It finally set in for the seniors of 2025, that this is the year they are graduating.
“For as long as I have waited and as ready as I am to graduate and be done with high school work, it still feels very bitter sweet as I look back on all the memories,” senior Maya Jolliff said.
Jolliff plans to attend State Fair Community College. She has always dreamed of going into a field working with children, but has not settled on a specific career.
As the end of their high school education nears, seniors are forced to start preparing for how they are going to pay for college.
“I plan on using scholarships and student loans, but my scholarships should cover most of it,” senior Logan Gemes said.
Gemes will attend college at UCM to study Finance.
“Almost all of my schooling is paid for because of my athletic and academic scholarships,” senior Brylee Brewster said.
Brewster will attend Missouri State University on a softball scholarship. She plans to study Speech Pathology.
College planning is a very stressful process. They must make sure to get all the supplies needed to move into a dorm, or have the academic supplies that are required for all the students’ classes.
“I am currently filling out all my dorm applications/information and looking at decorations and inspo on how I would want mine to look,” senior Keira Mostaffa said.
Mostaffa is going to Missouri State University to study Business marketing.
Many of the seniors have high expectations for what their college experience will be like.
“I am expecting to learn more about investing and the finance part of life to help me be better prepared for my future,” Gemes said.
For many seniors, the next step after high school graduation seems like a fresh start.
“A good impression is crucial. I feel like when coming into somewhere you haven’t been before, it’s good to be kind and aware of what you are doing, but also staying true to yourself and being you at the same time,” senior Haylee Cobb said.
Cobb will attend State Fair Community College on a softball scholarship. She plans to study nursing.
“A good impression is everything. What you do, say, and how you act will dictate how people will view you for the rest of high school,” Gemes said.
As the Class of 2025 prepares to strike out on their own, they realize the challenges that may lay before them. Many students have always had their parents there supporting them and helping them when they had a problem. But now, they have to figure out how to live on their own and take care of themselves.
“I feel confident starting a new chapter in life, it helps that I now have a plan set after high school and will definitely be a shift in learning to be more independent but I know my parents will be in my corner to support me whenever,” Cobb said.
“While I feel I will be okay living on my own and will enjoy it. I am not ready to say goodbye to my family,” Mostaffa said.
Not only are the seniors feeling bittersweet about finishing their high school career, but the juniors become seniors and begin their final ride.
“It’s scary, because I still really don’t know what I wanna do when I graduate, but I’m happy at the same time,” junior Kaleby Stevenson said.
“It’s a little nerve racking, but I’m excited for it and I want to make the absolute most out of senior year,” junior Ayden Burdick said.