Three Students Opt for Early Graduation 

In an era when college often seems like the expected path for high school graduates, several students at Proctor High School are charting their own courses by opting for early graduation at the end of the first semester in January to pursue hands-on careers. These students are driven by a desire to join the workforce, earn money, and establish themselves in their chosen fields ahead of their peers.

Brendan Coltey’s post-graduation plans include working for his stepfather’s drywall company for the remainder of the school year before embarking on an apprenticeship to become an electrician. Coltey has a strong family background in the trades with many relatives, including his brothers, already established as electricians.

Since starting work at 15 during his freshman year, Coltey recognized that making money was a key motivating factor. "I knew I wanted to graduate early when I saw the paychecks," he said. Coltey plans to spend the next few years getting certified as an electrician, with the goal of graduating from the Vermont Technical College (VTC) within five years. In ten years, he hopes to own his own electrical business.

Matt Grover has already lined up a job with the Rutland County Sheriff's Department. Within weeks of graduation, Grover will begin work in court security, road patrols, and prison detail. He said that his law enforcement interest began when “A K9 officer came and visited my school when I was six.” Since then, a career in law enforcement has been a persistent dream, despite having no direct family background in the field.

Grover, who initially considered early graduation during his freshman year,  didn’t commit to the idea until his senior year. Currently, he is also preparing for military training in Massachusetts, where he will undergo a series of tests, including an intelligence test and physical assessments, to join the Army National Guard part-time. With most of his uncles serving in the Marines and Army, Grover has always felt a pull toward military service. He envisions himself in five years working with the K-9 division at the Boston Sheriff’s Department and aims to retire by age 40. "If I play my cards right with these two careers, I'll retire before I'm 40. Period!" he confidently stated.

Brogan Shehee has decided that college is not the path for him. Currently a motorcycle technician, Shehee plans to transition into plumbing. His decision to pursue a trade stems from a desire to avoid more schooling and the associated costs of college. He began considering early graduation during his junior year upon realizing it was an option, hoping to shorten his time in school and move forward with his career.

In five years, Shehee hopes to own his own business in a trade, moving out of Vermont to expand his opportunities. His ten-year plan includes owning and renting out houses while continuing to work for himself. "When I found out I could graduate early, I wanted to shorten the time I’m in school," he explained.

Early Graduation: A Growing Trend at Proctor High

These students reflect a growing trend at Proctor High School, where early graduation offers an alternative for students eager to join the workforce. For many, it’s about starting their careers sooner and avoiding the financial burden of a traditional college education. The school administration has acknowledged this trend, providing support to students choosing this path.

Each of these students has distinct aspirations, yet they share a common determination to enter their chosen fields sooner rather than later. Whether it’s to earn money, avoid additional schooling, or start building a future in trades or law enforcement, their decisions underscore a broader shift in how young people view post-secondary education and career development.

As early graduates, Coltey, Grover, and Shehee exemplify the proactive mindset of many of today’s students, who seek to take control of their futures on their own terms. Their journeys will likely inspire others at Proctor High School to consider early graduation as a viable step toward achieving their own career ambitions. 

However, before we all jump on the bandwagon of early graduation, a few key factors must be considered. Spring sports, prom, and many school events happen in the second half of the second semester. Guidance Counselor, Mrs. Currao stated that in the past, “Many of the students that graduated early expressed that they wished they stayed longer.” Adulting isn’t for everybody, and having a few more months to be young again—enjoying things like sitting with their peers during lunch, baseball, and prom—might sound more appealing than immediately entering the workforce.

Ultimately, early graduation can be a valuable option for some, but it's important for students to weigh the pros and cons carefully and choose the path that best aligns with their personal goals and experiences.