One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation. -Arthur Ashe
Thursday, May 25, 2017
2 — 2017 Graduation Celebration Thursday, May 25, 2017
2017 Graduation Celebration — 3
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Graduation is beginning not the end A short walk will lead directly to one of life’s biggest steps. That is a symbolic way to describe what happens Friday evening as several hundred of Clark County’s young adults walk across the stage to accept their diplomas, taking the next step in their lives as they leave high school behind to go to college, technical programs, the military or the workplace. Welcome to the so-called real world. This is the beginning not the end. It was exactly 10 years ago that I wrote a column in which I tried to think back to my own high school graduation and ask, “What do I know now that I wish I knew then?” Still relevant today, I will share that list and add some new ones that may offer some small insight for the George Rogers Clark High School Class of 2017. — Dream big. Anything is possible. Don’t let anyone or anything hold you
back from reaching for the stars. — Find something you love to do. Everything else will work itself out. Anyone can choose a career that will make he or she lots of money. Find a path that will make you lots of happiness. — Set goals and define the actionable steps it will take to get there. Every finish line has Mike Caldwell to include legs of the race. Make sure you articulate to yourself what each of those are and how you can win. — Think about every decision you make and be prepared for the consequences. Life is all about choices
and you must carefully weigh each and every one. A split-second whim can alter your life forever. — Experience everything possible. Take a variety of classes, embrace opportunities when they come and keep an open mind. Something you thought you knew when you were 18 will look different at 25, as it will again at 30, 40, 50 and so on. — Don’t be afraid to fail. There is no shame in trying something and falling short. Nothing is worse or causes more regret than failing to even try. — Find a way to “grow up” but stay young at heart. Being an adult and being responsible doesn’t preclude keeping youthful exuberance. Many of the happiest people I know are children on the inside. — Don’t stress about things that you cannot control. Impact the things that you can and let everything else go. If you can’t do anything about something,
then don’t lose any sleep over it. — Listen to your parents. After all, you will soon look into the mirror to find that you have become just like them. It is hard to tell when it happens exactly, but trust me, it will. — Make time for yourself and to build relationships. Long after material items are forgotten or superficial achievements have faded, it will be the relationships and the people that stick with you. Have the determination and tenacity to do your best, take whatever comes your way and learn from the past. High school is over. Remember it fondly, but understand the real journey is only beginning. Michael Caldwell is publisher of The Winchester Sun and Winchester Living magazine. He can be reached at (859) 759-0095 or by email at mike. caldwell@winchestersun.com.
4 — 2017 Graduation Celebration Thursday, May 25, 2017
2017 Graduation Celebration — 5
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Class of 2017 Kentucky Christian Academy
Crista ashcraft
robert hunter Biggerstaff
dalyn Wayne Catron
Joshua Earl Cain
robert Lynn henry II
Timothy Chase Carter
Nathanial Keeton
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE
Danielle Cooper - George Rogers Clark H.S., Winchester Grace Howard - Model Laboratory H.S., Richmond Briana Charles - Christian Academy, Lawrenceburg Claire Stapleton - Frankfort H.S., Frankfort Tamara Rudic- Western Hills H.S., Frankfort Logan Fox - Scott County H.S., Georgetown Kyle Miller - Scott County H.S., Georgetown Christy Cochran - Mars Hill Homeschool, Lexington Andrew Lin - Homeschool, Lexington Corey Hise - Lafayette H.S., Lexington Salim Celik - Lafayette H.S., Lexington Katelyn Mofield - STEAM Academy, Lexington Alonna Walker – Opportunity Middle College, Lexington Madison Carnes - Danville Christian Academy, Danville Amanda Comley - West Jessamine H.S., Nicholasville Lindsey Barnes - Woodford County H.S., Versailles Each Graduate Received a $1,000 Scholarship To Help Further Their Education Courtesy Of Their Neighborhood Burger King® $86,000 in Scholarships awarded to date!
We Wish All Of Our Graduates The Best Of Success!! BMT of Kentucky, Inc. a Franchisee of Burger King Corp.
Class of 2017
traditionalbank.com
6 — 2017 Graduation Celebration Thursday, May 25, 2017
George Rogers Clark High School Class of 2017 Deborah Renee Adams
Anna Claire Allen
Joshua David Anderson
Cheyenne Lasha Ashworth
Luccia Aversano
Alex Thomas Back
Alexia Hellard Back
Chasity Nichole Baker
Christopher Scott Bankes
Thomas Shawn Bankes, Jr.
Bethany Leigh Barker
Katie Barnes
Andrew Dale Barrera
William Benton Barrett
Joseph Denver Bentley III
Brandon Ray Berryman
Robert Hunter Biggerstaff
William Dale Biggerstaff
Teghan Rose Black
Emily Jean Bloomfield
Sabrina LeeAnn Boone
Chancey N. Bowden
Tiffany Brooke Boyd
Nathaniel Rafe Branson
Christopher Lee Brewer
Levi Edward Broeking
Jordan Raye Brookshire
2017 Graduation Celebration — 7
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Josh Tyler Bryan
Noah D. Bush
Jaxon Colby Calk
Ta’Myha Chy’Ann Ila Calloway
Katelyn H. Campbell
Edward Earl Carmichael, Jr.
Andrew Isaiha Carpenter
Evan Reid Carrington
Allison Mae Carroll
Tevin Anthony Carter
Joe Mackenzie Castle
Nathaniel Ryan Castle
Emily Paige Caudiill
Anylia BreSha Chenault
Andrew Wyler Clark
Sarah Jane Clark
William Jesse Clark
Haley Clay
Jarrett Ke’Von Clem
William S. Coleman
Zackary Tyler Coleman
Christopher M. Collins
Charles Wayne Compton II
Brayden Charles Conley
Josh Seth Cornelius
Sydney Nicole Craig
Aaliyah Nicole Crawford
Abigail Irene Crigger
Tiffany S. Conn
Danielle Jean Hailey Cooper
8 — 2017 Graduation Celebration Thursday, May 25, 2017
Brady T. Allen Crowe
David Braxton Crowe
Harrison Wyatt Crum
Erin Ashley Daniel
Curtis Tyrique Davis
Laiton Burnett Dillard
Nathaniel Brady Doan
Samantha Elaine Dolen
Nick S. Dunaway
Isiah Duncan
Lacee Leigh Ellen Duncan
Eric Jordan Edmonds
Lela Nicole Marie Eggen Hernandez
Pamela Nicole Elkin
Sydney Claire Elkins
Clarissa Amanda Farrell
Camille Elizabeth Felts
Clay Steven Fike
Allison Nicole Fink
Nicholas Cameron Fleming
Mary Taylor Flynn
Brett Allen Foley
Cassidy Kayla Ford
Dalton Kyle Freeman
Fred Jacob Fugate
Presley Ann Fugate
Jacob Aaron Garland
Bridgett Nichole Gibson
Cody Alexander Gibson
Jonathan Troy Gillette
2017 Graduation Celebration — 9
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Drew B. Ginter
Kay-Leigh Jean Gleffe
Steven Tucker Goff
Chandler Lee Gray
Abigail Gwen-Le Green
Jacob Riley Green
Noah Gatewood Groves
Elena Guerra
Zachary Charles Hall
Elizabeth Grace Hardiman
Deven Wesley Gonzalez
Cassie Nicole Goodpaster
Laura Shay Graves
Jacey Shae Griffith
Tanner Delaney Grigsby
Michael David Grimmett, Jr.
Daniel Edward Guerrant
Noah Dalton Haggard
Robert Ambrose Haggard
Charles Michael Hale
Charles Tyler Hall
Danny Lavern Hall
Melissa Brooke Hall
Dylan Mathew Hampton
Sarah Ashley Hampton
Landon Ray Hardy
Victoria Kay Harmon
Carrie Ann Hatton
Brittany Nicole Hatton-Lucas
Linnzie Nicole Hays
10 — 2017 Graduation Celebration Thursday, May 25, 2017
Daniel Bryan Helgeson
Zander Jakob Hembree
Lindsey Rianna Highley
Jordan Blake Hinkle
Haley Dawn Hounshell
Kenneth Austin Howard
Riley Joseph Hunter
Ohmante H. Jenkins
Brooklyn Paige Hennecke
Jeffery Wayne Hensley
Aylin A. Hernandez Aparicio
Christian Ke’Shon Higgins
Deven Ashton Holloman
Allison Nicole Honaker
Zachary Taylor Hooten
Denzil Bradey Hudson
Faith Marie Hughes
Holly Raye Hummel
Gracie Christine Humphrey
Caitlyn Lee Makenzie Isaacs
Drew Alan Isaacs
Tamara Gabrielle Israel
TyJaun Kyrell Israel
David Raymond Jarman
Zhasia Yamahn Jenkins
Casey Danielle Johnson
Desmond Powell Johnson
Justin Keith Johnson
Alyssa Mae Jones
La’Cresia Rayetta Hollingshed
2017 Graduation Celebration — 11
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Financial must-do’s for families of college-bound students
(StatePoint) – One challenge looms large for many American families as students approach high school graduation: how to pay for college. Financial planning should ideally begin several years before college applications are even due. But no matter what financial preparation your family has done, everyone planning to attend college should take these concrete measures during senior year of high school. • Seek Federal Aid. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible. The FAFSA is your first step to securing financial aid for college, including federal student loans, and most state and institutional aid. Unfortunately, many students don’t realize they are eligible for such aid, leaving
tons of money (and potential educational opportunities) on the table. To complete the FAFSA, visit fafsa.ed.gov. • Search for Scholarships. Because scholarship money typically does not have to be repaid, it’s important to secure as much of it as possible. Begin your search using online scholarship databases, such as TuitionFundingSources.com, and meet with your school counselor to discuss other available scholarship opportunities. Microscholarships are another option to consider. Check out sites like raise.me to learn more about how you can earn scholarship money for your high school achievements. • Understand Family Finances. Now is the time to have some important family discussions.
Parents should set expectations about money with their students, letting them know what, if any, portion of college expenses they plan to pay. Students should find out if any funds have been set aside for their education, as well as what their responsibilities will entail – whether that involves holding down a part-time job or maintaining a particular grade point average. • Consider Private Loans. After exhausting grants, scholarships and other aid options that don’t require paying interest, private loans may be worth some consideration and can, in some cases expand your educational opportunities as a college-bound student. “It’s important to keep in mind that there are often many unanticipated expenses associated
with the college years – from taking an extra course to paying for materials and technology to spending a term studying abroad,” says John Rasmussen, head of Wells Fargo’s private student lending business, who cautions against a cavalier attitude where loans are concerned. “Whether you take out a private student loan or leverage other financial products to pay for miscellaneous expenses, it’s important to understand the terms of repayment.” More tips, as well as free college planning resources, can be found at blogs.wf.com/ collegeplanning. Don’t leave the future uncertain. If you are collegebound, plan ahead to ensure that you can meet the costs of your education.
12 — 2017 Graduation Celebration Thursday, May 25, 2017
CONGRATULATIO Greet the future with anticipation. Dream big and work
Congratulations!
May your graduation be the beginning of a healthy future. Maintain your good health with a primary care physician.
To find a doctor, call 888-847-DOCS. KY-221014
ClarkRegional.org
2017 Graduation Celebration — 13
Thursday, May 25, 2017
ONS CLASS OF 2017 hard. Remember your roots, manners and the way home.
Classes are scheduled. Accidents and illnesses are not. KY-221015
Walk-ins Welcome!
Mon – Fri, 8 am – 8 pm Sat & Sun, 9 am – 5 pm
ClarkClinic.org
14 — 2017 Graduation Celebration Thursday, May 25, 2017
tips for understanding, paying back your student loans (StatePoint) – With an estimated $1.3 trillion in student loans outstanding, it’s safe to say student loan debt is a reality for millions of Americans. While this figure may sound daunting, experts say that greater financial literacy can help students and graduates better understand their loans and pay them back. “The reality is, people out there are hungry for information. They want to understand the facts when it comes to paying back student loans and the best way to do it,” says the educator turned hip hop artist Dee-1, who celebrated paying off his student loans by writing the song “Sallie Mae Back.” To help students get on the right track, Dee-1 has teamed up with Sallie Mae to educate students on financing college, paying back loans, and managing finances. They are offering the following tips from the top of Dee-1’s paying back student loans playlist: • Know who you owe and how much. Understand if your loan is from the federal government— about 93 percent of all loans are— or a private lender like Sallie Mae. If you are unsure, call your lender or check your credit report. Be responsible. Know your monthly payment amounts and due dates. • Separate wants from needs. Managing your money means managing your lifestyle. Prioritize payments you must make every month, and make sure your student loan is one of them. • Exceed your own expectations. Pay more than the minimum amount due each month. If you get a raise or tax refund, use
PhOTO sOurCE: (c) PointImages - Fotolia.com
part or all of it to increase your monthly loan payment. The faster you pay off your loan, the less you’ll spend in the long run. • Confront reality. If you run into trouble, don’t hide from it, don’t be embarrassed by it, and don’t give up. Stay positive, focused, and look for solutions. Call your lender or touch base with your cosigner, if you have one. • Get excited about your future! Be passionate about managing your money wisely and effectively. You can’t make your student loans disappear magically overnight, but you can make a plan for paying them back. “The exhilaration Dee-1 expresses in paying off his student loans is contagious,” says Martha Holler, senior vice president, Sallie Mae. “We hope his excitement and his direct, doable tips help newly minted graduates get into the rhythm of repayment.” For more information, visit SallieMae.com, a one-stop re-
source that includes monthly budget worksheets, loan repayment calculators, and informa-
tion about payment options -- including the company’s Graduated Repayment Period, which allows graduates in good standing to make 12 months of interest-only payments before transitioning into full principal and interest payments. New tech tools also are making managing loans easier than ever. For example, Sallie Mae recently unveiled a new mobile app — available for Apple and Android — to help customers manage their accounts, access loan information, and make payments from smartphones. Don’t let the prospect of paying back student loans overwhelm you. Financial literacy is a game changer and can position you to move up in the workforce on good financial footing.
2017 Graduation Celebration — 15
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Daniel Everett Jones
Katie Abbigayle Jones
Alexis Jade Ann Jordan
Leslie Cousby Eden Justice
Katherine Grace Kelly
Sarah Elizabeth Kennedy
Savanna Grace Kennedy
Zacary Allen Kersey
Theresa Marie Kiffmeyer
Donavan Kane Kilburn
Taylor Allyson Lake Kincaid
Micah Layne Kindred
Billy Columbus King, Jr.
Frances Rose King
Brandon Tyler Kiniry
Anthony E. Kirk
Chase Tanner Kiser
Tricia Lee Kissick
Erica Lyn Koffer
Faith Marie Koskela
Carson Kathleen Kovalic
Cora Ann Kretzer
Jacob Patrick Little
Ivory Gina Livingston
Preston Lee Losh
Kenneth Landon Lowry
Christopher Alexander Lambert
Abigail Grace Lucas
Rosaelena Nicole Leija
Austin Wade Lykins
16 — 2017 Graduation Celebration Thursday, May 25, 2017
James A. Maddox
Rebecca Leigh Maggard
Darby Elizabeth Manning
Victoria Grace Manns
Daniel Alfred Mantilla
Kira Nerys Gabrielle Mason
Spencer L. Mauk
Jessica Cheyenne Maxwell
Caleb Wade May
Christopher Joshua May
Natalie Grace May
Laura Marie Maza
Chris L. McIntosh
Jeffrey Paul McKenzie
James Conner McClure
Evan Michael McCoy
Austin Michael McGowan
Chase Bryan McIntosh
Colton James McKinney
Joshua Taylor McKnight
Cameron Ty’Riq McKvian
Ashley Nicole Melton
Sydney Lee Davis Melvin
Joseph Tyler Miles
Angela Renee Miller
Caroline Joy Miller
Charles Michael Miller, Jr.
Jada Quianna Marie Miller
James Robert Thomas Miller
Sam Miller III
2017 Graduation Celebration — 17
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Cameron A. Mitchell
Tyler Lee Morgan
Gina Marie Morine
Joshua Storm Morse
Lauren Marie Mudd
Camron Douglas Mullins
Dami Anne Mullins
Kaitlyn Kennedy Mullins
Raymond Jay Mullins
Kylee Elizabeth Murray
Ta’Cora Faith Nance
Maria Nicole Napier
Adrianne Nicole Neal
Megan Olivia Negrelli
Scott Josiah Newlin
Daniel Tyler Nickell
Kindra Nicole Noble
Courtney Nicole Oaks
Rebecca Faye Page
Paityn Carolyne Palmer
Morgan Ashley Palmerton
Destiny Dianna Lynn Parsons
Shawn Micheal Peters
Brian D. Phillips
Summer Star Poole
Autumn Faith Pope
Kailynn Michelle Portwood
Kaylee Dawn Potts
Haley Marie Powell
Jessica Nichole Prater
18 — 2017 Graduation Celebration Thursday, May 25, 2017
Ashton McKinley Puckett
Reagan Kolbi Rainey
Cole T. Raney
Jaycie Gayle Raney
Kirsten Ellen Louise Ratliff
Selena Lanita Rebolledo
Rebekah Grace Rector
Trenton Alexander Reddix
Jarred Scott Redmon
Jacob Dylan Reffitt
Spencer Alex Renye
Keats William Ripy
Hannah DeShea Ritchie
Kierra Luchelle Robertson
Devan Nakole Robinson
Mina Semone Rodgers
Tyler Dwayne Rison
Destiny Elizabeth Mae Ritchey
Colby Steven Rogers
James Keyton Rogers
Matthew Rogers
Carly Paige Rose
Cayla Frances Rose
Jacob Dylan Rose
Taryn MacKenna Rose
Megan Marie Rowe
Chastity Lee Rowland
Samuel D. Rupard
Garrett Eli Samuels
Julia Marie Sanchez
2017 Graduation Celebration — 19
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Daniel Hunter Sandy
Joey Bill Sanzone
Jordan Taylor Schwalbe
Derek Steven Scott
Kenny Lee Segress
Cameron Kayleigh Sendra
Sammy Jamal Shakadih
John Newman Shields
William Robert Shifflet
Caycee Dawn Shimfessel
David Allen Singleton
Timothy R. Sizemore
Avrey Brooke Skillern
Emily Nicole Smith
Hannah Dawn Smith
Jamie N. Smith
Logan Chase Smith
William Patrick Dale Sizemore
Sydney Brooke Smith
Tyra Nicole Spears
Caitlyn MichaelaGail Spencer
Benjamin David Stanfield
Jacob Lee Stead
Caitlain Marie Stewart
Tayzon Shyheem Stewart
Andrea Ty Storlie
Logan Ryan Strejan
Nina Elizabeth Strode
Jacob Kyle Sullivan
James Cayden Sutherland
20 — 2017 Graduation Celebration Thursday, May 25, 2017
Tanner David Swetnam
Bobby Taylor Tallent
Chelsea Elizabeth Tallent
Mackenzie Paige Tallent
Samuel Payton Tallent
Julia Denae Talpas
Brooke Marie Tankersley
Jacob Seth Taulbee
Morgan Lacey Taulbee
Nicholas D. Taylor
Shelby Lynn Taylor
Sydney Hannah Hatfield Taylor
Tracy Jean Terry
Jonathan Neal Thurber
Keely Dawn Tibbs
Katlyn Ashley Tillman
Caitlin Alyson Townsend
Megan Leann Townsend
Tyler Lee Townsend
Logan C. Truitt-Ezell
Mudanar Kelton Turley
Whitney Jean Tyra
Alicia Bristin Uresti
Aline Marie Vanderploeg
Emilee Jordan Vaughn
Brayden Cole Vaught
Roberto Francisco Villa
Nolan Chase Waak
Johnetta Syann Walker
Samantha Nicole Wasson
r
2017 Graduation Celebration — 21
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Jaylen Clay Watkins
Sean Glenn Thomas Watkins
Kaille Noel Weistroffer
Dakota Ryan Wells
Mary Kathryn Wheeler
Alexis Mae Williams
Ezequiel G. Villa
Brettney Kole Williams
Isaac Christopher Williams
Isaiah Jordan Williams
Kennedy Rose Williams
Makayla B. Williamson
Langdon Clay Winburn
Robert S. Wise
William Elisha Witt
Laurayziae Faith Woods
Logan Kristopher Woods
Brennan Elaine Woosley
Congratulations Graduates! Brooke Michelle Woosley
Katelyn Alysa Wright
Audre Mae Yates
Angellica Zefi
22 — 2017 Graduation Celebration Thursday, May 25, 2017 George Rogers Clark High School
RILEY HUNTER
You are loved for the little boy you were and the special man you’ll always be. We love you, Mom, Dad, Ryan and ALL of your family
George Rogers Clark High School
KATIE ABBIGALE JONES
George Rogers Clark High School
DAVID B. CROWE We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what your future holds! Love, Mom & Todd
George Rogers Clark High School
MEGAN TOWNSEND
We are so proud of you and all of your accomplishments. Love, Mamme & Mom
We are so proud of you. We love you, Mom, Dad, Nanny & Poppy
George Rogers Clark High School
George Rogers Clark High School
ERICA LYN KOFFER
TIFFANY STAR CONN
We are so proud of everything you have accomplished. Blessings to you at EKU for nursing. Love, Mom, Dad & Tommy
We are very proud of the young woman you have become. Keep God in your life and you’ll go far! We love you, Mom, Dad & Brittany
George Rogers Clark High School
George Rogers Clark High School
SAMANTHA WASSON
Congratulations Samantha! We are so proud of your accomplishments. May all your dreams come true! We love you, Mom & Dad
HANNAH DESHAE RITCHIE So proud of you. Ready to watch you soar at Midway University. Love, Mom & Taylor
2017 Graduation Celebration — 23
Thursday, May 25, 2017 George Rogers Clark High School
George Rogers Clark High School
LUCCIA AVERSANO
JUSTIN JOHNSON
I am so proud of the woman you have become. You are amazing in every way. Love, Mom
So proud of all your accomplishments. We know you have a bright future. Love, Nana & Grandpa
George Rogers Clark High School
CHARLIE & JIMMY MILLER We are so proud of you! Good luck at Morehead! Love, Mom, Dad, Amie & Steven
George Rogers Clark Graduates Class of 2017 No photo was submitted for publication Jason Michael adams, Jr. Nicole renee Barrett doyle alan Bledsoe Mechenna Colleen Bowman Gaga ridge Brooks aurora alajandra Cahue stella sue Chaney Nina Elizabeth Chenault Kayley renee Cockrell Kellee ruth Cole Christopher Lee Cruse Joseph Garrett damron Zoey a. damron diontray Kentrell dean Kena Victorine dijiba Charles adam dunn
ashley Nicole durham alexis Taylor Flack Jada Gose Chandler seth harper Cameron B. hembree Cheyenne Belle hodge Cody Taylor hughes Olivia Joy hurt danielle Victoria Jacoby Carrie Johnson Laikyn Bradley Lee shelbie Jean Francis McCoy andrew Chase McCuddy Jennifer M. Montgomery robert Gage Morris demetrious Tyrell Morton
Tiajah Marshae Owings Breanna Marie Perry Madison danielle Pillion Peggy ann roland robert Evan santos Emily r. scott Kelsey Jo scott amity M. smith sydney rachel Orillanida smith sydney Grace sparks Larry Jacob Tipton Cheyenne Taylor Trent raven Nichole Trent Guadalupe Trevino Tyler Wayne Waak Katelynn Louise Watkins
24 — 2017 Graduation Celebration Thursday, May 25, 2017
CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES!
76% of EKU degree holders are employed in Kentucky a year after graduation— the state’s highest percentage among all public 4-year institutions! Kentucky Center for Education & Workforce Statistics 2012 Postsecondary Feedback Report
go.eku.edu/grad Eastern Kentucky University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and Educational Institution.