As the end of first semester comes to an end, it is time for LHS to say farewell to a few Blue Jays. The seniors are looking ahead to the future with ambition as they end their high school careers.

   “I am graduating early so I can work full time to save up as much money as I can before I go to college in the Fall of 2016,” senior Leslie McCaulley said.

   Like McCaulley, many of the early graduates have college in mind.

   “I’m graduating early because I want to start preparing for college earlier and more seriously during the spring,” senior Joe Guarino said.

   Deciding to graduate early can be a big decision to make.

   “A lot of thought went into graduating early,” senior Emily Klinke said. “It wasn’t really something I considered before going into my senior year, but when I found out I had enough credits to do it, it felt right. There are so many advantages to graduating early. I can now work and volunteer during the day while saving money for school, get into college a semester earlier than the rest of my graduating class and then graduate college and begin my future career sooner than I ever thought I would.”

   However, graduating early isn’t for everyone.

   “I am happy to graduate second semester,” senior Joe Kinder said. “I am an athlete, I play baseball in the spring and also take classes then. I also feel more comfortable graduating with my classmates in the spring graduation than being at the end of first semester.”

   Still, there can be an advantage for some by leaving early.

   “Yes [there is an advantage] because I can mentally prepare myself longer than a summer to get ready for college,” McCaulley said.

   However, sometimes continuing on to second semester can give an advantage as well.

   “I see the advantage of graduating in the spring with school traditions, being a part of a senior class, maturing and being prepared for the next step after high school,” teacher Melissa Jones said.

   There will always be a bitter-sweetness to saying goodbye though.

   “I enjoyed most of high school,” senior Savannah Morgan said. “I’ve made lasting friendships, learned hard lessons and most importantly, prepared myself for college and what lies ahead. I will miss my friends the most, they are the reason for all the good memories I have at LHS.”

   Coming back from winter break will feel different with the absence of some seniors.

   “There will always be a change in atmosphere when someone leaves the classroom.  They will be missed by peers and teachers alike,” teacher Matt Kiser said.

   The students that continue second semester may find it strange to adapt.

   “I will miss the extra smiles in the hallway that you get to see everyday and some of the kids you went to school with all these years will be gone after one semester,” Kinder said.

   Luckily LHS has prepared these Blue Jays for their future.

   “I loved being able to find my talents through the classes offered, and have enjoyed getting to know the staff and creating so many friendships,” Klinke said. “I have had so many opportunities through choir, EIP, theatre productions, broadcasting and many clubs. Although high school’s academic side wasn’t always fun, it was something I would never change.”