MAY 2020
GRADUATION 2020
THE JOURNAL § 1
Congratulations
0 2 2 0 CLASS OF
The high school days you leave behind you never will forget, but may the days that lie ahead be even better yet!
Good Luck, Graduates!
Class of 2020 learned how to navigate life’s challenges The class of 2020 knows better. The young people who grew up in a country fighting a war on terrorism and then watched their parents financially survive the Great Recession were technically savvy enough to handle the final weeks of their senior year staring at a computer screen. But online learning is not the same thing as classroom instruction. The kids knew that, probably long before it ever occurred to the adults. But online learning is just one change that the class of 2020 had to deal with this year. There will be diplomas for them, but they won’t be marching in caps and gowns until weeks after the school year ends. There were no proms. Teenagers, some of the most social animals on our planet, were cut off from daily, in-school meetings with their friends. How will the “new normal” affect the class of 2020? We believe the kids will be all right. They will adjust. They understand. They are smart enough and tough enough. Some will move on to colleges and universities, although when and how that happens has yet to be determined. Others will join the military or the workforce. But all of them will be bonded by the way COVID-19 changed everything — and what they had to deal with. Why do we think they’ll power past it? Consider the technology that is such a big part of their lives. It turns out, though, that not all of Oconee County has the same speedy connections to the internet. Some of their classmates live in parts of the county that just don’t have low-cost, high-speed internet. In response, the school system has offered Wi-Fi buses and other places to plug in the small laptops that all students have. But that doesn’t solve the problem. We’ll bet that our tech-savvy high school graduates understand the problem, even if their parents and grandparents don’t. It’s also not hard to imagine the young people graduating today going beyond an understanding of the problem to find future solutions. Graduation is a time for simultaneously saying goodbye to an old way of life and hello to something completely new and different. High school graduates attended schools that were chosen based on where their parents lived. These grads aren’t just moving on to a new school or job, they’re moving on to a new kind of life that they chose. It’s the first steps on their own, off to schools and jobs and commitments they selected — a true starting line for adulthood. The class of 2020 will cross that line into adulthood smart, tough and tested at a young age. They’re ready for what’s next.
MAY 2020
GRADUATION 2020
THE JOURNAL § 3
Seneca High School
Landon Hoyt Adams
Kristina L. D. Addis
Malachi T. Alexander
Dallas G. Alexander
Rosmeri S. A. Mata
Tyler Scott Arnold
Cole Richard Bay
Ricardo Arath Bernal
Amaria Charite Bigby
Caroline Elizabeth Black
Ozarla A. S. Black
Tyler Dale Bolt
Elijah Orion Bradley
Amelia Noel Brodie
Jake Long Brodie
Zachary Gavin Broome
Donald Russell Brown
Sean Aubrey Brown
Tadaija Jammia Brown
Alexander James Bruce
Abbigail E. Burgess
Jaylon D. E. Campbell
Areya S. Campbell
Catherine E. Cann
Ellie Marie Cannon
Graham J. Cartmell
Jacob Gage Carver
Stephen Scott Chatfield
Madison Desiree Chiles
Serenady D. I. Clark
4 § THE JOURNAL
GRADUATION 2020
MAY 2020
Seneca High School
Montreaze Antonio Clark
Destiny Preonda Cobb
Elijah Demarcus Cobb
Alayna Paige Cole
Andrew Lee Colson
Oscar Alejandro Cortez
Michael Allen Crenshaw
Mary Grace Cromer
Andrew Bailey Crooks
Ananias L. Cunningham
Camron D. E. Cutshall
Samantha Danielle Davies
Hailey Na Cole Deas
Shakia Joya Dogan
Celeena Julia Gail Douglas
Alexis Rene Dunn
Standestin Lamar Earl
Lucas Anthony Edgar
Mabry Elisabeth Edgar
Layne Ashton Ellis
Ethan Cole Evans
Amelia Isabelle Evatt
Tianna Alexius Evett
Gillian Claire Fletcher
Dorian Gambrell
Corean Alexis Gantt
Libna Joana Garcia
Dylan Thomas Gates
Tyson Jakob Gentry
La’Julia Ny’asia Gentry
MAY 2020
GRADUATION 2020
THE JOURNAL § 5
Seneca High School
Thomas Edward Gibson
Ethan Daniel Gilliam
Brendon Elijah Gilstrap
Jessica D. Goldsmith
Ja’vonte Cortez Goodine
Dashawn N. Goodine
Cameron R. J. Greathouse
Charles Henry Griffin
Sterling Briggs Hamilton
Kameron K. O. Hanks
Gariona I. R. Harris
Margaret Caroline Hart
Jesse Dewey Hawkins
Zamarea N. L. Haymond
William Wesley Henry
Trey Christopher Hill
McKenzie L. Holden
Shawntravis L. Holden
Noah David Holland
Daniel LaMar Hudson
Joshua Allen Ickes
Jordan Marie Jimenez
Chinara Nerys Johnson
Mia Nicole Johnson
Dennis Lamont Johnson
Cynthia Grace Jones
Keaton James Justice
Katlyn Abby Kelley
Ashanti Ny’Teria Kelly
Kemuel Genus Kendrick
6 § THE JOURNAL
GRADUATION 2020
MAY 2020
Seneca High School
Kaliah Geneaus Kendrick
Hailley Grandy LaBarr
Hunter Isaiah Land
Trent Samuel Land
Walker Thomas Lathrop
Sydney Marie Ledford
Shaynah R. X. Lee
Madelyn Aileen Lee
Asia Brianna Lee
Markeel D. D. Leonard
Haley Julianna Leroy
Shakura Anne Lewis
Ezekiel Julius Lippert
Laibreishea Q. Litmon-Lone
Lillian Mae Littlefield
Kylah Brieanne Mace
Meshayla A. Maddox
James T. Mahaffee
Brooke Celeste Martin
Caraline Ammia Martin
Jeannine Alelia Martin
Triniti Jade Martin
Kilby Brendan Martin
Aniston Michelle Mauldin
Daijawon Khalik Mayes
Austin Cade McAlister
Matthew S. McCauliffe
Dustin Brett McConnell
Elisha Briann Miller
Rene Miranada Flores
MAY 2020
GRADUATION 2020
THE JOURNAL § 7
Seneca High School
Jayln Anthony Moon
Jakeb Lyle Moore
Brianna E. Morgan
Emma Elizabeth Morris
Micah Harrison Moulder
Cameron E. S. Mullikin
Sommar S. Mulwee
Darius Drake Nathan
Christopher H. Nelson
James Ryder Nelson
Caitlin Noelle Nix
Tucker Ann Norris
Logan C. O’Kelley
Jacob Robert Orosco
Marina Glenn Owenby
Jason Isaac Owens
Ashlyn E. Patterson
Farrah L. Patterson-Holbrooks
Compton Dakota Peters
Emily A. D. Peters
Regan McKenna Phillips
Jacob Preston Pierce
Malachi C. D. Poole
Hannah Elizabeth Pope
Jocelyn M. Pronovost
Amber Elizabeth Rackley
Antonio Miguel Ratcliff
Aubrey Unique Rattley
Samuel T. Rawlings
Kayla Reyes-Garcia
8 § THE JOURNAL
GRADUATION 2020
MAY 2020
Seneca High School
Danielle S. L. Roberson
Aleiyha J. Robinson
Loghan A. Rochester
Moises Rodriguez
Hayden Michael Rogers
Robert Allan Ross
Dominic Jon Sanford
Isabella Lee Shadwick
Taylor Kay Sheriff
Jakhari Aukiev Simmons
Fantasy Nevada Simpson
Mki O’Neal Simpson
Jackson Davis Sires
Dylan Jase Smith
Carson Gentry Smith
Blake Tristin Smith
Tabitha Dawn Smith
Bralyne LeAnn Smith
Trinity C. S. Speed
Quintavious L. L.Staggers
Christopher G. Staggs
Chloe Belle Stephens
Sariah Jean Stewart
Maria Carmen Stewart
Lanie Jane Hope Stone
Thaddeus Lane Stone
Nyquarius D. Strickland
Jessica Nicole Sweenor
Zackery S. Thomason
Ambria B. Thomason
MAY 2020
GRADUATION 2020
THE JOURNAL § 9
Seneca High School
Matthew Ian Thompson
Brionna M. Thompson
Itica N. M. Thornton
Anthony Ryan Tinnell
Shelby Jean Tonkin
Christian Damien Towe
Hanna M. C. Tribble
Madison Grace Tribble
Brooke L. M. Turner
Kelli M. L. Turner
Chloe Ann Turner
Aneri Vikas Vasoya
Aukeviah D. L. Walker
Emma K. Warlick
Margery Marie Wells
Tyler H. Westmoreland
Emma K. Williams
Daimeesha A. M. Wilson
Stashaun Malik Wilson
Kyle N Wissinger
Rhylee Aryn Wittrock
Jacob Joseph Wolfe
Merlyn Vincent Wood
Aavion M. Wright
McKinsey Shereen Yacu 10 § THE JOURNAL
Marissa Kate Young
Emily Kaelyn Young GRADUATION 2020
Manuel Alfonso Zavaleta
Keyshaun Carlos Zebbs MAY 2020
G O CON F ID E N T LY IN T H E D IRE CTIO N O F YO U R D RE AMS. L IV E T H E L IFE YO U H AVE IM AGINE D. HENRY DAVID THOREAU
CITY OF
SENECA Follow us on Facebook MAY 2020
Seneca SC Events // More info at www.seneca.sc.us
GRADUATION 2020
THE JOURNAL § 11
Walhalla High School
Asia-Li Danae Aartun
Brady Franklin Abbott
Caleb Aguirre
Josiah Michael Akridge
Katherine H. Alvarez
Giuliana R. Argentieri
Elizabeth Arriaga
Kalina Kaye Atkinson
Hannah Leanne Ayers
Cody Xavier Barnes
Brandon Keith Barron
Cynthia Anne Bayne
Kathryn Ann Beesley
John Henry Blackwell
Kaitlyn Rose Blackwell
Blake Noleen Bohlken
William Carter Brake
Sarah Shianne Bray
Dylan Shann Broome
Megan McKinley Bryant
Shyanne Thi Bryant
Sydney Grace Bryson
Sammual Junior Buckler
Ethan Kane Burrell
Autumn Star Burton
Mayson M. Buzhardt
Jordan Ray Cain
Coral L. Calixto-Mendoza
Riley M. Callahan
Audrey P. A. Campbell
12 § THE JOURNAL
GRADUATION 2020
MAY 2020
Walhalla High School
Emma Grace Campbell
Emily Jewels Cannon
Dustin Garrett Cantrell
Christina Joan Cartner
Amy Celia Casiano
Emilie Rose Chaves
Irving L. C. Laureano
Ryne K. Chmelar
Helen Clements
Caleb Collins
Makayla Briann Collins
Joshua Jacob Comstock
McKayla Rose Connors
Breanna Rose Cooper
Alexia Lee Correa
Courtney Renee Craig
Andrew Keith Crane
Molly Lynn Crapps
Taylor Lynn Crawford
Austin Daniel Crocker
Luke Reid Crocker
Cassidy Lee Crooks
Samuel Omar Cruz
Yerlin Melissa Cruz
Caitlin Michelle Davis
Zachary James Davison
Abigail Brooke Dean
Kiley Shae Dempsey
Betsabe Diaz
Diccy Vianey Diaz
MAY 2020
GRADUATION 2020
THE JOURNAL § 13
Walhalla High School
Carson Tanner Dunton
Keeley J. Eastmead
Ethan Cole Ellenburg
Alexandra Estrada
Isaiah James Friesel
Vivienne K. Garacci
Joseph Garcia
Xavier Dominick Garza
Garrett Lee Gibson
Patrick Bryan Gimas
Janet Gomez
Johnathan Gomez
Nason B. Gonzalez
Austin Ezekiel Grant
Bailee Leann Grant
James Bradley Grant
Simon Andrew Gray
Madelyn Green
William Parker Guidera
Hannah Grace Hall
Spencer O’nilee Hall
Kaylie Ann Halman
Robert Halman
Ashton Lee-Gage Hamby
James Steven Hanvey
Madison Lei Hapeshis
William Paul Harris
Jacquez A. Harrison
Eli Cade Harvey
Noah Sethe Haselden
14 § THE JOURNAL
GRADUATION 2020
MAY 2020
Walhalla High School
Kylee Ann Heaton
Carter X. R. Hemingway
Georgia Henthorn
Elizabeth Hernandez
Jasmine L. Hernandez
Brady Kyle Hightower
Colton Hires
Canaan Davis Hitzler
Tyler Steven Hogan
Anna Lynne Holbrooks
Leatha Victoria Hopkins
Michael A. Houtzer
Jadin Lee Hughes
Tyler Kalan Hunter
Alexis Johnson
Joseph A. Johnston
Declan James Kapusta
Parker Douglas Kelly
Easton Pack Keys
Jonathan Thomas King
Anne Katelin Kowalski
Chase Dale Kuhlman
Tyler Dean Lee
William Eric Lee
William James Lee
Kendal Lewis
Carmen Lima-Marana
Abram William Logan
Corey John Loggins
Lakin Long
MAY 2020
GRADUATION 2020
THE JOURNAL § 15
Walhalla High School
Gabriel Grande Lopez
Adam Garrett Lowery
Austin Ronnie Madden
Cayla Lee Malloy
Yuri Marana
Michelle Marana-Calixto
Jessenia Marana-Urtado
Elizabeth Anne Marcengill
Jacob Ross Marcengill
Sydney L. M. de la Plata
Stelan Alexander Martin
Willis James Martin
Isuy Martinez
Maria Martinez
Bradly Grant McCall
Thomas Avery McCall
Madison Lee McGuffin
Ethan Glen McMahan
Jake Medlin
Kaytlinn E. Mehailescu
Zane I. C. Meredith
Jacob Alexander Mishio
Brooklyn Mitchell
Jason Mondragon
Brandy Montalvo
Ansley Elaine Moore
Jack Bradley Moore
Kaitlyn Paige Moore
Luke Garrett Moore
Alexis M Morales
16 § THE JOURNAL
GRADUATION 2020
MAY 2020
Walhalla High School
James C. Mullikin
Owen Bradley Murray
Zachary Joseph Neal
Landon Isaiah Norizsan
Bryan Gabriel Olvera
Elana Alexandria Ortega
Abby Martina Owens
Darian Orion Owens
Adam Timothy Pacek
Ashley Elizabeth Palmer
Dev Hirenkumar Patel
Sunny Patel
Brayden Lee Patterson
John Paul
Kimberly Hope Peay
Sierra Marie Picotte
Alec Anthony Piersanti
Brooklyn Tierra Poole
Madison Poore
Addison Paige Porter
Leah Portillo
Autumn Marie Powell
Madison T. Pumphrey
Abner M. Quinonez
Ryan Robert Raab
David Scott Lee Ramey
Madeline Grace Rankin
Madison Grace Rankin
Casadee Reid
John Florentino Rein
MAY 2020
GRADUATION 2020
THE JOURNAL § 17
Walhalla High School
Savannah Rex
Brandon M. Reyes
Dustin Lance Robertson
Derrick M. Robinson
Elizabeth Rodriguez
Hope Riley Rogers
Allan A. Rosas-Arriaga
Adrian Daniel Rose
Millicent Christine Ruiz
Jeffrey Mark Runz
Steven Terry Saulnier
Emma R. Schulenburg
Izak Jamal Sellers
Vanessa G. Serrano
Michael H. Sherman
Brooke Simpkins
Colton Wayne Simpson
Terry Joseph Skislak
Courtney Lauren Smith
Haley Elizabeth Smith
Hannah Grace Smith
Kayla Nicole Smith
Zane Davis Smith
Katelyn Spencer
Ira David Steele
Luke Charles Stevens
Kadence Stryker
Reese Starr Swager
Kory Douglas Talley
Tracie Talley
18 § THE JOURNAL
GRADUATION 2020
MAY 2020
Walhalla High School
Adam Gary Thorsland
Caleb Sheridan Thrift
Cooper Blake Timms
Victor Manuel Torres
Camden O. Underwood
Katelyn Ann Vanatter
Rene Heribeto Vargas
Nicholas A. Vickery
Sydney Paige Vickery
Sara Isabella Villarreal
Michael Avery Walters
Charles Thomas Ward
Jason Cole Warren
Rebecca Christine Watts
Christa Webb
Brandon Thomas Welch
Jardell D. White
Maria Rose White
Jordan Dale Wilbanks
Michael Barrett Wildes
Grace Amelia Williams
Dylan Patrick Wilson
Wyatt Brown Winstead
Colin A. Worsencroft
Not Pictured:
Hailey Christian Wright MAY 2020
Owen Ziluck
Zoe L. R. Zimmerman
Abigail Leigh Zirbel
GRADUATION 2020
Michael Anthony Anders
Christian T. L. Latta
Daniel Andrew Buford
Allan Montenegro-Galvez
Mikal Jakeim Carson
Brady James Morgan
Christian Ariel Cruz
Ronald Denilso Serrano
Keith Cruz
Josie Nicole Shiverdecker
Erin Leslee Fleshman
Bailey Leigh Whitman
Daylyn Christopher Kennel
Aric Jurgen Wood
Holden Ashby Lacamu
Connor Joseph Workman THE JOURNAL § 19
How certain degrees in nursing can help aspiring nurses The field of nursing is complex. Much like physicians specialize in particular areas of medicine, nurses often narrow their focus to certain disciplines within the profession. Education is vital for anyone aspiring to become a nurse. The American Nurses Association notes that there are various requirements for licensure within the field of nursing. Such requirements typically begin in the classroom. When considering a career in nursing, aspiring nurses should recognize that there are various degrees they can pursue, and that each of these degrees can pave the way to a rewarding career.
Associate’s degree
The online nursing resource Nurse.org notes that nurses who have earned their associate’s degree in nursing, or ADN, are the professionals most people first consider when thinking of nurses. ADNs speak directly with patients about their symptoms and conditions and monitor and record vital signs. An ADN also is qualified to administer medication and can offer advice on self-care after surgery and how to confront illness or injury. ADNs work in a wide range of health care settings, helping to provide services for everyone from infants to the elderly. The American Nurses Association notes that the ADN is a two-year degree offered by community colleges and hospital-based schools of nursing.
Bachelor’s degree
The ANA notes that a bachelor’s of science in nursing (BS/BSN) is a four-year degree offered at colleges 20 § THE JOURNAL
and universities that prepares graduates to engage in the full scope of professional nursing practice across all health care settings. En route to earning a BSN, students will concentrate on an assortment of disciplines that will benefit them throughout their careers. Psychology, human growth and development, biology, microbiology, organic chemistry, nutrition, and anatomy and physiology are typically the focus of the first two years of study. As students advance toward earning their BSN, they also will learn about adult acute and chronic disease, maternal/child health, pediatrics, psychiatric/mental health nursing, and community health nursing. Nursing students pursuing a BSN will also study nursing theory, physical and behavioral sciences, and humanities. Health care economics and policy also may be studied as schools hope to educate aspiring nurses about the cultural, political, economic, and social issues that affect patients and influence how health care is delivered.
Advanced degrees
Aspiring nurses also may want to pursue advanced degrees. Master’s degree programs prepare students to become advanced practice nurses, nurse administrators and nurse educators. Aspiring nurses interested in research may want to pursue a doctor of philosophy, or Ph.D., while those interested in clinical practice or leadership roles may pursue a doctorate of nursing practice, or DNP. Education is vital for modern nurses. The educational path aspiring nurses take can determine where their careers ultimately take them.
GRADUATION 2020
MAY 2020
Congratulations, Class of 2020! YOU DID IT! The end of your senior year wasn’t what most hoped for, but don’t let current circumstances crash your dreams. You’ve overcome these obstacles; now it’s time to set your sights on your goals and aspirations. Start here, near the safety, comfort and convenience of your home. Whether you hope for solid training to go to work right away or you’re looking to transfer to a four-year college, Tri-County is the best place to start. We believe in you!
IMPORTANT DATES July 9: Financial Aid Priority Processing Date August 6: Fall 2020 Admissions Deadline August 17: Classes Begin MAY 2020
864-646-TCTC • www.tctc.edu GRADUATION 2020
THE JOURNAL § 21
West-Oak High School
Elizabeth Adams
Abigail Alexander
Allison Anderson
Benjamin Baker
Kaitlyn Barnes
Heather Beasley
Lillian Bennett
Addison Berry
David Black
Hunter M. Blackwell
John Blackwell
Kenneth Blackwell
Logan Blackwell
Corbin Bond
Braden Bowen
Christian Bragg
Hugh Bramlett
Kathryn Breland
Connor Brock
Benjamin Brock
Emmiline Brock
Jordan Brown
Ryleigh Bryant
Kansas Bryant
Randora Burton
Zackeriah Bush
Tyler Byars
Kayla-Ann Byrnside
Jamison Carter
Landon Carter
22 § THE JOURNAL
GRADUATION 2020
MAY 2020
West-Oak High School
Kentae Catchings
Jacob Cawthon
Benjamin Chappell
Melanie Charping
Jadelynn Clay
Alee Craig
Riley Crawford
Elijah Cunningham
Emily Dain
Luke Davis
Steven Davis
Jackson Davis
Helena DeYoung-Van Dunk
Abby Duke
Braden Elrod
Carlos Espino
Jaime Espino
Jason Evans
Brandon Farley
Tanner Finch
Rylan Fitzgerald
Elizabeth Fowler
Mackenzie Freeman
Emily Freeman
Kenneth French
Lili Gilliam
James Goforth
Christopher Goodson
Emily Graham
Nicholas Grant
MAY 2020
GRADUATION 2020
THE JOURNAL § 23
West-Oak High School
Jerad Grimes
Nicholas Hafner
Victoria Harrison
Kloi Hart
Alexis Hawkins
Destiny Heaton
Carter Helms
Hunter Henderson
Thomas Henry
Jacob Hightower
Seth Holbrooks
Jaden Holbrooks
Joseph Holmes
Jonathan Howard
Winter Hubbard
Cody Huff
Nathan Hunt
Denver Hunt
Austin Hunter
Jalivia Hunter
Abbygail James
Sierra James
Tyler James
Brittany Jativa
Jacob Johnsen
Kiley Johnson
Gabryella King
Hayden Nicholas Lavoie
Abigail Lee
Elizabeth Lee
24 § THE JOURNAL
GRADUATION 2020
MAY 2020
West-Oak High School
Damion Letendre
Jackson Littleton
Christopher Loewen
Adisyn Lyles
Keegan Martin
Rhenna Martin
Amber Massey
Tyler McCurry
Ravyn McKinney
Lily Meeks
Angelina Miller
Kyle Miller
Morgan Miller
Phillip Moncus
Ronald Montes
Jeremy Moore
Cody Morgan
Zachary Murphy
Linley Nelson
David Nicholson
Dylan Oakley
Ruby Orosco
Blakely Owens
Ashley Parker
Garrett Patterson
Jaclyn Petaccio
Jenna Peters
Memphis Phillips
Meagan Plummer
Selena Pons
MAY 2020
GRADUATION 2020
THE JOURNAL § 25
West-Oak High School
Madison Potts
Mackenzie Potts
Cylee Price
Avarie Radel
Robert Ramey
Tyler Randall
Alisha Rankin
Cooper Ratliff
Domynic Reed
Brent Reliford
Katie Rhodes
Chasidy Roach
Bailey Roach
Luke Robinson
Hannah Rogers
Victoria Lynnle Rogers
Claudia Sanders
Johnny Shedd
Timothy Sheriff
Lillian Smith
Caroline Smith
Luke Smith
Neil Smith
Maria Smyth
Andrew Spearman
Carter Stephens
Corey Swafford
Rosa Swayngham
Kerra Talley
Ariel Taylor
26 § THE JOURNAL
GRADUATION 2020
MAY 2020
West-Oak High School
Elisha Thaxton
Jacob Thomas
Jacob Thompson
Hannah Thrift
Tucker Vassey
Emma Vincent
Brittany Watkins
Julia Watkins
Jimmy White
Waylon Whitfield
Josephine Wilburn
Amyah Williams
Matthew Williams
Rayelei Williams
James Willis
Emma Wirtz
Logan Wojnarwsky
Jaleigh Wood
Why do grads don caps and gowns? Riley Young
MAY 2020
Graduation ceremonies are steeped in tradition, the most noticeable of which may be the caps and gowns worn by students on hand to receive their degrees. This attire likely dates back to 12th century Europe, when students would wear hoods and gowns that resembled those worn by their teachers, who were members of the clergy. According to Colorado State University, in 1321 a statute of the University of Coimbra in Portugal declared that all “Doctors, Licentiates, and Bachelors” wear gowns. That means GRADUATION 2020
that the mandatory graduation gown is on the cusp of celebrating its 700th anniversary. Hoods, caps and gowns not only signified a certain status of the students wearing them, but they also served a more practical purpose, helping to keep students warm in the unheated buildings where they were being taught. Ironically, many modern graduates, particularly those whose graduation ceremonies are held outdoors, may lament that their caps and gowns make them feel hot. THE JOURNAL § 27
Congratulations Graduates!
There’s Power in Knowledge. As a proud sponsor of educational outreach projects, Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative knows the true power of knowledge. Transforming lives through the Washington Youth Tour and scholarships, we are committed to our community by helping our young members power their potential.
WORKING TOGETHER FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE.
1-800-240-3400
www.blueridge.coop
Congratulations CLASS OF 2020 Proud To Support All High School Seniors. from the
BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF OCONEE COUNTY
The Board of Trustees of the School District of Oconee County (Front Row) Dr. Sandra Sloan, Council District III Mrs. Denise McCormick, Clerk, Council District IV (Back Row) Mr. Buddy G. Herring, Council District V Mr. Joe Rukat, Vice Chairman, Council District II Mr. Jerry C. Lee, Chairman, Council District I MAY 2020
GRADUATION 2020
THE JOURNAL § 29
Oconee Christian Academy
Abby Diane Adair
Caleb William Baumann
Seth Cade Beebe
Madison Hannah Brady
Amy Allison Clark
Arianna Marie Crenshaw
Clayton Scott Curlee
Amber Leigh Ellis
Olivia Grace Keaton
Taylor Faith Lee
Ronald Loyd Miller III
Katherine E. Schaupp
Lindy Jane Smith
Vanessa Mae Valdez
Eric Nicholas Wakefield
Cole Jackson Wyman
What is a gap year? Members of the class of 2020 have many decisions to make in the coming months. Many high school students enroll in trade schools or colleges after graduation, while college graduates start their careers or begin their pursuit of advanced degrees when their undergrad days draw to a close. But more and more high school and college graduates are taking gap years. According to the American Gap Year Association, a gap year is defined as an experimental semester or full academic year taken between high school and college 30 § THE JOURNAL
grads in order to deepen practical, professional and personal awareness. Students often take a break from school as a chance to travel or gain some professional experience. Others use gap years as a chance for personal exploration before moving on to the next chapter in their lives. Gap years may once have been looked at unfavorably, but they have evolved from such perceptions into opportunities to volunteer abroad, learn a new language in a foreign land, visit one’s ancestral homeland, or work as an intern.
GRADUATION 2020
MAY 2020
NEXT School Eagle Ridge
Amber Bailey
Ethan Barton
Emma Burrell
Hunter Campbell
Ryan Crowe
Joey Dacosta
Jonathan Head
Lana Holden
Haylee Kennemore
Madison Manley
Isaia Mathis
Amber Moss
Jacob Jones
Eugene Pearson
Breanna Porter
Madison Stewart
Shawn Underwood
Dylan Watson
And should grads take one? While many students take gap years prior to entering college, even college graduates can benefit from taking time off after earning their degrees. Gap years are now seen as a way to improve a curriculum vitae and gain relevant work experience in a particular field. The resource GapYear.com indicates employers actively employ people who have taken a gap year, prefering candidates who have real-world experience. Preparation is necessary before diving head first into a gap year. Students can speak with people who have MAY 2020
already taken gap years and ask questions. Graduates should approach the decision of whether or not take a gap year just as they would any other large, life-changing decision. Experts say that it can take between nine and 12 months to plan a gap-year itinerary. Finances are a consideration, and gap years require ample savings and a carefully constructed budget in order to be transformed from a dream into a reality. Gap years are a growing trend that can help students improve their résumés, see the world and gain invaluable experience.
GRADUATION 2020
THE JOURNAL § 31
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE
Graduation is a time to celebrate your achievements, prepare for a future of opportunities and embrace a world of infinite possibilities.
From
YOUR
Oconee County Government