Faribault Area Graduation 2025

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Jamie Adamek Parents: Jennifer and Nathan Adamek
William Anderson Parents: Jason and Dineen Anderson Future plans: Workforce
Emma Ardolf Parents: Lisa and Andrew Ardolf Future plans: Attending Southwest Minnesota State University
Barak Barner Parents: Brianne Banon and Jabari Barner
University of St. Thomas
Adyson Bauer Parents: Chris and Andrea Bauer Future plans: Ady will be attending Mankato St. University, majoring in Pre-Chiropractic.
Zayra Beltran Parents: None Listed Future plans: None Listed

Aaron

Hernandez

Parents: Luis Blancarte and Maria Hernandez

Future plans: Attending Boise State University

Dustin-Shane-Michael

Boyd

Parents: Micheal and Maryjane Boyd

Future plans: Diesel Mechanic

Wyatt DeGroot

Parents: Travis DeGroot and Becky DeGroot Future plans: Joining the workforce

CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES

Blancarte
Mara Cook Parents: Dana and Jake Cook Future plans: Attending Winona State University
Gabriella Boevers Parents: Samantha Schauer, Andrew Boevers Future plans: Attending Gustavus Adolphus to major in biology on the premed track.
Caitlyn Cortez Parents: Tracy & Jason Cortez Future plans: Attending Morningside University in Iowa for RN degree and bowling
Grace Brazil Parents: Keith and Jean Brazil Future plans: Attending the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota.
Safia Diriye Parents: Felis Delas Future plans: Continuing education
Benjamin Cap Parents: Rich & Cathy Cap Future plans: Continue my education, undecided where yet.
Victor Espinoza Cheley Parents: Esmeralda Espinoza Future plans: Attending the university of St. Thomas majoring in marketing
Carson Casteel Parents: Cliff and Heather Casteel Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato in the fall.
Breonna Ferris Parents: Matthew Ferris Future plans: Gap year/ Joining the workforce
Jillian Huberty
Morgan Klumb Parents: Paul & Cassy Klumb Future plans: Attending Concordia
Matthew Giefer Parents: Heather Giefer, Joe Giefer Future plans: Gap year/workforce
Grant Koch Parents: Bob Koch and Kristen Thiele Future plans: Attending the University of North Dakota for Commercial Aviation
Jersey Hausen Parents: Jamie Hausen Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato
Alivia Korbel Parents: Jennifer Korbel and Mark Korbel Future plans: Attending the University of Minnesota
Morgan Holven Parents: Adam & Amber Holven Future plans: Studying biology at the University of Minnesota Duluth
Carsen Kramer Parents: Keith and Amy Kramer Future plans: Attending the University of Northwestern St-Paul
Lydia Lueken
Sara Lueken
Jazmin Ramirez
Graciela Torres, Ricardo Ramirez
Alayna
Addison Thibodeau
Katie Anderson
Matt Thibodeau
Kelsie Vigesaa Parents: Tara Vigesaa Future plans: Attending Northern Michigan University
Evelyn White Parents: Christina & Jason White Future plans: Attending South Central College
Alison Warnemunde
Olivia White Parents: Carl White
Sam Weinberger Parents: Dan and Deb Weinberger Future plans: Attending Bemidji State University
Anna Yetzer Parents: Dave and Rachel Yetzer Future plans: Attending the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.
Madison Welborn Parents: Jay and Diana Welborn Future plans: Attending University of Minnesota Duluth
Lorelei Weston Parents: Katie Stone-Weston & Nathan Weston Future plans: Attending SCC to work on Associate’s degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Nicholas Archambault

Parents: Paul Archambault and Teasha Archambault

Future plans: Work for Archambault Brothers Disposal

Thomas Cate

Parents: Renee Cate Future plans: Attend St Olaf College

Mariana Hager

Parents: Jon and Selena Hager

Future plans: Attend a four year college and major in marketing/ business

FARIBAULT HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES NOT PICTURED:

Elsie Arnold Parents: Patrick and Susan Arnold Future plans: Attend Winona State University and study History

Declan Chappuis

Parents: Nate Chappuis and Amy Cowan-Chappuis Future plans: Grand Canyon University, major in Justice Studies with minor in Military Science ROTC

Kaylee Katra Parents: Jonah Warmington and Stacy Katra Future plans: Attend the University of Wisconsin - Madison to major in Political Science with a minor in English

Anne Azelton

Parents: Sean and Lyda Azelton Future plans: Attending Winona State University

Anna Cohen

Parents: Brad and Liz Cohen Future plans: Attend South Dakota State University and major in Nursing

Olivia Korpi-Glumack Parents: Lacie Nelson and Ben Hacker

Future plans: Attend Luther College IA to major in Elementary Education and play volleyball

Brooklyn Becker Parents: Kevin and Jennifer Becker Future plans: I will be attending Augustana University SD majoring in biology or biochemistry for a future in healthcare

Genevieve Donahue

Parents: Mick and Tammy Donahue

Future plans: Attend St Catherine University and major in nursing

Martin Parents: Douglas Martin and Heather Smith Future plans: Join the workforce

Parents: Vimal and Rekha Bhakta

Future plans: Attend South Central College

Ava Gersemehl

Parents: Matthew and Emily Gersemehl

Future plans: Attend Southwest Minnesota State University to major in psychology

Ethan
Laksh Bhakta
Zachary McCabe Parents: Timothy and Susan McCabe Future plans: Attend South Dakota School of Mines and Technology with a major in Geological Engineering
Noah Casper Parents: Joe and Melissa Casper Future plans: Attend Mankato State University to major in Nursing
Cole Goodwin Parents: Jason and Jenny Goodwin Future plans: Attend Mississippi State University MS to study finance
Taylor Moon Parents: Brian Moon and Lisa Moon Future plans: Attend the University of St Thomas

KENYON-WANAMINGO HIGH SCHOOL

Hudson Burman Parents: Shelly Burman Future plans: Farmer
Nathan Undeland Parents: Leah and Robert Kennedy Future plans: Take the welding course then the scuba course to work as an underwater welder
Vanessa Bartel Parents: Matt and Melisa Bartel Future plans: Go to RCTC for Radiography and play softball
Marissa Ellis Parents: Jessica & Mitchell Kusick Future plans: Go to Rochester Institute of Technology
Nevaeh Watson Parents: Sarah Thomas Future plans: Work at Target or work at MSAD
Gavin Blakstad Parents: Leif Blakstad and Katie Engel Future plans: Undecided
Austin Johnson Parents: Robin and Jenene Johnson Future plans: Go to Rochester Institute of Technology and majoring in Mechanical engineering
Ross Aldorfer Parents: Mike and Holly Aldorfer Future plans: Attend UW-La Crosse
Gunnar Blakstad Parents: Katie Orr Future plans: Becoming an electrician
Tyrell Johnson Parents: Therese and Andrew Johnson Future plans: Undecided
Wade Allen Parents: Jason and Carrie Allen Future plans: Become a plumber, make bank and retire by the age of 65
Jordan Blowers Parents: Jennifer Sweet, Nicholas Sweet, Tom Blowers Future plans: Attending Luther College and majoring in Education
Cheyenne Rasmussen Parents: Tim Rasmussen Future plans: Animal rescue worker
Chloe Ament Parents: Bailey and Jeffrey Ament Future plans: Go to school to become a dental hygienist
Hailee Bolton Parents: Melissa Bolton and Wade Nygaard Future plans: Going into psychology, college undecided
Dannika Rivera Parents: Jessica Morales Future plans: Go to Rochester Institute of Technology
Hayden Baka Parents: Becky Baka and Greg Baka Future plans: Truck driver
Kyle Brogger Parents: Neil and Cheryl Brogger Future plans: None Listed

Parents: Brett Carlson, Nicole Banks Future plans: Carpentry/multi-trade business

Parents: Gloria and Froilan Delgado Future plans: To graduate and go to college

Addison Donkers

Parents: Tony Donkers and Jackie Spartz Future plans: Move to Maryland and become a hairstylist

Dunlap Parents: Taralee and Pete Dunlap Future plans: Attending college to become an ultrasound technician

Haylie Budahn Parents: None Listed Future plans: None Listed
Princess Leeann Delgado-Arratia
Kole Carlson Parents: Christine & Dustin Sletten and Cody Carlson Future plans: None Listed
Thomas Carlson
Faithann
Isabella Chmelik Parents: Lisa Aase and John Chmeli Future plans: Finish degree and certificate through SCC and continue working with the DOT
Owen Edwards Parents: Rob and Sarah Edwards Future plans: Attend the Free Lutheran Bible College in Plymouth
Colten Clark Parents: James and Leighanne Clark Future plans: Make money
Max Erickson Parents: None Listed Future plans: None Listed
Owen Craig Parents: Nathan and Tonya Craig Future plans: Find a job and live life
Lydia Flotterud Parents: PJessica and Jeremiah Flotterud Future plans: Attend RCTC, Winona, and the doctor of nurse anesthesia practice program

Parents: Chrissy and Woodro Fuller

plans: To go into a union for

or some sort of construction

Chelsea Gomez Quino

Parents: Jose Carlos Gomez Aceves, Glenda Amarillis Quino Ramirez Future plans: Attend U of M Rochester to study in the nuclear medicine program

Peder Husbyn Parents: Brandon and Amy Future plans: Undecided

Mariah Grieger

Parents: Shawna, Scott Grieger Future plans: Get money

Jay Jacobson

Parents: Jason and Marybelle Jacobson

Future plans: Farm and start a family

Parents: Jamie and Joel Konop Future plans: I plan on going to college to be a veterinarian

Parents: Blake Hanson and Randi Romo

Future plans: Attend college for Sports Medicine

Parents: Cassandra Lenke, Brian Jensen Future plans: Work, build a house, have kids and a family

and Michelle Kriesler

plans: DCTC for civil engineering

and

Emma Johnson

Parents: Andrea and Ethan Johnson Future plans: Attend college in hopes to study sonography

Tianna Lair

Parents: Matthew & Kelsey Lair, Michelle Lopez Future plans: College to be an elementary school teacher

a state trooper

Richard Fuller
Future
HVAC
Gunner Kennedy Parents: Katie and Brad Kennedy Future plans: Attend the University of Dubuque for Aviation and Baseball
Jamie Hoffman Parents: Jennifer Lerfald Future plans: None Listed
Mark Louie Abejaron Limson
Parents: Loise Rose A. Gottas, Mark Jestoni C. Limson Future plans: Become a pediatric nurse
Charles Koncur Parents: Joe and Jasmine Koncur Future plans: Study in Psychology and business
Hannah Linaman Parents: Scott and Ashley Linaman Future plans: Nursing
Zachary Konop
Nick Livingston Parents: Jake and Maegan Livingston Future plans: Finish out my Military contract as a 31B, then college at Winona to be
Masyn Hanson
Devon Kreisler Parents: Kelly
Future
Tristen Jensen
Vincent Martinez Parents: Scott and Tracy Miner; Victor Martinez Sr. Future plans: Attend the University of Minnesota
Isaac Hedeen
Parents: Rob
Ria Hedeen Future plans: Go to school
Allina Mendoza Parents: Marina and Pedro Moreno Future plans: Attend North Central University and continue athletic career, majoring in Social Work
Tanner Hedeen Parents: Jason and Luci Hedeen Future plans: Become a plumber in the union
Amber Lerfald Parents: Heidi Hegseth and Jeremy and Jerilyn Lerfald Future plans: Undecided
Gunnar Lee Kalvig Parents: Darren Kalvig, Trina Kalvig Future plans: Trades
Jacob Messinger Parents: Nicole and William Future plans: Joining the Navy

Joe Mills

Parents: Greg and Angela Mills

Future plans:Undecided

Asher Moore

Parents: Ryan and Natasha Moore

Future plans: Go to college at Hamline, go to law school at Hamline, and become a corporate lawyer

Joslyn Peterson

Parents: Christina Peterson, Norman Peterson; Brandon Peterson, Peggy Burow

Future plans: Finish my last year of college and start my own business

Dustin Stanaitis

Parents: Andrea Oney, Tyler Oney, Dustin Stanaitis SR, Mick Stanaitis Future plans: None as of yet

Brady Wetzstein

Parents: Jason Wetzstein & Ladena Wetzstein Future plans: Dairy Farming

Carmen Nerison

Parents: Jen and Jared Nerison

Future plans: Currently undecided on a school but going for Speech

Pathology and to also play volleyball

Knute Ronningen

Parents: Kurtis and Alli Ronningen Future plans: Go to a technical college for diesel mechanics and go back to the farm

Destiny Torres Parents: Julie and Calixto Torres Future plans: Going to RCTC for nursing while continuing working

Cody Akemann

Parents: None Listed Future plans: None Listed

Thomas Paulson

Parents: Jill Paulson and Brian Paulson Future plans: I want to go into law enforcement

Chloe Schuster

Parents: Adam and Heather Schuster

Future plans: Finishing AA degree by the end of summer 2025; bachelor’s in elementary education

Taya Veal

Parents: Willie Veal Jr, Tanya Veal Future plans: Have my own beauty shop

McKayla Baumgarten

Parents: Jason and Kris Baumgarten Future plans: Attend RCTC for Vet Tech in the fall

Mckenzie Pearson

Parents: Megan Marie Pearson,

Owen Siems Parents: Troy and Julie Siems Future plans: Military

Jack Vierling

Parents: Dan and Kristy Vierling Future plans: Going into trades or attending school

and Melissa

Future plans: I am attending Dakota Technical College

Nathaniel Boese Parents: Tim
Boese
George Adriaan Pearson Future plans: Some sort of people work or DSP
Kyle Vukelich Parents: Bob and Becky Vukelich Future plans: Go to school for Statistics
Jett Smith Parents: John and Jennifer Smith Future plans: Finish associate’s degree in Mechatronics at SCC and see what happens after that
Shelby Briggs Parents: Sara Tiedemann and Levii Radloff Future plans: I’m enlisted and plan to attend college for a bachelor’s degree at either Winona Bethany or MSU
Piper Pederson Parents: Tedd and Molly Pederson Future plans: Going to college to become an elementary teacher or a special education teacher
Noah Wallaker Parents: Andrea, Jeremy Wallaker Future plans: Play baseball at RCTC and own a mechanic shop
Reed Sommer Parents: Jamie and Nate Sommer Future plans: Attend Minnesota State University, Mankato and study Aviation Gavin Brown Parents: None Listed Future plans: None Listed

Callie Bruns

Parents: Carrie and Patrick Bruns

Future plans: I plan to go to RCTC for Vet Tech

Halle Fessel

Parents: Brad Fessel and Kari Cole

Future plans: Going to Rochester Community College

MacKenzie Grimmius

Parents: Sheri and Eric Grimmius

Future plans: Attend South Central to get Associates Degree then Rochester for Sonography Program at Mayo Clinic College

Carson James

Parents: Jesse and Sarah James

Future plans: I plan on going to college for two years then after I plan on working for the family business

Ethan Cage

Parents: Lisa Cage and Elliott Cage Future plans: I am going to Riverland College for my Mechanics Degree

Madison Foster

Parents: None Listed Future plans: None Listed

Loryn Caldwell

Parents: Rachelle and Joseph Caldwell

Future plans: I am planning on going to South Central College for Business Management

Enja Francois-Saint-Cyr

Parents: Host parents Melissa and Karl Schumacher Future plans: Finish high school in Austria

Lilly Henson

Parents: Hilary and Nathan Henson Future plans:Attend Riverland Community College and become a licensed Esthetician

Stevie Johnston

Parents: Travis Johnston and Virginia Higgins-Johnston Future plans: I will be attending South Central College for Dental Assisting

Kendall Couey

Parents: Sarah and Gary Glacken Future plans: I plan to attend DCTC for Veterinary Technician

Owen Frodl Parents: None Listed Future plans: None Listed

Maddie Heuss

Parents: Brenda and Shawn Heuss

Future plans: I will be attending the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire for Long Term Care Administration and Medical Research

Kaedyn Judd Parents: Patrick and Karissa Judd Future plans: I plan to attend Minnesota State University Mankato and major in Accounting

Hayden Duhme

Parents: Matt and Stephanie Duhme

Future plans: Attend DCTC for Photography and start my own photography business

Kandran A Geyer

Parents: Jeffrey Jr and Steph Geyer Future plans: After high school I’ll be going to basic training for Bradley Crewmember at Fort Moore Georgia

Jaxon Hilley

Parents: Matthew and Valerie Hilley Future plans: I’m going to go to college at Riverland College for Electrical Construction

Megan Krostue Parents: None Listed Future plans: None Listed

Claire Elness

Parents: Aubrey and Troy Wetzel and Alec and Kaydee Elness

Future plans: I will be attending Concordia University Wisconsin to major in Communication Sciences and Disorders and minor in Music or Spanish

Myles Geyer

Parents: Jeff and Janet Geyer Future plans: I am going to find a job

Brody Holicky

Parents: Andy and Jennifer Holicky Future plans: Attend Riverland Community College for Personal Trainer and Athletic Coaching

Miranda Krystosek

Parents: Simon and Kathy Krystosek

Future plans: I will be attending

Bemidji State University to major in Criminal Justice and minor in Wildlife Biology

Holicky

Parents: Jason and Tamara Holicky Future plans: Attending South Central College for Nursing

Kuball Parents: Nathan and Shannon Future plans: I am going to Augsburg University to study Business and wrestle

Kiersten
Keegan

Gabe Lacanne

Parents: Brenda Lacanne Future plans: Attend Bethany Lutheran College to pursue a degree in Pre Law then become a lawyer

Tuoko Nyblom

Parents: None Listed Future plans: None Listed

Ben Meschke

Parents: Anna Meschke and Terry Meschke Future plans: I am going to South Central College for Business Management to start a Lawn Care and Snow Removal Business

Alexia Opgaard Parents: Tegan Mischke Future plans: Alexandria Technical College two year some sort of Nursing

Tatum Richards Parents: None Listed Future plans: None Listed

Landon Roemhildt Parents: None Listed Future plans: None Listed

Parents: Leah Shultz and Shane Selbrade

Future plans: I plan on continuing art and go into tattooing

Maddox Moreno

Parents: Larry and Corina Moreno Future plans: I plan to attend college and get a degree in Criminal Justice

Ashlyn Pelant

Parents: Trista and Jason Pelant Future plans: I plan on going to RCTC to become a Radiology Technician

Gaige Rux Parents: Taya Rux Future plans: I am going to Riverland Community College for Law Enforcement

Annabelle Skurkay

Parents: Jason and Heidi Skurkay Future plans: Attend UW La Crosse and major in Marketing

Carson Murphy Parents: None Listed Future plans: None Listed

Anna Nielsen Parents: Harold Nielsen Future plans: I plan on attending South Central for a two year Welding Program

Carson Petry

Parents: None Listed Future plans: None Listed

Tianna Pope

Parents: Tobin and Erin Pope Future plans: I plan on attending MSU and majoring in Dental Hygiene

Jobb Saemrow Parents: Gordon and Hindy Saemrow Future plans: I plan on going to college at Riverland Community College for Diesel Technology

Alexis Smith Parents: Tricia Dillon and Cory Dillon Future plans: Attend Minnesota State University Mankato to major in Nursing

Madison Smith Parents: Corey and Tricia Dillon Future plans: Corey and Tricia Dillon Attend Minnesota State University

Ava Schumacher

Parents: Karl and Melissa Schumacher Future plans: Going to be attending Alexandria Technical and Community College

Shance Southard

Parents: Sara Warner

Future plans: I plan to travel most likely a European country

Future plans: Going to SCC in Faribault for Early Childhood Education

Randi Selbrade
Mankato to major in Nursing
Clara Nuetzman Parents: Dawn Johnson and John Nuetzman Future plans: UMD Duluth
McKenna Schuster Parents: Beth Hruska and David Schuster Future plans: Attend Minnesota State University Mankato and major in Pre Occupational Therapy
Ivan Pratt Parents: Aric and Theresa Pratt Future plans: I plan on going to Lake Superior College for Aviation Maintenance Technology
Katilynn Stopski Parents: Cindy and Grant Stopski and Emily Walker

Brooke Strobel

Parents: Christy Strobel and Kelly Strobel Future plans: South Central College

Meghan Amberg

Parents: Melody Amberg and Tim Amberg

Future plans: I plan to attend UMD in the fall to get a major in Radiology

Nicholas Carroll

Parents: Karen Schaefer and Ryan Carroll Future plans: Gap year

Makenna Gare

Parents: Jamie Gare and Jeremy Gare

Future plans: University of Minnesota Duluth to major in Business Management

Adrian Un Parents: None Listed Future plans: None Listed

Briley Velzke

Parents: Bruce and Kristin Velzke Future plans: I plan to get an Associates in Business Management and become a licensed insurance agent

Layton Anderson Parents: Krystle Anderson and Justin Anderson Future plans: Millwright worker

Hailey Chambers

Parents: Betsy Chambers and Jay Chambers

Future plans: Attend Iowa State University Major in Agronomy and Agricultural Business

Tayden Grambart

Parents: None Listed Future plans: None Listed

Christian Winter Parents: None Listed Future plans: None Listed

Maria Anderson Parents: Joan Anderson and Jeff Anderson Future plans: Radiology Technician

Mason DeGrood

Parents: Bree DeGrood and Crystal Burt and Shane DeGrood and Matthew Burt Future plans: HVAC Technician

Henry Hanenberger

Parents: Sheri Quamme and Justin Hanenberger Future plans: Heavy equipment

Aase

Parents: Jolene Aase and Ben Aase Future plans: Going to college

Amanda Bock

Parents: Ann Bock and Mark Bock Future plans: Attend University of Northern Iowa to major in business

Mason Delaney

Parents: Elizabeth (Liz) Delaney and Travis Delaney Future plans: Work with my dad for a year and then go into landscaping and things

Kaden Harfmann

Parents: Veronica Harfmann and Karl Harfmann

Future plans: Attend 4 year university majoring in Industrial Engineering then start own business

Parents: Kelley Ahrens and Paul Ahrens Future plans: Army

Rosaria Busch

Parents: Walter J Kuntze Future plans: Community College

Savannah Erler

Parents: Amber Erler

Future plans: Attend University of Minnesota Duluth studying Human Biology

Lydia Heiderscheidt

Parents: Carrie Heiderscheidt and Dustin Heiderscheidt

Future plans: This fall I’ll be attending the University of Wisconsin River Falls I’m going to major in Elementary Education and obtain my Masters in Administration

Parents: Anne Hemann and Ryan Hemann

Future plans: Attend the University of Minnesota and major in Biology

Jessie
Aiden Ahrens
MaKayla Fedder Parents: Kathleen Fedder Future plans: Workforce
Kadence Caron
Parents: Jen Caron and Wes Caron Future plans: Graduating online college
Hailey Hemann

Cain Johannes

Parents: Jessica Johannes and Jerome Johannes

Future plans: Attending Iowa State University for Software Engineering

Logan Maas Hansen

Parents: Melissa Maas and David Hansen

Future plans: Construction Management at the U of M

Jillian Kellen

Parents: Jenny Kellen and Matt Kellen

Future plans: I plan to go to Winona State University for Early Childhood Education

Emma McAdams

Parents: Jennifer McAdams and Chad McAdams

Future plans: Attend Winona State University and major in Radiography

Jayden Kennedy

Parents: Laura Kennedy and Craig Kennedy

Future plans: Undecided right now

Madyson McCarty

Parents: Michelle McCarty and John McCarty

Future plans: Attending college to be a Dental Hygienist

Parents: Angelina Rodriguez and Michael Gerber

Future plans: US Army National Guard

Kolb

Parents: Ericka Porras and Jeremy Kolb

Future plans: Becoming an OBGYN

Owen Mechura

Parents: Carrie Anonby and Brian Mechura

Future plans: Go to Local 49’rs

and Matt Savoie

Future plans: Crown College Sports Marketing Management

Nehemiah Smith

Parents: Alejandra Rios and Joseph Smith

Future plans: Something in the medical field

Jordyn Kucera

Parents: Dessa Kucera and Richard Kucera

Future plans: Attend a four year and major in History

Max Nielsen

Parents:Kassy Nielsen and Erik Nielsen

Future plans: To put it simply I plan on becoming one of the greatest filmmakers of all time

Future plans: Undecided

UMD

Future

Mariah
Kyla Langeslag Parents: Karianne David Future plans: Dental Assisting
Jake Nihart Parents: Katie Nihart and Cory Nihart Future plans: Electrician
Torii Olson Parents: Jennifer Olson and Jeremy Deyo Future plans: Military
Michael Schrot Parents: Lynn Schrot and Todd Schrot Future plans: Working
Harvey Prins Parents: Jennifer Prins and Brian Prins Future plans: Electrician
Lauren Smith Parents: Kristin Gedicke and Brandon Gedicke Future plans: Attend Iowa State University to major in Animal Science
Kenadie Rodriguez
Talon Savoie
Parents: Christina Meehan
Micah Snyder Parents: Jina Herron and Steve Herron Future plans: College at
Anna Schrot
Parents: Shawn Schrot and Jeff Schrot
Clara Thurnau Parents: Kari Thurnau and Trent Thurnau
plans: Go to Riverland for Radiography
Erika Schrot Parents: Lynn Schrot and Todd Schrot Future plans: Riverland for Esthiology
Arianna Torres-Boudreau Parents: Alicia Lawson and Joe Torres Future plans: Elementary Teacher

How to plan a fulfilling gap year

Many high school students tend to enjoy a few months of summer vacation after they graduate, and then embark on new adventures at college or trade school. Graduating college seniors follow a similar path of joining the workforce or beginning post-graduate work after earning their degrees. But such paths are not the only ones available to students. Some students may want to consider a gap

year.

A gap year is a break from academia to pursue other interests or even experiential learning, according to Forbes. It’s more than just a time to relax, and can prove especially helpful to self-development and discovery. If time and budget allows, taking a gap year can be a worthwhile and productive endeavor. Here are a few ideas and benefits relating to gap years.

· Hone skills: Some see a gap year as a chance to goof off or lounge around. Instead, this break provides

an opportunity to sample the workforce and gain experience. Individuals can seek opportunities that will be relevant to the careers they intend to pursue in the future. A future certified public accountant, for example, may want to spend tax season working with an accounting firm to learn the ropes.

· Learn a language: Students may think a gap year is the perfect opportunity to become more proficient in a foreign language or two. Bilingualism can be a key advantage in one’s job

search and future career. Traveling to a country where a studied language is spoken and learning it while immersed in the culture can be a particularly effective means to acquiring language skills.

· Engage in a passion project: There are many projects that may be put on hold because of lack of time or resources while in school. A gap year can be the ideal time to write more or explore an innovative new business idea.

· Perform service work: A gap year can be an opportunity to engage in social change or to help a cause. Certain people may want to travel to underprivileged areas on humanitarian missions or teach English to students overseas. These are experiences that will promote personal growth and help boost a résumé when it comes time to find a job.

· Improve academic performance: A study by Colorado College’s Gap Year Research Consortium reported that those who participate in gap years exceeded their predicted GPAs by roughly 0.15 points. A gap year may help a person become a better student.

· Land an internship: Some companies may want to extend internship offerings beyond the standard semester. Many professionals land their jobs through networking, so taking time away from school to participate in a lengthy internship can make for a smoother entry into that company should one want to work with them in the future.

Taking a gap year may not be the traditional route for students, but the benefits of time away from formal learning can be profound.

Addison Vandereide Parents: Marianne Vandereide and Jay Vandereide Future plans: Attend St Catherine University and play volleyball
Genesis Vasquez Parents: Irma Aguilar and Walter Vasquez Future plans: Hopefully working for the CIA
German Vazquez Cortez Parents: Susana Cortez and Martin Vazquez Future plans: Welding or Truck Driver
Bryson Warner Parents: None Listed Future plans: None Listed
Timothy Wilson Parents: Joanne Wilson and Tim Wilson Future plans: Underwater Ceramics Technician
Josue Zuniga Parents: Adriana Peralta and Lauro Zuniga Future plans: SMSU College

Demand is rising for career and technical education

Afour-year college degree is not necessarily the next step for students after they graduate from high school. The rising cost of college tuition has revitalized interest in career and technical education (CTE).

According to data from the National Student Clearinghouse, enrollment at community colleges rose 2.6 percent in 2023 compared with a

year earlier, enhanced by a 16 percent surge at schools with a focus on CTE. Similarly, a survey by Edge Research commissioned by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation found on-the-job training seems to be more valuable to both high school students and nonenrolled graduates than a four-year degree, with 83 percent of the former stating it is excellent or good in value, compared to 80 percent for college.

Favor for CTE schools is up 63 per-

cent from the previous year.

The New England Association of Schools and Colleges says CTE has evolved from a traditional vocational school model to one that offers academics and skills for higher education and careers in skilled trades, technology and applied sciences. Demand for this type of education continues to grow, with various state superintendents and directors of CTE programs indicating they can only accommo-

date a fraction of the applicants they get for CTE programs.

“Since 2004, Vermont has seen a decrease in its overall student population, however we have had an increase in CTE students in that same period,” says Jay Ramsey, Vermont State Director for Career and Technical Education.

While a traditional four-year university might be the right path for some individuals, CTE has proven ideal for many others. New York City schools Chancellor David Banks has said it’s a sentiment being shared across the nation, that there is another way and another track for students to be successful. CTE may help students get more excited about school and view themselves in careers they may not otherwise be exposed to.

The National Center for Education Statistics puts the average annual tuition for a four-year degree at a private institution in the United States at roughly $35,000 (and public at approximately $10,000. Room and board costs also must be considered, and those can increase the overall cost by a significant amount. The average tuition for a trade school can be around $17,600 a year, but rates vary based on the trade. Most of the CTE schools do not require students to reside on campus, which helps to save money. Exploring the Career and Technical Education route can be highly satisfying and financially rewarding. Careers are diverse, and students can find a track that enables them to start training and working by investing less than they would if they were to attend a traditional college.

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.

1. Business: Almost one in five bachelor’s degrees awarded in 2020-21 were in the field of business.

2. Health professions: This field accounted for 13 percent of all bachelor’s degrees awarded in 202021. 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.

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 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 2020-21.

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.

Hats off to the hardworking graduates celebrating a milestone achievement!

Massive

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Faribault Area Graduation 2025 by Kate Noet - Issuu