Graduates Look to Their Futures

Students say goodbye to high school and hello to the real world today. Benton, Central and Lafayette high schools held their commencement ceremonies at the civic arena. The future is just around the corner for the recent St. Joseph graduates. As proud families watch on, students at St. Joseph`s three public high schools sit together one last time. But for graduates, today isn`t just about speeches and diplomas. "This makes it real that you really are graduating, you really are going to be out there, you really did finish high school," Lafayette graduate Rachel Miller says. "It`s a mindset that tells you that high school is over and it`s time to move on and get moving on with your life," Benton graduate Jeffery Brock says. "School`s been out for over a week now, but it doesn`t really set it that you`re done with high school and moving onto college until this night," Central graduate Jacob Lipanovich says. Most graduates say they are excited about finishing high school. "I`m pretty excited it`s just, you know, it kind of seems like this is a closing of our lives and we`ll just move on to better things," says Lipanovich But some are skeptical about their future. "I`m a little nervous because I don`t know what college is going to be like and a little scared, but I`m really excited," says Miller. Regardless of what the future holds for this class, Central prinicpal Bart Albright says he is sure this class won`t have any problems. "They`re stepping out into an uncertain world, but this is a very capable group and I know they`re going to be just fine. They will represent Central and this community with a lot of pride," Albright says. So, what can we expect next for the class of 2006? "Go to missouri western, major in psychology and criminal justice and play football," Brock says. "I`m going to north...to central college in pella iowa and play soccer," Lafayette graduate Matt Westfall says. "I`m going to the air force academy in a month... a month from today actually," Central graduate Robert Rivera says. More than 700 seniors graduated from the three public schools. Congrats to each of them.