The Sentinel is pleased to provide this special Graduation edition that celebrates the 2025 high school graduates from our region. We realize that graduation is a special and often bittersweet time for students as well as their parents, grandparents and friends. It’s a time of change and growth, with some graduates staying here in Mifflin or Juniata County, while others may leave the area permanently. But for all grads from Greenwood to Mount Union and everywhere in-between, you can always call the Juniata Valley your home. We thank everyone who has made the pages of The Sentinel their scrapbook of student achievements, and we wish all local graduates a hearty “Congratulations!”
INDEX OF SCHOOLS
JUNIATA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL...................................20
JUNIATA HIGH SCHOOL........................................17-18
MIDD-WEST
MIFFLIN COUNTY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY.............16
MIFFLIN
717-248-3959 www.autowithamanda.com
The future has a lot of what ifs, and it’s a good feeling to have someone in your corner and around the corner to help you plan for them. Call me today.
Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®
Amanda Moeller, Agent
The Mifflin County High School 2025 commencement is scheduled for Wednesday, May 28 at 6 p.m. and will be held at Mitchell Field.
In the event of inclement weather on Wednesday, commencement will be held on Thursday, May 29 at 6 p.m. at the previously stated location.
If weather conditions do not allow for an outdoor ceremony on Thursday, commencement would be moved indoors to the Mifflin County High School gymnasium at 6 p.m. Parents of graduating seniors will be notified via SKYLERT of any changes related to commencement activities.
Across America, high school seniors celebrate May 1st as “Decision Day,” when the year’s graduating class announces their official commitments for their future plans. Soon, the MCHS Class of 2025 will be moving on to careers, colleges, and the military. Many students gathered for the fourth annual Decision Day group photo.
Not only am I proud of all your accomplishments but most importantly, the man you have become Mom
Belleville Mennonite School will be hosting the 2025 commencement on May 28, 2025 starting at 7 p.m. at Belleville Mennonite School.
Clayton Ammon
Julia Baker
Ava Boring
Gracie Civitts
Eva Druckenmiller
Simon Druckenmiller
Miguel Interiano
Jonah Kauffman
Hunter Peachey
Karina Renno
Mariah Schuble
Deanna Stoltzfus
Samuel Stoltzfus
Chloe Sunderland
Jayden Yoder
Paul Yoder
Chloe Sunderland Honor Graduate
Ava Boring Honor Graduate
Julia Baker Honor Graduate
Gracie Civitts Salutatorian
Deanna Stoltzfus Honor Graduate
Clayton Ammon Honor Graduate
Hunter Peachey Honor Graduate
Eva Druckenmiller Honor Graduate
Jonah Kauffman Honor Graduate
Jayden Yoder Honor Graduate
Miguel Interiano Honor Graduate
Karina Renno Honor Graduate
Mariah Schuble Honor Graduate
Paul Yoder Honor Graduate
Samuel Stoltzfus Honor Graduate
Simon Druckenmiller Honor Graduate
Mifflin County Christian Academy will have its graduation on Thursday, June 5 at 6:30 pm. The graduation will take place at Centre Union Church in Yeagertown.
Xavier Alexander
Mallary Baumgardner
Jude Gisewhite
Lydia God
Isaiah Mitchell
Addison Yost
Xavier Alexander
The JHS Annual Senior Awards Night will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 starting at 7:00 pm in the Juniata High School auditorium.
The Commencement Program at Juniata High School will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 7:00 pm. The ceremony will be held on the Juniata High School athletic field, weather permitting, or in the high school auditorium.
Heaven Ackerman
Austin Anderson
Davianny Arias-Taveras
Isabella Armstrong
Damon Batt
Jason Beaston
Caitlyn Beers
Rylan Bell
Abril Berbergi-Giraldo
Grace Beward
Mason Beward
Calista Boaz
David Boaz
Jessica Bomberger
Joseph Bomberger
Connor Boreman
Jade Britcher
Connor Bruce
Reagan Burd
Blake Burda
Brent Burda
Kadyn Burns
Marcio Cardenas
Isaac Carlson
Velkan
Castro Mostacero
Michael Clark
Julian Cornwell
Virginia D’Emilio
Vaughn Davis
Tucker Deavor
Calvin Decker
Conner Derr
Wyatt Dessin
Franco Doydora
Alexander Drewes
Wyatt Dysinger
Brooklyn Ehrenzeller
Wyatt Ehrenzeller
Hunter Erb
Sarah Erhard
Emigen Evener
Ashlyn Fisher
Christina Fisher
Hebe Fisher
Sarah Fisher
Luis Flores Maradiaga
Katelyn Fornwalt
Luke Fowler
Ashleigh Funkhouser
Cadence Gifford
Lily Hardin
Gage Harlon
Michael Harlow
Michaelle Harlow
Travis Henry
Brooklyn Herrold
Cody Hile
Delilah Hockenberry
Adrianna Imes
Catalina Jaramillo
Morgen Johnson
Lily Junod
Kyra Kauffman
Carson Kepner
Darin Kint
Kirsten Krepps
Kayanna Kristula
Austin Lafferty
Melanie Lane
Ava Lauver
Madison Leach
Edwin Lopez Ramirez
Regan Lowrey
Joshua Lugo
Riley Lyter
Jessica Maben
Shea Madera
Jalyne Marshall
Savannah Marshall
Andrew Martinez-Ramirez
Aidan Megahan
Tayden Miller
Jesse Miskolcze
Victoria Moore
Trinity Moppin
Kathryn Nace
Connor Neidig
James O’Donell
Reyes Otero-Nogueras
John Peck
Lane Peiper
Nicholas Pinder
Anderson Portzline
Joseph Rayfield
Zoe Rosas Richmond
Drake Ritter
Conner Robinson
Michael Romonovich
Emily Rook
Cole Rosenberry
Kiera Rosenberry
Mariah Scott
Kaden Sellers
Rigo Servellon-Lopez
Dakota Shatzel-Strong
David Sims
Kailey Smith
Candace Snook
Austin Souder
Matthew Spriggle
Aurora Stewart
Wyatt Stroup
Caden Swailes
Logan Swartwood
Ethan Swetnam
Kelly Tavarez-Mariano
Cylen Taylor
James Telfer
Teagan Trout
Andrew Martinez-Ramirez
Kayanna Kristula Honor Graduate
Savannah Marshall Honor Graduate
Lily Hardin Honor Graduate
Madison Leach Honor Graduate Brodie
Jayce
Aleigha Bohn
Cadence Bozian
Shana Burd
Maggie Burdge
Declan Burger
Landon Diven
Ayden Dowling
Jonathan Dubiel
Wesley Ehrisman
Addyson Feltman
Annuncia Fusta
Aiden
Jada
Kierstyn
Greenwood High School’s
Baccalaureate is to be held on May 28 at Millerstown Community Park, starting at 6 p.m. In case of inclement weather the service will be moved to New Harvest Community Church, 527 Maple Street, Millerstown. The 2025 commencement ceremony is scheduled for May 30 at 7 p.m. on the Dar Roush Memorial Field. If the weather does not allow for an outdoor service, graduation will be moved to the high school gym.
Guests should bring a lawn chair if it is outside.
Isabel Amey
Natasha Anderson
Austin Barton
Viktorria Blount
Jason Bower
Jonathon Bradshaw
Benett Brinser
Rebekah Brinser
Noah Bryner
Ashlin Bucher
Hannah Causer
Tatum Davis
Hiranur Demir
Ryder Durbec
Matthew Everett
Jillian Fogleman
Baret Friedline
Divina Gilbert
Alyssa Goodling
Madeline Graybill
Ethan Grove
Arykah Hahn
Morgan Hale
Marleen Hensel
Addie Holman
Michael Hoy
Madison Kurylo
Ezra Lahr
Chase Lemaster
Anya Lewis
Sarah Longenecker
Landon Meck
Grace Miller
Sorcha Moreland
Hannah Morrison
Jude Myers
Sophie Myers
Sylvia Peachey
Roman Polcha
Dominic Reisinger
Aiden Robinette
Ethan Rumfelt
Juniata Christian Graduates:
Micah Dressler *Honors*
Naomi Leitzel - Valedictorian *Honors*
Anna Moyer *Honors*
Michael (Zane) Shiery
Abigail Stutzman
Rachel Zeiders
Jaredyn Hair
Molly Ryberg
Cayden Seiber
Hazel Sheffer
Hannah Shiffer
Aiden Shipp
Makayla Shoop
Gracen Smeltz
Ethan Swan
Ava Swann
Maddison Todd
Jordyn Turnbaugh
Cora Wagner
Dakota Weiand
Noah Weller
Isabella Wiehe
Brodie Woodard
Benett Brinser Honor Graduate
Rebekah Brinser Honor Graduate
Blayze Cummings
Jaylon Dalawy
Graduation Date: Friday, May 30th, 7PM
Gabriel Allabach
Malachi Angney
Tyshawn Antunez
Makayla Arbogast
Jayla Arnold
Paige Aucker
Emily Aurand
Lexi Bailey
Billie Batdorf
Lance Beachel
Lucas Beachel
Miley Beachel
Abigail Benner
Jenna Bilger
Alana Blackwell
Parker Boop
Addison Bower
Ariel Boyer
Kadence Boyle
Aiden Brininger
Emily Brouse
Gage Brown
Layla Brunson
William Buchanan
Colleen Burkey
Regin Chambers
Alexis Cover
Elliot Crabb
Allison Cramer
Alyssa Deubner
Addison Dunkelberger
Ethan Dunkelberger
Gracie Eichman
Rachel Erdman
Patrick Ewing
Aleah Feltman
Brandon Ferster
Zachary Flory
Violet Foulds
Mekenna Franquet
Hunter Fry
Xavier Fuller
Addison Garrison
Jaida Good
Loretta Goss
Nash Grover
Kanon Hackenberg
Shawnee Hackenberg
Jesse Heintzelman Jr
Triston Herrold
Cheyenne Hess
Alannah Hoover
Isaac Hostetler
Benjamin Hummel
Veronica Hummel
Blaise Keister
Jacob Keister
Wyatt Keister
Colin Kennedy
Raelee Kennedy
Destiny Kerstetter
Linda Kimball
Alessandra Knepp
Justina Kratzer
Lana Kratzer
Maliya Krebs
Evan Leitzel
Carson Martin
Isiah McClure
Bailey McCoy
Skyler Meyer
Adeline Minium
Gracie Mitch
Isabell Mitchell
Lashauna Mosley
Wyatt Mowery
Brooke Moyer
Dawson Moyer
Simon Moyer
Jaylen Mull
Audreyauna Norman
Keturha Perez
Kaden Peters
Brogan Plasterer
Caden Plummer
Nathan Portera
Catherine Reich
Madyson Reich
Benjamin Rood
Keirah Rose
Kayla Rudy
Matthew Sebel
Gradie Shaffer
Zoey Shaffer
Mason Shipe
Caleigh Smith
Cheyenne Smith
Isaac Smith
Matthew Smith
Emma Stahl
Kleo Starks
Corbin Steffen
Claire Steininger
Sekota Stotz
William Stover
Ella Swartz
Blake Tharp
Landen Thomas
Cheyenne Thompson
Madison Troup
Bailey Wagner
Landon Wagner
Alexander Wallen
Austin Walls
Alexander Walter
Gabriel Wesner
Jasmine Williams
Patrick Williams
Jasher Wolf
Hailie Womer
David Woodling
Logan Woodward
Haylin Wray
Evann Yetter
Madison Yocum
Cordell Yoder
Levi Yoder
Andrew Yount
Graham Yount
Leah Zimmerman
The 2025 commencement for Mount Union Area
High School will be held on May 28 at 6 p.m. In the high school auditorium with overflow being located in the cafeteria.
Andrew Baker
Autumn Beaston
Briley Benson
George Bilger
Marissa Blair
Lyrik Bookwalter
Eric Boozel
Samara Brandt
Mason Burdge
Kina Carthen
Justin Conner, II
Colby Copenhaver
Michael Corliss
Syneira Cox
Jacob Cramer
Haydan Crawshaw
Adrianna Czmor
Ava Detwiler
Maddie Dimoff
Ethan Fisher
Olivia Forshey
Emily Foster
Naiym Francis
Deven Fultz
Emily Gordon
Aydin Grove
Bradley Holt
Brandon Holt
Ethan Huff
India James
Nianni Kane
MaKayla King
Andrew Kreis
Samantha Kulp
Lily Massey
Miguel Matos
Cody McClain
Joseph McCormick
Adreonna Miller
Caleb Miller
Makenzie Mitchell
Atley Moore
Greyson Norris
Eric O’Banion
Kymber Osborne
Larry Parks, Jr.
Kyra Parsons
Graduating class of New Day Charter School for 2025:
Jack Adair
Cassidy Burns
Conner Dippery
Isaac Ebright
Cormac Grove
Kennedy Grove
Ashlynn Guyer
Noah Hartman
Rese Kelly
Dalanie Leister
Gauge Lynch
Bladenn Moyle
Breona Peck
Leeann Quarry
Sandra Ranalli
Cassidy Secrest
Tatyana Sharar
Michael Shives
Madilyn Shoemaker
Dru Speece
Carina Spell
Savannah Taylor
Alexah Thomas
Dominick Winegardner
Dayson Worley
Riley Randoll
Reghan Reeder
Jenna Ritchey
Joshua Ryan
Evan Shaver
Dylan Shawver
Elijah Showers
Cailyn Skopic
Blayton Smith
Bralyn Smith
Gracie Smith
Dalana Snyder
Trinity Souders
Cadince States
Cody Stutzman
Emma Swanger
Dakota Todaro
Callie Trego
Vada Wallace
Julian Weirich
Davin Yocum
Reagan Yocum
Garrett Zirkle
Abigail Zook
Grad party planning countdown
Reaching senior year of high school or college is an academic milestone worthy of celebration. When the time comes to start planning an epic graduation party, getting the timeline correct can make all the difference.
Once you learn the graduation date
Graduation season occurs in a very limited span of time between the months of May and June. This creates high demand in a limited window. Right after the school releases the commencement date is a good time to reserve a graduation party venue if you are planning to have the party away from home. Aim to host the party a day or two after the graduation ceremony.
Four to five months before Now is the time to begin
thinking about what you can afford to spend on the event. Think about the timing of the party as well. Because there are so many graduations taking place, some people opt to have an open time range for their own parties, so graduates can hop around to each of their friends’ parties.
Three months before
Although many people now rely on digital invitations, those who want to send paper invitations can order them now to ensure they’ll get shipped to your home in enough time to mail out to guests. Also, it is a good idea at this time to narrow down the guest list so you will know how many invitations you will need. Think about your theme and coordinate with the invitation design or color scheme.
Two months before Mail out the invitations to friends and family. If you will be designing any do-
party will be at home, reserve party tents, catering, tables, chairs, and more at this time.
it-yourself centerpieces or other decorative items for the party, such as marquee letters or lights, secure these items now. If the graduation
Six weeks before Get in touch with the restaurant or caterer to finalize menu plans, including dessert. If you will be hav-
ing a DJ, go over any details about the party as well, including a playlist the guest of honor will love.
One month before If the graduate prefers, set up a graduation registry for gifts. Use this time to create a slideshow of images of the graduate throughout the years. Finalize favors if you will be offering them and grab the materials necessary to make them.
Two weeks before
Touch base with the venue to give the final head count and pay off your remaining balance. If you will be cooking, shop for and prepare any food that can be frozen and then reheated.
One week before Grab any last-minute decor and figure out attire for
the party. Confirm with all vendors that everything is still on target for the graduation party date. Book hair or nail appointments so the grad is photo-ready.
Day of the graduation party Set up as needed a few hours before the party. Chafing dishes will require up to two hours to heat food thoroughly, so plan accordingly. Some venues allow you to arrive an hour or two before the party time for decorating. Get dressed with plenty of time to spare, as there is always a guest or two who arrives fashionably early. Then be ready to celebrate! Graduation parties require ample planning to celebrate the accomplishments of hard-working students.
The many benefits of vocational training
Earning a four-year degree is one path toward a rewarding career. However, that path is the only one available to aspiring professionals. Enrolling in a vocational program can provide students with the skills necessary to engage in high-demand and well-paying jobs.
Vocational school, often referred to as “trade school,” can be an advantageous route for many people who are looking for an alternative to college. In 2020, the National Center for Education Statistics said a four-year private college cost around $50,300 for a student living on campus, while a four-year public college was roughly $24,300 annually. A 2018 poll from The Learning House, a skills training and coursework company, found 35 percent of students said
tuition and other fees were their primary concerns when choosing college programs. Trade schools can cost three times less than other schooling, making them more palatable to young people concerned about the high costs of college.
Career and Technical Education programs number around 1,200 in the United States alone. Many students begin vocational career tracks in high school, according to American Education Services. Here are some benefits to pursuing an education in the trades.
• Lower cost: According to NCES, trade schools cost significantly less than four-year institutions. Data from the U.S. Department of Education says programs may run between $3,600 to $16,000 per year. Most vo-
cational programs last two years, meaning that students graduate with far less debt than they might accrue when pursuing a four-year college program.
• Individualized attention: Many trade programs offer instruction in very intimate settings, with experienced practitioners serving as mentors and trainers. While each program is different, vocational training schools tend to have lower faculty-to-student ratios than traditional colleges.
• Fewer admission requirements: Trade schools may not have the same stringent application and admissions processes as colleges. Course prerequisites and grade point average requirements also may not dictate trade school admissions policies.
• Direct, hands-on training: Unlike a traditional college that marries general education courses with those specific to a major, trade school programs focus only on skills and training relevant to each student’s chosen career path.
• Less time to complete schooling: More direct lessons means that students can complete their certifications or degrees in shorter times and enter the workforce much more quickly than their counterparts at traditional colleges and universities.
Vocational training in trade schools is a viable option for students who want to spend less money and gain valuable skills they can utilize to earn a good living.
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.
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-to-be grad-
uates 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 sec-
See Job / Page 25
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
Job
Continued from Page 24
tion 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 com-
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 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
panies 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.
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.
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.
Finding a job after graduation is a priority for graduates anxious to begin their careers. Various strategies can help new grads find work sooner rather than later.
Unique graduation gifts
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-commence-
ment résumé-building. 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 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 parame-
ters 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-and-gowndonning loved ones.
Congratulations,
to our graduating class that have worked in our Dunkin’ Mifflin County locations! Burnham, Lewistown, and Reedsville.
Styers Oden
Huntington Area High School: Sadie Isett
Mifflin County High School : Lexi Anderson
Reagan Croissette
Lily Furgison
Natalie Foster
Savannah Oden
Kayla Sunderland
Adoree Sweigart
Valley View Christian School: Tyler Breon
Bloomsburg University: Madison Hannon –
December 2024
Tips to throw a memorable graduation party
Each year, newly minted graduates proudly don their caps and gowns and walk across countless stages to receive their diplomas or degrees. Graduation is a proud moment for students, and that pride is shared by family and close friends who have supported students throughout their academic careers.
Graduation is a milestone worth celebrating. Planning a graduation party takes some effort to ensure an event worthy of this significant moment in a student’s life.
Begin with a theme
Host can select a theme that aligns with the graduate’s interests. Consider themes that align with what a new high school graduate plans to study in college, or make the theme all about the career path a recent college grad plans to pursue. Additional potential themes include the grad’s favorite movies, his or her musical interests, cherished hobbies, or travel.
Set a budget
Establish a clear budget to manage expenses and prioritize key aspects of the graduation celebration. Hosting a party away from home may seem like it would be
the more expensive option, but when party hosts factor in rentals of tents, tables, chairs, catering, and other needs, booking a venue may be more affordable. Only by pricing out all expenses and comparing options can graduation party hosts identify their options and determine how much a party will cost and how to budget for the celebration.
Make the venue interesting
If possible, tailor the venue to the theme. For example, if the graduate is a fan of the ocean and beach, then a beach bonfire party can be a memorable celebration. Graduates who are fans of attending concerts might appreciate a party that recreates the feeling of a performance. Hire a professional musician, set up stadium seating and create a stage where the performer can have all eyes on him or her. Afterwards, hire a DJ to play music or stream a playlist created by the guest of honor.
Create a grand entrance
Figure out a way that the graduate can make his or her big entrance to the party to add some drama to the event. Perhaps the lights can be dimmed before placing a spotlight on the graduate?
For a sports-themed graduation party, the graduate can run through a breakaway banner like a football team does when taking the field before the opening kickoff. Embrace your creative side to ensure the celebration is one to remember.
Include fun activities
Dancing, photo booth sessions, scavenger hunts, or even some special demonstration that pertains to the theme can be entertaining activities to keep guests busy.
Keep the food simple
Keep the graduate’s culinary preferences in mind and offer fare that is familiar and tasty. There’s no need to offer exotic foods; guests will remember tasty items, particularly if they’re well fed. A signature cocktail (or mocktail) also can be a special touch for the party. If the idea of planning a graduation party on one’s own seems daunting, particularly during a time of year when there is a lot of competition for dates and venues, a professional party planner can be an invaluable resource. Then everyone can celebrate the graduate in a way that is fitting and memorable.
