As graduation approaches, many students are beginning to reflect on their time in high school and look ahead to what comes next. For some, the future is exciting and full of opportunity. For others, it can feel overwhelming and uncertain. Several students shared their plans, hopes, and fears about life after high school, offering insight into the emotions many seniors are experiencing.
Wyatt Collins plans to continue both his education and his athletic career. “I’m going to college and playing baseball,” Collins said. While he admits that the big changes ahead make him a little nervous, he is mostly excited for what’s to come. “I am nervous a tiny bit just because of the large changes that are going to happen all at once, but I am more excited. I’m excited to meet new people and live in different parts of the country.” For Wyatt, the opportunity to grow, travel, and compete is something he is greatly looking forward to.
Dallas Erickson is also planning to attend college, where she hopes to continue cheering while working toward a career in dental hygiene. “After school, I plan on going to college and possibly cheering, all while getting prerequisites to get into a dental hygiene program,” Erickson said. She explained that cheerleading has played a major role in her high school experience and helped shape her goals. “Cheer has been one of the best parts of my high school career, and I want to be able to continue growing as a cheerleader and as a person.” She is drawn to dental hygiene because it offers both stability and flexibility. “I want to be able to support my family, but still be able to choose my schedule so one day I can be a good mom.” However, the responsibility of adulthood is intimidating. “What scares me the most about life after high school is that I have to step into the biggest part of my life all while figuring it out on my own.”
Saylor Herd is excited about the freedom that comes after graduation. “What I’m most excited about after graduation is just to be done with high school, but also to be able to go and do my own thing and have fun with friends,” she said. Looking back, she encourages underclassmen to get involved. “Advice I would give the underclassmen is just to get involved, go be in the student section and support your friends and classmates. I wish I would’ve done this earlier because it made everything so much more fun.” Herd also highlighted the importance of practical education, adding, “The class that has taught me the most useful life skills is definitely senior capstone; it has taught me all the different things that I need to be successful later on.”
As seniors prepare to take their next steps, their stories reveal a mix of excitement, nervousness, hope, and determination. Whether students are heading to college, pursuing careers, or exploring new opportunities, one thing is clear: the Class of 2026 is ready to take on the future.
