Planning ahead for post high school goals

Early graduates Cassidy Makor and Bailey Sherwood share a farewell with Makor’s cousin, sophomore Jared Downie, while junior Leon Schultze-Seeman photo bombs the moment. Photo by staffby Santana Reimer, staff

Some members of the class of 2015 have already met graduation expectations, including courses in mathematics, social studies, language arts and science in addition to required electives.

Student Services Counselor Michelle Lammers said, “About 15 students are graduating early from Sturgis Brown High School in the year of 2015.”

Individuals seeking diplomas from SBHS have to earn 25 credits in 9, 10, 11 and 12. Students seeking early graduation need to say they are going to graduate early when they sign up for their senior classes at the end of their junior years. Seniors must complete an application.

When student requests are approved, seniors have to have a meeting with their parents, counselors and/or administrator. Requirements state seniors need to be the age of 18 or their parents or legal guardian need to sign the documents to show early graduation approval.

Many of the students graduating early want to leave high school and feel they have the education they need to live their lives in the “real world.”

“I feel like if I have all the classes I need to graduate high school,” senior Cassidy Makor said, “Then why not work and save some money for the fall of 2015 when I actually attend college? Also, I feel like I’m ready to move onto the next chapter of my life. It might be hard, but what aspect of life is easy?”

Senior Bailey Sherwood said her plans are to “graduate in January 2015 and plan to work full time and move out in February. I will save up for college and get my Finance degree beginning in the Fall of 2015.”

Finances appear to have been a motivating factor for some of the early graduates.

Because she would prefer to work outside of school, senior Justyce Tanner-ONeal said she will “Work full time at Chuck E Cheese and then go to college (WDT) when I have enough money.”

Other early graduates also decided to graduate early to work full-time and save up money to attend college in the fall of 2015.

“Get money saved up to start college in the fall,” senior Rebecca Madden said.

Getting situated for the fall semester begins is another reason for early graduation, according to senior Carley Neiger who said she will be “Moving to Florida and getting the feel of it before I start college down there.”

Leaving the challenges of high school behind is another purpose for finishing school in January.

“There is way too much drama thriving in this high school. The school also does not have anything left to offer for me,” senior Madison Craig said. She plans to “work full time and then in August I am enrolled to attend a 14-month tech school in Denver, CO.”

“I do not like school,” senior Rowen Drury said. “I’d rather work than be here.”

Plans for Rowen are based on his “experience in many jobs that I like to do. And,” he said, “there are many jobs for my experiences available to make a living from.”

Finally, there are the individuals who have made the choice to start the next phase of their educational careers.

Senior Nicole Cron said early graduation offers her “the opportunity to enter college sooner. Starting college early means I can get out early.”

“The reason that I am graduating early,” senior Datyn Williamson said, “is to get a jump start in the real world experiences. Also am doing it because to start my career path in becoming a Journeyman Electrician.”

Out of the 51 respondents to the email poll, after graduation in the spring 18% plan to work full-time 65% stated their desire to attend college, 10% are headed to a technical institute, 2% will go into the military and 6% stated “other.”