning

The tradition of turning the tassel does not have the lengthy history of the cap and gown, dating back only decades rather than centuries. Graduates typically turn the tassels after everyone has received their degrees during the ceremony. The turn is symbolic of their transition from student to graduate. Tassels start on the right for high school students and college undergraduates and are then turned to the left, while recipients of master’s degrees and doctorates keep their tassels on the left throughout the commencement ceremonies.

Tossing caps in the

air

The tossing of graduation caps in the air is believed to date back more than 100 years. Prior to 1912, graduates of the United States Naval Academy had to serve as midshipmen for two years before they were commissioned as offcers. As a result, they still needed their graduation caps. But beginning with the class of 1912, graduates were automatically commissioned as offcers, so they no longer needed their hats. That led the graduates to throw them in the air, thus beginning one of the more fun and photo-worthy graduation traditions.

“Pomp and

Circumstance”

This tradition marked by the playing of “Pomp and Circumstance” is rooted in the work of William Shakespeare, which makes it seem like a perfect ft for graduation ceremonies. Sir Edward Elgar composed “Pomp and Circumstance” in 1901 and the title for the song was inspired by a line in the bard’s “Othello.” Elgar received an honorary degree from Yale University in 1905, and during that ceremony “Pomp and Circumstance” was played. The song apparently made a strong impression, as it soon began to be played at various commencement ceremonies, a tradition that continues today.

7 gift ideas for soon-to-be graduates

It would be an understatement to say that it has been an interesting few years for the Class of 2022. Due to the pandemic, many soon-to-be grads spent a signifcant portion of their school years adapting to a changing landscape, both at school and at home. While it is an accomplishment to reach graduation in a “normal” situation, students who have succeeded and thrived in the face of pandemic-related adversity are worthy of extra celebration.

Graduation gifts are a great way to show grads how proud you are that they stayed the course in the face of signifcant challenges. Here are seven gift ideas for graduates.

1. Journal: Graduates are about to start new chapters in their lives.

Either a blank journal or one with writing prompts can help grads get their thoughts on paper to document both the many moments that will shape the next few years.

2. Mascot- or schoolthemed offerings: If a high school graduate will be going on to higher education, then visit the college or university’s spirit shop to purchase anything from sweatshirts to blankets to coffee mugs featuring a school logo or mascot. On the frst day of classes, the new student will already feel part of the team.

3. New wardrobe: Graduating means forging new paths, whether in a career or through additional schooling. Grads can look the part with several items from a favorite retailer. Those who are unsure of the graduate’s

style can purchase a gift card and let the grad go on a spending spree.

4. Framed school photo or map: A piece of artwork can evoke strong emotions of time spent on campus. Frame a blackand-white or sepia-tone print of the aerial view of campus, or opt for an offcial school tour map, which indicates buildings and other points of interest. This could become a cherished keepsake.

5. Bedside organizational pouch: Dorm life requires maximizing a small amount of space. An organizational pouch or pocket can keep essentials such as a tablet, book, reading glasses, and remote control close by and organized without taking up a lot of room. Some are designed to rest over a couch cushion or slide between a mattress

and bed frame.

6. Automotive essentials: Graduates will be facing all sorts of new expenses, so easing any sort of fnancial burden can help them in a big way. Vehicles tend to be major fnancial drains for teens and young adults. Prepaid cash cards, gas station gift cards, vouchers for car washes, and even

gift cards to an automotive supply store can help graduates direct their funds elsewhere.

7. Personal coffeemaker: Many people feel coffee is essential to make it through the day. Graduates who will soon be studying for college exams or those waking up early for their frst forays into the workforce may

appreciate an on-demand pick-me-up. Coffeemakers are much more streamlined these days, and there are pots designed to use loose grounds or special pods to produce cups quickly.

Shoppers can explore many interesting options to commemorate the accomplishments of the class of 2022.

Volunteer opportunities for recent grads

During the months between graduating high school and beginning college, or between getting a university degree and entering the workforce, graduates may want to explore the personal growth that comes from volunteerism.

Volunteering provides various benefts. Some of these rewards include networking with an entirely different group of people. Volunteering also can help a person realize

greater happiness by doing selfess acts for others, while they also can help one to realize a new passion. In the future, volunteering with an organization also may help with a student’s job search.

There are many arenas where young people can focus their volunteer efforts. Here are some ideas.

• Animal shelter: Animal shelters rely on volunteers to help with their operations. They can be a good ft for anyone with a

passion for animals and animal rights activism.

• Public service sectors: AmeriCorp and Peace Corps have scores of opportunities for volunteers. AmeriCorp focuses on domestic issues, while the PeaceCorp is a branch of the U.S. government that engages volunteers in international service work. Community involvement, health care, agriculture, homelessness, and combatting hunger are top priorities

for these organizations.

• English as a second language: Volunteers can spend time abroad teaching English to students. Others may want to volunteer domestically by helping non-English-speaking individuals improve their language skills.

• Community government: A person may choose to sit on the board of a school, a neighborhood housing association, or even explore volun-

teerism with a township municipal offce. This will provide valuable hands-on experience and may help one lend a voice to issues that affect his or her living situation.

• Religious groups: Churches, synagogues and mosques may have volunteer opportunities focused on community outreach or programs affliated with local nonprofts.

• Conservation groups: Volunteers can

work on conservation projects across the country. From wildlife management to trail restoration to invasive species eradication, there are a wide variety of conservation-based volunteering opportunities.

• Tutoring: Graduates can volunteer to tutor students in local schools or overseas.

Volunteerism can fll gap years or add to résumés for recent graduates.

Start early when planning grad parties

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 conficts 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 fexibility regarding when they can host.

• Book reservations early. Though many grad-

uation 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 fexible and open to new ideas. Even early birds may fnd 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 conficts are making it hard to pick a date, remain fexible 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 fnance a trip for grads and their friends to a nearby amusement park.

Graduation parties are great ways to commemorate all the hard work students did en route to donning their caps and gowns. Planning early can ensure such parties are just what parents and students are hoping for.

Gifts for new college grads about to enter the workforce

The day a student graduates from college is a momentous occasion.

Data from the National Center for Education Statistics indicates that more than two million students earned bachelor’s degrees at the conclusion of the 2019-20 school year, the most recent year such information was available.

As another graduation season rounds into form, millions more hardworking college students are about to receive their degrees. Commencement will be a big moment for those students and it will also prove a proud moment for their families, who will want to reward graduates with a gift commensurate with this sig-

nifcant accomplishment. As graduates prepare to trade in campus life for the professional arena, well-wishers can consider these graduation gift ideas.

• Attire: Though many businesses have committed to remote or hybrid working in recent years, college graduates will still need something more than hoodies and sweatpants as they enter the professional arena. Professional attire can include anything from suits to business casual clothing. Developing a professional wardrobe can be costly, so gift givers can take new college grads out shopping for attire that can help them make

a strong frst impression. If distance or timing makes such an excursion impossible, a gift card worth enough money to help grads begin building an impressive professional wardrobe can make for a great gift.

• Tote bag/messenger bag: Traditional briefcases are still around, but many modern professionals now prefer tote bags and messenger bags. Bags with padded pockets that can accommodate 15-inch laptops can be especially useful and help new graduations set a professional tone during interviews and after landing a job.

• Apartment furnishings: Of course, some newly minted grads will

already have a job lined up by the time they stroll across a graduation stage and receive their degrees. In such instances, they might beneft from a little help furnishing their frst apartments. Some new kitchenware, a gift card to a furniture store or some gadgets like a new smart TV or home speaker system can help a new place feel like home that much sooner.

• Cooking lessons: Now that the campus dining hall is in the rearview mirror, new grads will have to prepare their own meals. Some might be doing so for the frst time, so some cooking lessons with a local chef or instruction offered at a lo-

cal restaurant can ensure new grads aren’t spending the bulk of their earnings on takeout or dining out.

College graduation is an exciting time in a

young person’s life. Loved ones can consider an assortment of gifts to make this period even more special.

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2023 FROM THE ACADEMY!