Celebrating Seniors 2024 area grads

2024 Class of Celebrating

EMPORIA • OLPE • NORTHERN HEIGHTS • HARTFORD • MADISON • CHASE COUNTY • LEBO • FHTC • ESU

FLINT HILLS LEARNING CENTER 2024 GRADUATES*

Alize A Alanis

Jesus Alonso

Alondra Aranda Palencia

Axcell Arauz

Daisy C Barrientos

Jose Bedolla

Christopher Allen Behnke

Michael Asher Benjamin

Humberto Cadena Sr.

Shelia Joselyn Castillo

Marcos G Castro

Donnie Alex Cates

Victoria Rena Criqui

Casey James Derflinger

Braxton Lane Eckman

Ashley Marie Edwards

Landyn Jess Fry

Zulay Fuenmayor

Alejandra Garzon Hoyos

Martha Gonzalez

Jodi L Goza

Dayjah E Graddick

Enrique Ismael Guzman

Akira N Hall

Isabella Jolene Hanson

Yeraldin Hernandez Mendez

Edwin Hernandez Nolasco

Pedro Infante Jr.

Naheed X Javid

Isaiah Anthony Kauffman

Steven Landaverde

Kaylee Jenna Lane

Jason Alexander Lang

Terrence Anthony Langley

Carlos Manuel Lemus

Adela Lemus

Anthony Lopez

Jessica N Magathan

Edwin Alexander Martinez

Tiana L Martinez

Jayden Lee Masters

Brian Lee Myers

Steven Nunez

Mariana Olivera

Manny Once Nancy Orozco

Izabel Leigh Partridge

Jamilet Estrella Posada

Elizabeth Ramirez

Irma C Ramos-Lascano

Tonya Rangel

Noe G Rios Perez

Juan F Rodriguez

Abril E Ruiz Campos

Jose Jesus Santana

Destiny Dawn Smith

Itzel Sotelo

Evien M Stewart

Danna Toledo

Lydia Irene

Vanderzanden

Makayla N Villanueva

Maria Laura Vivas

Chaniece Marshae Wamser

Adriana Isabel Yanez

Jonathan Zelaya

*list is correct as of 04/26/2024, list is subject to change before actual graduation date.

Congratulations to the senior class of Emporia High School!

Your hard work, dedication, and resilience have brought you to this momentous achievement. As you step into the next chapter of your lives, may you continue to inspire and achieve greatness! GO SPARTANS!

Bailey Darbyshire

KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

Kevin and Emily Darbyshire Congratulations Bailey! We are so proud of you! Love, Dad, Mom, Regan and Dalen

Dave and Ginger Redeker

We are so proud of you!! Love Dad, Mom, Morgan, Peyton, Baylor, Logan, Alex and Cade

May 4, in Salina, and May 10-11, 2024, in Manhattan.

9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 11, 2024. White Auditorium, 111 E. Sixth Ave.

Dathan Fischer Emporia High School Principal

EMPORIA HIGH 2024 GRADUATES*

Amberly Rosalia Acuna

Ximena Denae Aldama

Yasmin Aleman

Maikaila Nicole AllamanWesley

Alexander Quinn Allemang

Edwin Ambriz

Kaylee Ambriz Alvarado

Erik Ambriz Reyes

Melanie Ambriz Vitela

Cassie Kay Anderson

Ellie Brielle Anderson

Ian Anderson

Shane M. Anderson

Andres A. Aranda

Fernanda C. Arreola

Mohammad Meheraj Bin Arif

Braden M. Ary

Melissa Diane Avila

Emely Y. Ayala

Aleena J. Bair

Teegan Shae Baker

Chloe Lynn Barb

Brianna Lee Barrett

Gabriel Barrett

Madison LeAnn Baysinger

Emeil G. Bennett

Owen M. Bernal

Landon D. Bird

Rhiana Ella Birk

Seoul Orchid Elizabeth Bishoff

Skyler Will Bradford

Hunter T. Brand

Bryce Edward Brown

Sixto Bustos Jr.

Brian Caballero

Karen Melissa Cabrera

Joscelyn Alexa Calderon

Alex Orlando Calderon

Hector Emiliano Carrillo

Sam E. Carrillo

Darian Alexandrea Chadwick

Sara Elizabeth Chapman

Christian D. Chávez

Phillip Leroy Cherry

Hunter E. Clark

Isaiah A. Clark

Ramsey L. Clark

Wyatt Clark

Aracely Coral Cofradias

Callum Donavin Conway

Laney Rose Cooper

Kimberly Anahi CoradoHernandez

Braxton J. Criger

Caleigh Grace Crowell

Rosie Marie Crump

Landon D. Crumpacker

Carlos Eduardo Cruz

Antonio Miguel Cruz-Mercer

Emely Xiomara Cubias

Taylor K. Cunningham Owen Dall

Nicole Katherine Dalton

Karla Valeria De La Fuente Barrientos

Natalie Cassandra Denton

Lexsey Rae DeWitt

Ayden Diaz

Kai Olivia Dicke

Amelia Jo Dold

Kendell J. Douglas

Caleb Enabnit

Angel Omar Escalante

Jacqueline Escobar

Adrian Estrada

Aiden L. Ewing

Ava Grace Faulkner

Ella Madison Fessler

Jose A. Flores

AshLynn Ranai Foraker

Lily Lynn Foster

Khaaliya Maria Freire

Isabella Rayne Garcia

Miguel A. Garcia

Bonnie Gabriela Gardner

Lane Christopher Gardner

Nelly Marcela Gomez Cardenas

Jocelyn Gonzalez

Chloe M. Gorton

Dessa M. Graddick

Avery E. Grimwood

Mia Ann Grover

Jasmine Skye Grundleger

Xavier Dario Guevara

Brylea Ann Guion

Logan Eric Gurley

Addison Taylor Gutierrez

Tagen A. Hale

Dawson C. Halfmann

Dakoda Dee Hall

Nicole Ann Hallacy

Finley Sage Harjo

Avery Elizabeth Hart

Ian B. Hase

Marianna Jashai Hawkins

Lily M. Heinen

Nolan W. Heitman

Kyla R. Herfkens

Izelt Monzerat Hernandez

Jonathan Josue Hernandéz

Kaily Sarai Hernandez

Noemi Elizabeth Hernandez

Yurixi Hernandez Vitela

Tucker R. Hill

Alexandria M. Hosch

Jeremiah Levi Huber

Brody Keagen Hudson

Keyara T. Hysom

Tevyn Lau Inthavongsa

Grace E. Isch

Thailyn D. Iverson-Caldwell

James Christopher Jacobs

Zygmunt K. Jarczyk

Jayden B. Johnson

Scott Thomas Jones

Martin Juárez

Adam Paul Kamprath

Katina S. Keosybounheuang

Zander Keosybounheuang

Abigail Kristine Kessinger

Konner L. Khamphouy

Kellen Dean Kimberlin

Addison Kathleen Kirmer

Brady Alexander Kurtenbach

Kathryn Sophia Lackey

Ethan Myles Lawrence

Shazeidi Zaray Leal

Emma Renee Lee

Andres Lemus

Karen Jasmine Lemus

Ruby C. Lemus

Christopher A. Lemus

Mezquita

Layla M. Lerch-Davila

Jacob Isaac Leyva

Jada-mai F. Longfellow

Alejandro Lopez

Jonathan Lopez

Grace Annette Loveall

Drake W. Lutes

Natasha E. Lutes

Tyler R. Luthi

Edwin Ruben Maciel

America Y. Magaña

Caleb Wallace Maley

Hayden Marie Mann

Kyler Patrick Marcotte

Alondra Marin

Addison Lynn Marshall

Juliana Evany Martinez

Quianna Martinez

Yovanni Martinez

Trinity L. Mason

Danielle G. McClellan

Maedeen McClure

Willow A. McGuire

Lynique Yariann McHellon

Keighley P. McKnab

Mya Grace Meinke

Irvin Mejia

Valeria Valentina Menanteau

Linley G. Mendenhall

Kevin Gael Mendez

Daniel Raymond Mendoza

Faith Mendoza

Brooks R. Mertens

Christine Miller

Paige Avery Miller

Nahiely Esperanza Miranda

Tanner Kirwin Mischke

Devin Leigh Mohling

Cayden M. Moore

Lindsay Morales

Fabian A. Moreno

Alexander Robert Mosiman

Sebastián Mostacero-Lopez

Edward J. Moyer

Marley Rose Mullen

Virginia L. Munoz

Ian C. Navarro

Riley Michael Neff

Erica Negrete Cervantes

Thanh T. Bui Nguyen

Kager W. Ochs

Nathalie Monike Ortiz Espinoza

Conny Jassmin Osorio

Mariette Belen Palma

Marco A. Pardo

Tyler J. Parker

Cale J.L. Parks

Kimberly Ryan Peak

Zayda Rees Pearson

Jorge Esqueda Pena

Johanna D. Perez

Daryna M. Pernatiy

William Spencer Pike

Broden M. Podrebarac

Aki A. Poersch

Abel Posada

Jesus Daniel Posada

Monique Love Prosper

Ashton Gene Ralston

Vanessa Saraí Ramos

Cooper Wade Rech

Yuliana Renteria

Iris Aileen Rentería Rivera

Alexander J. Reyes

Finneas A. Reynolds

Ridley C. Richardson

Ashley Rios

Enrique A. Rios

Selena May Roby

Madilynn D. Rodriguez

Oscar Rodriguez

Sage M. Rodriguez

Mia Rodriguez Esparza

Vincent James Armand Romano

Osmar Daniel Rubio-Guzman

Jovany Ruiz

Zachary K. Russell

Lacey Mae Rust

Sofia Angelica Ruvalcaba

Esteban Antonio Saldana

Estephani Saldaña Gutierrez

Fabian Salgado Jr.

Journey Leaosha Sanders

Cesar A. Santillan-Ortega

Jason Michael Schmitt Jr.

Brian J. Schumann

TreMayne Tyrell Scott

Calvin Edward Seeley

Micah Gabrielle Sheffy-Harris

Makayla Danae Sherman

*list is correct as of 04/23/2024, list is subject to change before actual graduation date.

Noah W. Shinn

Alexa Jade Shivley

Caleb Lucas Shull

Mikinzi Diane Simmons

Jacob R. Simons

Josu Ezekiel Smith

Maya E. Smith

Rory F. Smith

Katie Solis

Brian Emmanuel Sotelo

Blake Joseph Spellman

Delane Scout Stair

Lily Anne Stephenson

Keegan Levi Stewart

Sheldon M. Stewart

Talihah M. Tabares

Esperanza Marivel Tabares

Marceleno

Eryn E. Templeton

Jamie Lea Thompson

Margarita Trinidad Tierrablanca

Eduardo Torres

Mia N. Trujillo

Tanisha Trujillo Gomez

Arabella Pearl Turner

Hunter L. Turpin

Vianet Alexandria Umana

Megan Lee Urrutia

Alondra Yessenia Valencia

Jacqueline Vargas Coria

Jonathan Joni Vazquez

Kailey Joseline Vazquez

Jose A. Ventura

Aaron Javier Villegas

Brandon R. Walburn

Talia E. Welch

Drew Hunter Wells

McKinsey West

Clara Jane Williams

Danika E. Williams

Kamorah R. Williams

Lauren Grace Williams

Taygen C. Wilson

Kyler R. Worrel

Tristin Loomis Wright

Jilbert Zamora

Damia Rikki Zapata

Ahmad Zeeshaan

Aryona Monique Zimmerman

Caleigh Crowell

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Amanda Pock and Dustin Crowell

Congrats on graduating with honors! Your future is so bright. We are proud of you!

Grace Elizabeth Isch

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Kevin and Sara Isch

We are so proud of you and excited for your future! Love, Mom, Dad, Adam, Garrett

Damia Zapata

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Damian and Carolyn Hollins, Damien Zapata

You are blessed beyond measure and destined for greatness.

Love you always.

Jacob Simons

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Jami Reever and Kim Simons

Congratulations, Jacob!

We can’t wait to see you succeed at KU!

Love Mom, Dad and Ben

Kyler P Marcotte

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Ryan and Roxy Marcotte

It’s been an amazing journey Ky!

Looking forward to the next chapter! Love, Mom and Dad

Keyara Hysom

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL Congrats! You did it!!

Love, Papa, Grandma and everyone!

Jayden Johnson

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Reese and Bre Johnson

Congrats Jayden!

We are so proud of you. Good Luck at KU!

Love Mom, Dad and Jared

Scott Jones

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Congrats Scotty!

We are proud of you! Good luck on your next adventure. Love Dad, Amie, Garrett and Skyler.

Alex Allemang

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Clark and Shanan Allemang Good Luck at ESU!

We love you! Mom, Dad, Aidan, and Bear. #Kicker

Braxton Criger

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL AND FLINT

HILLS TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Russ and Alicia Criger

We are so proud of you son!

Awesome job!

Ian Navarro

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Chris and Amber Navarro

Congratulations Ian!

This is just the beginning of many more milestones!

We are PROUD OF YOU!

Lily Anne Stephenson

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Rose Charboneau

I am so proud of you!

Love you to the moon and back!

EMPORIA HIGH AND FLINT HILLS

TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Jason and Richelle Birk

“Our sweet baby girl, we are so proud of you! Good Luck at Bellus Academy in Manhattan.

Love Daddy & Mommy”

Seoul Bishoff

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Erica and Tony Tabares

We’re so proud of the sweet, creative, unique woman you are! Love always, mom and Tony

Blake Spellman

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Lenny Spellman and Angela Wilson

Congrats Buddy!

We Love you! Dad and Mom

Rhiana Ella Birk

Trinity Mason

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Shana Meade and Stevie Mason

We are so proud of you!

Good luck at ESU!

Calvin Seeley

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Samuel and Leslie Seeley

Congrats, Calvin!

We are so proud of you!

Good luck at ESU!

Arabella Pearl Turner

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Matthew and Alaska Turner

You grow in beauty

and strength every day.

Can’t wait to see you fly!

Cooper Rech

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Chris and Shannon Rech

So proud of you.

Good luck at K-State.

Love Mom and Dad

Lexsey DeWitt

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Brian and Melanie DeWitt

Congrats Lex!

We are so proud of you!

Love - Dad, Mom and Kaylee

Lauren Williams

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Jennifer and Jason Williams

Congrats Lauren!

We are so proud of you.

Good luck at KU!

Love, Mom and Dad

Drake Lutes

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Jeff and Shelly Lutes

We are amazed by your achievements!

You will do amazing things!

Peace Love Boop!

Edward Moyer

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Kerry and Sarah Moyer

Congratulations Edward!

Good Luck at ESU!

Love Mom, Dad and Miles

Makayla Sherman

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

James and Ashley Sherman

Congrats Mak!

Good luck at KU!

Love always, Mom, Dad, Adelyn, Maverick and Nayeli

Tasha Lutes

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Jeff and Shelly Lutes

We are so proud for all you have accomplished.

Peace Love Boop!

Good luck at ESU!

Danika Williams

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Joel and Crystal Williams

Congrats Danika!

We are so proud of you!

We can’t wait to see what the future holds!

Ximena Denae Aldama

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Mercedes and Miguel Aldama

We are so proud of you.

Love, Mami, Papi and David

Zander Keosybounheuang

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

John and Sunnin Keosybounheuang

Make good choices.

Love you!

Teegan Baker

EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL

Jim and Kelly Baker

Congrats pretty girl! I know that you are gonna do great things. Love you so much, Mom, Dad and Allie

Class of 2024

Congratulations! Journey 1 of life is coming to a close. The staff at NHHS wishes you the best of luck in your future endeavors. Keep working to achieve and lead as you have throughout your educational career in USD 251. Remember to thank those that helped you through this journey and always remember once a Wildcat always a Wildcats. Congratulation Class of 2024! Mr. Watkins

Mr. Watkins

Northern Heights High School

Principal

Graduation Information:

Graduation will be Saturday, May 18, 7 p.m. in the gymnasium.

Lilly Parks

NORTHERN HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL

Brady and Kim Parks

Congrats Lilly, you are ready to take on the world.

Love, Mom, Dad, Jessica and Hank

Esperanza Nakita Arevalo

Diego Alanjandro Avendano

Jake Louis Ball

Sadie Ann Bathurst

Hannah Irene Cathcart

Nathanial Jay Ciero

Bethany Taylor DeDonder

Boston Voorhees

NORTHERN HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL

Dana Voorhees, Grandparents

Jerry and Beth Voorhees

We are so proud of you.

Always believe in yourself and know you can do anything.

Makenna Jean Delgado

Zachary Lee Easlon

Elizabeth Marie Galloway

BeAnna Grace Gasche

Joshua Cooper Hamlin

Nathan Charles Hansen

Savannah Angel-Marie Hopper

Aiden Voorhees

NORTHERN HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL

Dana Voorhees, Grandparents

Jerry and Beth Voorhees

We are so proud of you.

Aim for the stars and never look back.

Spencer Ryan Jenkins-Fox

Addison Lynnae Landgren

Molly Jean McGuire

Chloe Eloisa Navarro

Patrick Gage Niedfeldt

Lilly Lynelle Parks

Preston Aiden Patton

Rykin Jade Piper

Tyler James Robinson

NORTHERN HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL

Matt and Tonya Navarro

We’re proud of you for chasing your dreams! Go Shockers!

Love Dad, Mom, Gaige and Zane

Journey Leaosha Sanders

Riley Loraine Smith

Abigaile Nevaeh Sull

Aiden James Voorhees

Boston Lee Voorhees

Austin James Woodrow

Braxton Lee Young

Chloe Navarro

Sunday, May 12, 2 p.m. in the high school gym

Gwendolyn Runde (620) 273-6311

201 Cherry St, Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845

bbafh@hotmail.com • www.brown-bennett-alexander.com

Grace

Kinzie

Veronika

Micayla Simpson

Emiliano

GET SCHOOLED ON VOCATIONAL TRAINING

High school graduates or individuals looking to explore continuing education at any age have various options. Among the most popular options is enrolling in a college or university. Studying a trade in a vocational school is another popular option.

What are vocational schools?

Vocational schools are sometimes referred to as career or trade schools. Vocational schools tend to offer certificate programs that are much shorter in duration than traditional college degree programs, and train students for skilled jobs. Vocational programs prepare individuals for careers in electrical work, hairstyling and cosmetology, certified nursing aids, automotive work, and HVAC services, among others.

Cost of attendance

Cost of education is an important factor when choosing a career, and the cost of vocational school is no exception. The College Board says trade school costs between $5,000 and $15,000 on average for a three- to 18-month program. By comparison, the national average for a twoyear degree program at public and private colleges can range from $3,621 to $15,333 per year. The cost to attend a four-year college is considerably higher, though it varies widely by institution.

NerdWallet reports that, as of 2021, total student loan debt in the United States exceeded $1.61 trillion. Vocational school can be a much more affordable option than attending college, without the specter of large amounts of debt looming once the training is over.

An obvious job path

Many higher education concentrations are confronting low enrollment, while vocational programs are doing quite well, according to The Hechinger Report, which covers innovation and equality in education. The reason may be that vocational training presents a clear career path, and a more secure way to a solid job. Mechanic and repair trade programs had an enrollment increase of 11.5 percent from spring 2021 to 2022, indicates the National Student Clearinghouse.

“America is lending money it doesn’t have to kids who can’t pay it back to train them for jobs that no longer exist,” says Mike Rowe, television personality and founder of the Mike Rowe Works Foundation, which offers scholarship money to those who are pursuing the trades. Rowe feels that America has convinced

people that the best path for most people is an expensive education. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates there are more than seven million jobs available across the U.S. that do not require a four-year-degree.

Advantages to vocational schools

Trade school students

can look forward to some benefits.

✦ hands-on learning

✦ more rigid schedule

✦ efficient time usage

✦ faster class pace

✦ small class sizes

✦ ability for licensure, where needed

✦ lower costs of attendance compared to other types of schooling

✦ instructors who are experts in their fields

Vocational schools are an option for students right out of high school or those returning to school later in life. Such schools provide access to millions of rewarding and lucrative jobs that can offer financial security.

Josiah McKee

Colin Monihen

Newland

Rogers

Shull

Athena Soria

Karsen Vandegrift

Paisley Voboril

Luke Wells

ZunigaPeres

Ameila R. Bailey

Kyle Bartel

Brody L. Cole

Grace Coughlin

Faith A. Dedmon

Braydon L. Fowler

Aubryn S. Garriott

Grace Krueger

James Krueger

Kinzie A. Kurzen

Dalton C. Mayer

Isaac Miller

Cordon W. Olson

Rowdy T. Orear

Daisy Osborne

Ethan Redeker

Kadey A. Robert

Gracie A. Scheve

Thayne R. Schmidt

Rhilee Scott

Blake Skalsky

Jade Smith

Zoey. G. Vogts

Colten L. Wolf

To the Class of 2024

Thank You for your leadership, mentorship to younger students, and service to the Lebo Community. You are an impressive group of people and I cannot wait to watch each of you chase your passion! I am so proud of you!

Dr. Veatch

Lebo High School Principal

Jolee Baldridge

Hannah Carpenter

Ashton Ehrhardt

Keaira Ferguson

Gunner Graybeal

Kord Kiefer

Graduation

Information:

Sunday, May 12, 4 p.m. in the high school gym

Emma Marsh

Katherine Ott

Audrey Peek

Corey Reese Jr.

Dominic Risner

Grayson Shoemaker

Grant Williams

Ashton Ehrhardt

LEBO HIGH SCHOOL

Lindsay (Andrew) Birk and John (Bre) Ehrhardt

Congrats Ashton!!

Love you more! YaYa and PaPop (Marla and Frenchie Frye)

Madison High School Graduating Class of

Ms. Baird

Madison High School Principal

Graduation

Information:

The

emony

Ratcliff Propane LLC

Mya

Lucinda Celte

Jefferson Davies

Makenna Engle

Brooke Gaines

Austin Griffith

Hayden

Judith Luthi

Avery

Gannon Pyle

Landon Seimears

City of Madison

Lane Darbro MADISON HIGH SCHOOL

HARTFORD CLASS OF 2024

Madison Miller

HARTFORD HIGH SCHOOL

Fayline Blakely, Jesse Hosford, Mike and Carrie Leseberg Dream big, work hard, and anything is possible. Congratulations Madison! Kevin Goza HARTFORD HIGH SCHOOL

Graduation Information:

Saturday, May 18, 1 p.m. in the high school gym

Congratulations to the graduating seniors!

As you step into the next chapter of your lives, remember that the journey ahead is filled with new independence and possibilities. Embrace every opportunity, stay true to your passions, and continue to strive for greatness. We cannot wait to see what contributions you will make and the places you’ll go! Best wishes for a bright and successful future!

Sincerely,

Mr. Whitson and your Jaguar Family Hartford High School Principal

Macen Bulson Grayson Dailey Kevin Goza

Dalton Huffman Carley Jordan Kathryn Katra

Brooke McAvoy Madison Miller Nevaeh Pereira

GIFTS FOR NEW 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 significant accomplishment. As graduates prepare to trade in campus life for the professional arena, wellwishers 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 first 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.

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 benefit

from a little help furnishing their first 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 first time, so some cooking lessons with a local chef or instruction offered at a local 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.

APARTMENT

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. Parttime 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.

gree. 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.

aid for postgraduate work. But in such instances, students may need to finance the degrees on their own.

PROFESSIONAL NEED: Certain professions require more than a bachelor’s degree to gain employment. For example, a student who aspires to teach at a college or university will likely need more than a bachelor’s de -

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 pro -

grams 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

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.

MEDICAL SCHOOL APPLICATIONS ARE ON THE DECLINE

Medical school is never far from the minds of students who aspire to be doctors. The Princeton Review says that medical school takes four years to complete, after which individuals will also spend three to eight years in residency. When all is said and done, an individual who entered college at 18 may not become a doctor until he or she is 29, if not older.

In the United States, students can expect to spend an average of $364,536 to become a doctor, says White Coat Investor. Of that amount, $218,792 is for medical school and $145,744 is for an undergraduate degree. Students must devote a lot of time and money to become a doctor, and that commitment could be one

reason behind a recent decline in medical school applications. According to data released by the Association of Ameri -

can Medical Colleges, the 2023-2024 school year marked the second consecutive year medical schools saw a drop in

applicants. There were 52,577 applicants, which was a decline of 4 percent over the 2022-2023 year. This is in contrast to the 2021-2022 year, which was likely driven by people inspired to engage in careers in medicine during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, there were a record number of medical school applicants, with an 18 percent increase over the previous year.

Despite a decline in applications, first-year enrollments remain high and rose 1.2 percent compared to 2023, according to AAMC data. Schools also are seeing more ethnically diverse medical students. Medical Economics reports the number of first-year Hispanic medical students rose by 4.5 percent in 2023 and American Indian or

Alaska Native medical students rose by 14.7 percent. Women also accounted for more than half of applicants and first-year students.

Experts are unsure what is driving the decline in medical school applicants. However, David J. Skorton, president and CEO of the AAMC, said the medical community is seeing declines in applications for other health professions as well. The long hours, intense schooling, cost of tuition, and wear on mental health are some factors that might be causing students to reconsider medical school. Some schools are now redesigning programs to cater to medical students’ overall health and wellness on their journeys to becoming doctors.

HOW TO LAND A JOB AFTER GRADUATION

The 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-tobe 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 growth-stage 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.

✦ Utilize networking social media apps. Indeed and LinkedIn enable people to network and make it easy to apply for jobs directly through their sites or apps. There’s even the option to passively apply for jobs by having a résumé uploaded where companies can search and find you if your skills are a match.