Graduates 2024

GRADUATION EDITION

David Thomas Fisher (Class Treasurer) • Abigail Katherine Moore (Class Vice President) Emma Kathryn Waddell (Class President) • John Hankins Hope (School Board Representative) Kelsye Amanda Carroll (Class Secretary)

PHOTO CREDIT: ROBERT LUNA OF LUNA PHOTOGRAPHY

Chuckey-Doak High School

Chuckey-Doak High School Class of 2024

NOT

Michelle Bailey, Steven Banner, Noah Baughman, Kadence Blow, Elisha Brock, Maria Courtney, Jennifer

Gonzalez, Hailee Fletcher, Jonathan Fuller, Kaitlyn Garland, Alyssa Gill, Alexandria Hinen, Samuel Hopson, Joe Jones, Jocelyn Keefer, Izaiah Marshall, Owen McClure, Nila Moody, Michael Ostering, Chad Owens Jr., Kinsley Smith, Carmela Smock, Joshua Stanley, Benjamin Tapp, Breana Tichrob, & Garren Westmorland.

Greeneville High School Class of 2024

Greeneville High School Class of 2024

Greeneville High School Class of 2024

Greeneville High School Class of 2024

Greeneville High School Class of 2024

NOT PRESENT:

Savanna Suzianne Armstrong, Seleena Preeti Bakshi, Paisley Madison Barnett, Krista Mae Brockwell, Gabriella Diamond-Gray Burgos, Yandel Del Valle Vazquez, Amanuel Devarus Dickson, Kaitlyn Belle Dwight, Catherine Riley Fezell, Kendyl Baylee Foshie, Edgar Lorenzo Grijalva Lux, Lonnie Gudger III, Mileena Elizabeth Hamaker, David Jacob Harricharan, Martin Thomas Hayes, Julissa Hernandez, James Edward Hickman Jr, Eli Nicholas House, Joshua Lee Smith, Cooper Todd Johnson, Cooper Alan Justice, Jasper Margot, Kendrick-Monger, Annastasia Marie

Laughters, Kameron Lynn Lester, Joshua Brock Mathes, Tanner Patrick Myers, Chad Allen Nunnery, Maylin Grace Owens, Jaynia Lena Ivette Padua, Deep Hemantkumar Patel, Abbigail Morgan Pegg, Joshua David Prokop, Cassandra Ann Ramos, Lillian Ariel Mckenzie Reaves, Alexzander Hadden Riddle, Savannah Anne Setser, Sarah Jolee Shapiro, Kaden Michael Southerland, Lola Grace Taylor, James Bradley Thompson, Seth Ray Tipton, Andres Torres, Solana Naomi Trohon, Zachary Wallin, Kallie Ann Marie Watford, Noah Lee Watford, Jayon Qurnezz Whiteside, Amanda Reese Willliams, Ann Louise Wines

North

School

North Greene High School Class of 2024

NOT PRESENT:

GIFT IDEAS for high school graduates

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.

TRAVEL ACCESSORIES

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.

STREAMING TV DEVICE

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.

SECURED CREDIT CARD

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.

WIRELESS EARBUDS OR HEADPHONES

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.

SMARTPHONE WALLET CASE

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.

FRAMED MEMORABILIA

Whether a graduate was a star athlete or a premier member of the marching band, gift-givers 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.

ADVANCED DEGREES are growing in popularity

Many college grads are continuing their educations after earning bachelor’s degrees. Roughly 13.1 percent of American adults have an advanced degree, which is up from 8.6 percent in 2000, according to findings from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Eductional Attainment in the United States: 2018. As of 2016, 28.5 percent of Canadians had a bachelor’ s degree or higher, says Statistics Canada. The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center says enrollment in graduate programs continues to grow. It

rose 3.6 percent in fall 2020 from a year earlier, and 4.4 percent during the spring 2021 semester, perhaps spurred on by the global pandemic and schools’ more flexible course offerings that cater to remote students. Despite their growing popularity, advanced degrees do not always translate into higher salaries or improved job prospects. The research site

Educationdata.org says about 9 percent of Americans have master’s degrees, but the degrees increased employability by less than 3 percent. Furthermore, the cost of a master’s degree nearly doubles the average debt held by people with bachelor’s degrees, according to the personal finance marketplace Credible. In addition, certain business owners may

even pass up on applicants with advanced degrees because the students had been in school too long or tended to assume their degrees make them worth more, according to a report by Fox Business. That report indicates less than 10 percent of employers believe colleges do a good job of preparing students for the working world, and many employers value applicants who prioritize realworld experience over schooling. This is information students need to consider when thinking about pursuing advanced degrees.

Rachel Barnett, Gatlyn Costner, Carson Culp, Brooklynn Dean, Nicholas Erben, Avalon Gant, Averi Gregg, Rhiley Henry, Madison Hensley, Logan Johnson, Toby Jones, Cadence King, Natalia Ozbun, Zoey Potter, Melanie Smith, Lexie Trent.

South Greene High School Class of 2024

SOUTH GREENE, 8:30 P.M., MAY 16, AT SGHS

CLASS SPONSORS:

South Greene High School Class of 2024

NOT PRESENT:

Dustin Arwood, Bentley Black, Dion

Shane Grimes, Jaiden Gunter, Macey

Frederick

What to know about taking A YEAR OFF SCHOOL

Over the last two years, people from all walks of life have reevaluated their priorities in the face of a global pandemic. That reevaluation has led some students to take a break from school.

While taking a break can be the right choice for some students, certain variables should be considered before pressing pause on education. Here’s a deeper look into taking a break from school.

A CHANCE TO MENTALLY RECOVER

Many students try to press through courses even when they are unwell or trying to recover from a significant condition. This can put students at a disadvantage that could adversely affect their academic performance, which may have an effect on their graduation prospects and future success. A break gives students a chance to get their health, including their mental wellness, in order and then return to their coursework fully focused.

ENJOY A RENEWED VIGOR FOR ACADEMICS

Some students may begin courses without a solid plan for the future. In such instances, students could be paying tuition for courses they’re not interested in. A break can offer students an opportunity to reassess the direction they’re going in and come back to school with a fresh approach for the future.

STUDENT LOAN GRACE PERIOD

College students who have federal student loans in the United States are entitled to one sixmonth grace period during which payments will not be required, according to Forbes Advisor. After a student drops below part-time status, the grace period begins. Someone who takes a semester off from school may trigger that grace period clock. When the student returns to school and then graduates, or if he or she chooses to leave again, repayment of the loan will begin immediately, as a second six-month grace period is not

permitted.

INTERNSHIPS

Some students take a break from school because an internship opens up outside of the time parameters set by some schools. Internships tend to occur in junior or senior years of college and could earn students college credit.

SCHOLARSHIP ELIGIBILITY

Leaving school before the year is over may affect scholarship eligibility, as scholarships often are

contingent on students attending school full-time. A student can speak with his or her school’s finance office or bursar to see if a prorated repayment may be necessary and/or to defer an upcoming semester scholarship until they return.

There are many reasons students might want to take a break from academics. Before pumping the brakes on school students should be confirm the long-term effects such a break will have on their academic standing.

Blair,

Bottass, Stephan Bowman, Luis Cortes, Alik Dailey, Alexis Davis,

Haun, Nathan Hawbaker, Jazmine Henriquez, Sierra Hensley, Anna Hilton, Jayden Hooper, Jayden Hopton, Orion Hopton, Lindsey Howlett, Austin Luttrell, Bodie Parks, Jordan Shelton, Tristian Shipp, Lucas Southerland, Morgan Tweed, Christian White, Sheyanna Wimberly

West Greene High School Class of 2024

West Greene High School Class of 2024

Greenlee, Logan Harris,

Lewis,

Macdougall, Gage Madison, Brandy Myers, Sean Jeff, Robert Scruggs,

David Turner, Madison Vale, Jakob Weber.

Heritage School Class of 2024

POPULAR MAJORS among modern college students

College students’ choice of majors can set them on a path toward rewarding and lucrative careers. Though a career may not be foremost on the minds of students as they graduate high school and inch closer to the start of college, choice of major merits consideration, even among students who have yet to receive their high school diplomas.

Many college students enroll in school as undeclared, while others may pick a major without realizing what it requires and which career path it might set them on. That might explain why it’s so common for college students to switch majors. Though data indicating how many students switch majors is somewhat dated, one study from the U.S. Department of Education indicated about one in five students changed their majors at least once while pursuing a bachelor’s degree. With that in mind, students may want to consider some popular majors as they try to determine which path to take in college. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, more than half of the 2.1 million bachelor’s degrees awarded at United States colleges and universities in the 2020-21 school year were concentrated in six fields of study. In addition, the NCES reports that the following are the six most popular degrees from that academic year.

21 were in the field of business.

2. Health professions: This field accounted for 13 percent of all bachelor’s degrees awarded in 2020-21. Common specializations include health sciences, health care administration, nursing, and sports medicine.

3. Social sciences and history: NCES data indicates nearly one in 10 students majored in a social science in 2020-21. This includes specializations such as history, political science and sociology.

engineering in 2020-21.

5. Biological and biomedical sciences: Bachelor’s degrees awarded in biological and biomedical sciences increased by 46 percent between the 2010-11 and 2020-21 school years.

6. Psychology: NCES data indicates degrees in psychology accounted for 6 percent of all bachelor’s degrees awarded in 202021. Choice of major is a significant decision for college students. Students are urged to discuss potential majors with their parents as they seek to lay the foundation for their professional futures.

1. Business: Almost one in five bachelor’s degrees awarded in 2020-

4. Engineering: Demand for engineers is expected to rise in the coming decades, and that should bode well for the 126,000 students who earned bachelor’s degrees in

FRONT ROW LEFT TO RIGHT:

Jack Gilbert, John Michael Williams, Andrew Lundy, Gavin Cole Avery, Philip Gann, Dylan Murray, Avery Clark, and Gabriel Kotynski

BACK ROW LEFT TO RIGHT

Rebecca Rowell, Natali Butcher, Daisy Jean Reece, Rachel Robertson, Abbey Mallonee, Madalyn Patrick, Sage Gourley,

Maryah Sage Gray, and Carlie Foulks

Paisley Barnett, Nathaniel Cox, Kara Diaz, Elijah James Dunn, Katy Higgins, Abrielle Grace Huffman, Ean Kieffer, Sara McCoy, Kristin Mulhollen, Alyssa Parker and Olivia Pugh

Metro Creative Connection

The NCES reports that the following are the six most popular degrees from that academic year.

FRONT ROW LEFT TO RIGHT: Jay Meyers, William Houser, Ella Ballast

BACK ROW LEFT TO RIGHT Olivia Nanney, Carlie Shipley, Jared Reaves

6 tips for planning a GRADUATION PARTY

Graduation season is a festive time of year. Each year, graduating students close a notable chapter in their lives. But as one chapter closes, another opens.

Many families commemorate graduation with a celebration. Planning a graduation party requires some work, but the efforts can be well worth it in the end. Here are six tips for planning a graduation party.

1. Start early with planning

Graduation season is a busy time of year. Many notable events take place in spring. In addition to graduation, Mother’s Day, weddings, communions, make up many people’s spring social schedule. Each of these special events will be competing in a relatively small window of time for the same vendors and services in various communities. Set a date for the graduation party as soon as possible so that all other components of planning can fall into line. Also, it would be wise to send out invitations well in advance so guests can plan ahead and make it to the festivities.

2. Set a budget

Graduation season can stretch families’ budgets. Graduation caps and gowns, travel, gifts, and special occasion attire will need to be to purchased. It is important to budget accordingly if you plan to throw a party. Budget will dictate whether yours is a large affair or something more intimate. Realistically assess what you can afford before you make any promises.

3. Plan easy food options

Food is not the focal point of a graduation party like it is during a

have more leeway with the menu when planning a graduation party. Choose finger foods and others that can be grabbed and eaten on the go, as people will want to mingle and have time to congratulate the graduate.

4. Choose the right venue

Budget may dictate the type of venue. Having a graduation party at home can work, provided you have the space. If your graduate has requested a theme, then the party location can align with that theme. For example, a luau theme may work best around a pool or at the beach. If you will be hiring entertainment, make sure there is enough space and electrical hookups for equipment as well. Give neighbors a heads-up if you’ll be hosting at home.

Various graduation parties may be going on at the same time, particularly on weekends. Consider an open time frame for guests to drop by and then leave when they desire. This makes it easy for the graduate’s friends to stop by when they can, rather than having a fixed schedule for the party.

6. Personalize decorations

Set the party apart with some personalized decorations that fit the theme. This can include using

school colors, photography, the graduate’s name, or specific quotes or interests of the graduate on banners and more. Personalized decorations also mean that the grad can save something to serve as a memento of this exciting time in his or her life.

Graduation season is on the horizon, and it’s best to start thinking about parties as soon as possible.

How to determine if graduate school is the right next step AFTER GRADUATION

Millions of students will walk across a stage at graduation ceremonies and receive their bachelor’s degrees this spring. That feeling can be unlike any other, marking the culmination of years of hard work and schooling that began nearly 20 years earlier. Though many students look forward to entering the workforce upon receiving their bachelor’s degrees, some ponder if graduate school should be their next step.

A 2021 report from the American Council on Education revealed that more than 1.7 million students were enrolled in graduate education in Fall 2020 at institutions that participated in a survey conducted for the report. A decision regarding graduate school is seldom easy. In addition to the academic rigors of graduate school, tuition is costly. Cost is no small consideration, as the ACE survey found that 43 percent of grad students in Fall 2020 were part-time. Part-time students are typically ineligible for financial aid, which means students will have to pay out-of-pocket or apply for loans to finance their schooling

(Note: Lenders may restrict student loans to full-time students.) Paying out of pocket is a significant commitment, as the Education Data Initiative indicates the average cost of a Master’s degree in Business Administration in 2022 was just under $62,000.

Much is at stake as graduates ponder whether or not graduate school is the right next step for them. The following are some factors students can consider as they try to make this decision.

• Professional need: Certain professions require more than a bachelor’s degree to gain employment. For example, a

Tstudent who aspires to teach at a college or university will likely need more than a bachelor’s degree. Adjunct professors, who are part-time faculty members hired on a contractual basis, typically need a master’s degree (though a bachelor’s degree and professional experience is sufficient for some positions). A doctoral degree is often a requirement to become a full-time tenure-track professor. When considering grad school, prospective applicants should determine if an advanced degree is a requirement to work in their desired field. If so, the decision is essentially made for them. If not, applicants must decide if the cost and rigorous workload is worth it.

• Candidacy: Another consideration is each individual’s candidacy. Students considering grad school should realistically

assess their academic performance as an undergrad. Was the performance strong enough to gain entry into a top-tier graduate program? This is an important consideration, as top-tier programs typically have much higher endowments, which means they can more effectively help students offset grad school costs through grants and other types of financial aid. Students can still gain a lot from grad school if their undergrad performance wasn’t enough to earn financial aid for postgraduate work. But in such instances, students may need to finance the degrees on their own.

• Earning potential: Earning potential also merits consideration. As noted, some professions require postgraduate degrees. But many do not. However, that does not mean students have little to

gain from earning an advanced degree in a field where no such degree is required. For example, a recent analysis from the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that the average starting salary for individuals with a master’s in Finance was 15 percent higher than the average starting salary for individuals with just a bachelor’s degree. The same survey found that a master’s in Computer Science translated to a 32 percent higher starting salary than a bachelor’s. In such instances, a master’s could be well worth the investment.

Recent college graduates can consider a host of variables as they try to decide if graduate school is the right next step after receiving their degrees

How to land a job AFTER GRADUATION

he road to graduation can be long and winding. Graduation often is an exciting time in a person’s life. However, it also may spark some anxiety as newly minted grads prepare to look for jobs and begin their careers.

An unpredictable economic climate coupled with the rising cost of education can make soon-to-be graduates curious about what awaits them after graduation. According to the market data reporting firm Gitnux, 86 percent of college graduates can expect to find jobs within six months of graduation.

While the economy can affect how quickly new grads begin their careers, it’s not the only variable that affects where grads go after tossing

their caps in the air. Students on the cusp of graduation can employ various strategies to increase their chances of finding a job.

• Start while in school. It’s never too early to think about the hiring process and what can be done to improve your profile as a candidate. Maintain a grade point average that will impress employers, suggests Indeed. Also, part-time jobs and internships in your field will help you gain valuable experience and determine if working in a particular field is a good fit.

• Select an off-peak time to search for a job. Many people start searching and applying for jobs at the same time, typically after graduation ceremonies in December

and May. That floods the market with applicants. Increase the chances your résumé is read by staggering when you apply for jobs and sending out inquiries before you graduate.

• Streamline your résumé. Many companies receive thousands of applications per position, so it is essential to cater your résumé to the specific job to which you are applying. Include key words that match those in the job listing and will attract the attention of hiring managers. If you do not yet have experience, replace that section on the résumé with your accomplishments or special projects you have worked on.

• Network as much as possible. Many job openings are

learned about through personal relationships. Employers may not advertise widely and hope that word of mouth will bring applicants to their doors, or through recommendations from other employees. Reach out to academic advisors, former professors and colleagues in your academic department. Be sure to maintain these networking relationships.

• Consider growth-stage companies. The University of Missouri Career Center says growthstage companies tend to hire entry level professionals who do not necessarily have a lot of experience. These are fast-growing companies looking to expand their operations and build company culture.

Much is at stake as graduates ponder whether or not graduate school is the right next step for them.