As graduation draws near, many seniors shift their focus from the classroom to their future. The annual senior awards ceremony on May 6 highlighted all the hard work the seniors have been putting into their future. 

For many of the seniors, the recognition is a direct reflection of their hard work and dedication.

“I want people to know that I tried my best and I work hard towards all of my goals, and that translates into my scholarship awards,” senior Aliette Potts said. “So if you work hard, you can make a better future for yourself.”

However, the road to graduation wasn’t always easy. The class faced a variety of challenges over the years, but that makes the celebration even more meaningful. 

“Even though we’ve had different things we’ve struggled with and different roadblocks, we’ve always seemed to get through it together,” senior Erica Zoglmann said. 

For some seniors, the news of a scholarship was a genuine shock and relief. The reality of some scholarships provides a sense of ease for some seniors’ futures, while also being hard to process.

“(The powerlifting scholarship from Coffeyville Community College means) less money that me and my family have to spend,” senior Kadyn Madi said. “(I was) surprised that I got it, and at first I wasn’t sure if I was actually getting a scholarship because I couldn’t believe it.”