CLASS OF 2025 CONGRATULATIONS
GRAD
Corbin B’Hymer
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Brett and Karen B’Hymer
There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind. Go do great things!
Camryn Rose Spafford
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
David and Bry Spafford
Way to go Cowgirl! We are so excited for you! Love Always! Mom, Dad, Jaclyn & family
Landon Wohletz
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Tony and Sara Wohletz
We are so proud of you and excited for your future!
Love, Mom, Dad, Sage, Trustyn
Isaiah Cornejo
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Grace Figueroa and Luis Cornejo
We are all very proud of you, and your achievements. Reach for the stars. With love to tiá Coqzi.
Allison Brenleigh
Curtis
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Tyler and Melanie Curtis
We are so proud of you and look forward to what’s next.
Love, mom, dad, Caroline
Heily Batres
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Nydia Duarte & Jose Batres
You’re such a role model, you make us all so proud!
Love, your cool crew
Will Samuels
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Josh and Whitney Thuma
We are so proud of you and excited for the next chapter!
Love, Mom, JT, Kate and Ellie
Tayten Ervin
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Michael Ervin and Mandy Rice
Proud of the person you are.
Koby J. Le
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Jim and Juany Le
Congratulations Koby! Mom, Dad, Mantha & Kai are so proud of you! We love you!
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Jamie and Laci Rusco
We are so proud of you, Bubba!
Love, Mom, Dad, Molly, Myah, Kyle and Finn
Pedro Padierna
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Pedro and Darla Padierna
Congratulations!
We are so proud of you! Love, Mom & Dad, Gabriela, Salena and Boys!
Andrew Ruxton
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
David and Amanda Ruxton
We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see you soar!
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Frankie and Megan Ruiz
You go Girl! We are proud of you!
Kaylee Sonnakolb
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Mary and Jason Sonnakolb
Congratulations Kaylee! We are so proud of you! Love, Mom, Dad, Nana, Papa, CeCe, and Alex
Jarod Johnson
EMPORIA HIGH SCHOOL
Reese and Bre Johnson
We are so proud of you and know you will do great at FHTC!
Max Rusco
Maia Ruiz
CHASE COUNTY CLASS OF 2025
Congratulations 2025 Graduates! Good Luck and Best Wishes!
Gwendolyn Runde (620) 273-6311
201 Cherry St, Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845 bbafh@hotmail.com • www.brown-bennett-alexander.com
Avery Beyer
Luke Budke
Reece Budke
Emma Clements
Clayton Dold
Landon Doty
Lydia Filinger Kadence Gerber
Kinslea Glanville
Connor Jahnke
Noah Kamholz
Colton Kewley
WHAT PARENTS CAN DO TO SAVE MORE FOR COLLEGE
Raising a child is no small task. Though it’s no surprise that parenting requires a substantial investment of time and energy, the financial cost of raising a child might raise more than a few eyebrows. According to the SmartAssetTM 2024 Study, the median annual cost to raise a child in the United States in 2024 is $22,850, and that figure is considerably higher in many states.
Commitment and discipline are vital to getting across the financial finish line when raising a child, and that includes finding a way to finance a college education. Data from the College Board, a nonprofit that studies trends in the cost of a college education, indicates the cost of tuition and fees varies widely depending on the type of institution. Tuition and fees at an in-state four-year public school cost a little more than $11,000 during the 2023-24 school year, while it was nearly four times as much ($41,540) at a private nonprofit four-year institution.
Financing a child’s college education can seem like a daunting task. However, an array of strategies can help parents save more for
college.
· Take advantage of a 529 plan. A 529 education savings plan is an increasingly popular way to save for college. The Education Savings Programs at Bank of America reports that 529 plan assets increased from $88.5 billion in 2008 to more than $446 billion in 2023. A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged investment program administered by a state. When funds withdrawn from the plan are used for qualified expenses, such as tuition costs, then the earnings are free from federal income tax obligations. There are distinctions between 529 prepaid tuition programs and 529 savings programs, so parents are urged to discuss those differences with a financial advisor so they can choose the best plan for their situation.
· Redirect extra income to a college savings plan. Parents may have “extra” sources of income that can be used to fund college savings. Annual bonuses, money distributed through state-sponsored property tax relief programs and even money freed up when kids graduate from daycare and into elementary
school can be redirected into college savings plans. Redirected daycare expenses may be particularly savvy, as parents know the cost of daycare is considerable. In fact, a recent report from Child Care Aware of America indicated the cost to place two children in child care exceeded annual typical mortgage payments in 45 states. Once kids are out of daycare, parents can redirect some or all the money they had been spending on child care into college savings plans.
· Don’t go it alone. A 2023 survey from the College Savings Foundation found that 45 percent of parents would request that family and friends contribute to a child’s 529 plan in lieu of the
standard gifts given to children for their birthday, special events like graduation or during the holiday season. This practical yet less traditional approach can pad college savings plans by a considerable amount over the years, and close relatives might be more than happy to help parents fund a better education for their youngsters.
College is a costly investment, but parents can look to a handful of strategies to help defray tuition costs.
Graduation Information:
Sunday, May 18, 2 p.m. in the high school gym
Tyler McCorgary
Tyson McCorgary
Mateus Mitchell
Tate Morgan
Carys Price
Christopher Rangel
Daysha Schickel
Carson Schroer
Masen Scott
Chaz Smith
Andrew Tacy
Lexi Taylor
Piper Vogel
Grandparents: Doyle and Julie
We are so proud of you and excited for your future at K-State!
Gracie Lynn Smith
Milio Anderson
Devin Baker
William Beadles
Jordan Beeman
Hana Cole
Kane Crisp
Sean Dengler
Hadley Garriott
Addy Gillund
Garret Hammond
Jace Hinkle
Dexton Hoelting
Bridget Judd
Jesse Kuhlmann
Jaden Nuessen
Lindsey Nuessen
Finn Pimpl
Lucas Shepherd
Ashlyn Tollefson
Kale Weakley
Addison Wigton
Alyssa Ziglar
As you cross this important milestone, know how proud we are of your growth, your grit, and your grace. You’ve left your mark on our school, and now it’s time to leave your mark on the world. Dream big, stay kind, and never forget where you came from—once an Eagle, always an Eagle!
Julianna Schmid
Keilee Finnerty
HARTFORD
MJ
The
Gene
We
HARTFORD
Grandparents:
Congratulations
We
Tobye Rae Sull
HARTFORD
Chris
Congratulations to the graduating seniors!
Graduation marks a new chapter in your life and a time to celebrate and remember achievements, growth, and new beginnings. Embrace this opportunity! Be proud of what you have accomplished but don’t stop pressing forward to achieve more. Chase your goals and shape your future. Wishing all of our graduating Jaguars success!
Mr. Whitson
Samuel Blankley
Tysin Bulson
Tobye Sull
Trinity Windle
Keilee Finnerty
Cody Cleveland
Did you know?
The number of bachelor’s degrees awarded by colleges and universities has in- creased considerably in the twen- ty-first century. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, roughly 1.238 million bachelor’s degrees were awarded by colleges and universities in 2000. By 2021, that figure had nearly doubled, reaching 2.066 million. The number of students who earned associate’s and master’s degrees also grew by considerable margins between 2000 and 2021, with each nearly doubling. Doctorate and professional degrees remained a little more steady, though the number of students who earned each increased from just under 119 million in 2000 to 194.1 million in 2021.
Kayleigh Olson
Bo Peters
Levi Dunn
Nolin Trester
Emma Westhoff
Avery House
Lilah Wilkinson
Oliver Smith
Chiara Garcia
Lexi
Giesken-Mears
Payton Roelker
Konnor Knecht
Congratulations to the Graduates of Flint Hills Technical College
TO THE CLASS OF 2025 AT FLINT
HILLS TECHNICAL COLLEGE:
On behalf of our community, I extend my congratulations on your graduation from Flint Hills Technical College. This milestone represents not only the completion of your academic program but also the beginning of new opportunities for you and your family. Your journey has not been without challenges. You have persevered through chaotic schedules, demanding projects, and the balance of personal responsibilities alongside your education. Each of you brings unique talents and perspectives that will enrich our workforce and community.
What sets FHTC graduates apart is the exceptional experiential education you’ve received. Whether you’re entering healthcare, joining the technical workforce, or bringing your cre -
ativity into play – you possess specialized skills that employers actively seek. In today’s evolving economy, your knowledge positions you at the forefront of innovation. FHTC’s commitment to real-world application means you haven’t just learned theory –you’ve practiced your craft under the guidance of industry professionals. This approach gives you a significant advantage as you enter the workforce with skills that can be applied from day one on the job.
The technical skills and knowledge you’ve gained at FHTC have prepared you for success in high-demand fields that are vital to our region’s economy. As you enter the workforce, pursue further education, or embark on entrepreneurial ventures, remember that your FHTC education has given you a solid foundation upon which to build.
Our community takes great pride in your accomplishments.
Your success strengthens Emporia and the surrounding areas, as many of you will share your expertise with businesses and organizations throughout the Flint Hills region. The diversity of
FHTC’s programs ensures that leaders like you will fill critical roles across numerous professional sectors of our economy— business, education, healthcare, manufacturing, and nonprofit are a few examples. The world needs your skills, your innovation, and your dedication now
more than ever. Employers report FHTC graduates bring practical knowledge and professional work habits that make them valuable team members from the start. Your education has prepared you for a lifetime of career advancement. As you step into your future, carry with you the excellence that FHTC instilled and the determination that brought you to this day of celebration. Your technical education is both an achievement and an ongoing commitment to growth in your chosen field. We look forward to witnessing all you will achieve in the years to come, and we’re confident that the specialized education you received at FHTC will continue to open doors throughout your professional journey. Congratulations, graduates! With pride and best wishes,
DR. CARON DAUGHERTY FHTC PRESIDENT
Congratulations, Class of 2025!
Graduation season is on the horizon. This time of year is often a frenetic time for students and their families, with the promise of celebrations to come. Graduation is preceded by prom for high schoolers, and for those bidding farewell to the hallowed halls of higher education, it may mean last-minute interviews and pre-commencement résumébuilding. This whirlwind of activity culminates in a degree or diploma to wrap up years spent in the classroom.
Graduates have many things to look forward to this time of year, not the least of which are gifts from close friends and family. Those tasked with coming up with graduation gifts can take
UNIQUE GRADUATION GIFTS
inspiration from these ideas that break the mold.
✦ Retirement account funds:
Helping a new graduate get started is a popular sentiment among gift givers, but it’s also possible to give grads a leg up on the future. Helping them to fund an individual retirement account can be a thoughtful gift. Keep in mind that parameters for IRAs differ between a traditional and a Roth IRA, and it is best to speak with a financial advisor to determine the best fit. Starting a retirement account early on can provide solid footing for financial security later in life.
✦ Quality luggage: A good set of luggage can often last a person a lifetime if properly cared for. Whether the grad is taking a much-needed trip after graduation or will be traveling for his or her career, the luggage will serve well.
✦ Student loan interest payment: Many students must rely on federal or private loans to offset the costs of attending college or even trade schools. Although a loved one may not be able to pay off the loans in their entirety, a good gift can be to make payments toward the interest on the loans so that the bill is reduced come graduation.
✦ Roadside assistance service: The road may take graduates
near and far. A membership to a roadside assistance service can be a practical gift that ensures grads get from point A to point B with fewer hiccups. These services offer towing, tire changing, gas delivery, and more. Plus, they often come with additional perks, such as discounts on travel services and lodging.
✦ Professional course or tickets to a conference: Help support a graduate’s career growth and professional development with a subscription to a course, a book about their industry or tickets to a relevant conference or trade show.
✦ Travel: Grads can be treated to the gift of travel. An overseas
adventure or an epic road trip across the country may be the perfect way to unwind after years of schooling.
Graduates are entering an exciting time in their lives when anything is possible. Gift givers can think outside the box when shopping for their favorite cap-andgown-donning loved ones.
