After 12 years of school and 18 years of life, the Class of 2026 is ready to graduate, but graduation does not mean every student is headed to college.
Senior Ayden Kelley has chosen to enlist in the Marine Corps, but this was not a light decision.
“Being a Marine has always been something I have wanted to do. There is a long history of people in my family who served so I have known about the Marines since I was little. Enlisting was a hard choice because the military can be very dangerous, but there are also a lot of positives to joining. I still plan on getting a college degree, but I will do that after my service is over,” Kelley said.
Both seniors Tabytha Hite and Grady Havens are following the mechanical engineering path, but they are taking different approaches to their educations.
“After I graduate, I plan on attending Purdue University in the fall. I will start in mechanical engineering technology, but I hope to change my major to mechanical engineering. I chose attending college over anything else because I want to pursue a career in mechanical engineering. I also want to be able to collaborate with others while still learning,” Hite said.
Havens chose to enter an apprenticeship at Endress+Hauser before he studies engineering at a post secondary school.
“I am planning on doing an apprenticeship with Endress+Hauser after graduation where I will work under a current employee and help design or build parts. I chose an apprenticeship because the people at Endress+Hauser will pay for my college education. Eventually, when I go to college, I want to study something similar to mechanical engineering but with more focus on the technical stuff. Engineering interests me because I like working on things and building stuff, and I think I could make a big impact on the world,” Havens said.
Similar to the apprenticeship, Kelley’s college education, if he seeks it, will be paid by the Marine Corps. This benefit will help Kelley after he re-enters civilian life.
“After I get out of the Marines, I want to come back to the regular world prepared. I will not have any student debts because the Marine Corps pays for your college. Having service and a degree on my resume means I can get a job easier than most. Not having to worry about money problems is going to lift a financial weight off my shoulders,” Kelley said.
Hite hopes to get a job as a mechanical engineer and continue giving back to her community.
“In 25 years, I see myself still involved in a church and helping others grow in their faith. I hope to have a family that I’m able to cherish and love while also pursuing a career in mechanical engineering. I also plan to continue to involve myself in FIRST robotics as a volunteer or a mentor. I started FIRST robotics eight years ago, and through encouraging mentors from the beginning of my journey in robotics, I learned so much and have been drawn to mechanical engineering from a young age,” Hite said.
Kelley also plans to have a family. He knows this is possible because of the foundation he built himself for after graduation.
“25 years from now I hope to be doing the things I want to. I want to have enough money to travel the world with my wife. I know my goals are achievable because joining the Marines means I will have easy access to a college degree. Having that degree will allow me to get a job and create stability in my life. I know I will be proud of joining the Marines and that being the reason my life is so comfortable,” Kelley said.
Havens is hoping for a successful life that stems from his career in engineering.
“In 25 years, I would love to be rich and live in a massive house. To me, being rich means having enough money to do or buy whatever I want. As for my house, I would really like to have a nice and comfortable place where I can display all of my cool things. I think all of that is possible because engineers make good money,” Havens said.
