For most students, the final bell of high school doesn’t ring until the end of May. But for a growing group of seniors, that bell is ringing much sooner. This year, 35 students are set to graduate early. It’s a number that school counselor Mr. Hanewall says has remained remarkably steady over the years at Craig High School.
The reasons for leaving early are as diverse as the students themselves. For some, it’s about professional ambition; for others, it’s about a change of scenery.
Shayla Pitkin is one of those students who feels she has simply outgrown the high school environment.
With her sights set on a PhD in the future, Pitkin isn’t using her time off to relax. She’s heading straight to UW-Whitewater to earn her Associate’s degree. Pitkin explained, “Choosing to graduate early is a strategic move to accelerate my academic career.”
Feona Zipperer is also looking toward the future, but her path leads to service. Zipperer is joining the military in July and wanted a bridge between the classroom and basic training.
“I wanted to have a bit of time before I leave to just kind of work and get used to life outside of school,” Zipperer said.
Despite their excitement about the future, neither student is completely cutting ties. Both Pitkin and Zipperer confirmed they plan to return for the big milestones, including prom and the official graduation ceremony in the spring.
Pitkin noted that while she is ready to move on, she will miss her friends and her painting teacher. Zipperer echoed that sentiment, noting that while she never “loved” school, making new friends this year has made leaving bittersweet. “Part of me is sad to be leaving, but another part is excited to be starting a new part of my life,” Zipperer said.
While students are eager to jumpstart their lives, Guidance Counselor Luke Hanewall often encourages students to take full advantage of the unique environment that high school offers.
“You only get to go to high school once,” Hanewall said, pointing out that it can be significantly harder to maintain teenage friendships once you leave the building. He encourages students to cherish the relationships they’ve developed over the last four years.
However, he also acknowledges that every student is different. “High school is not for everyone.” Hanewall said,” If a student is determined and has a solid plan for work or further education, more power to them.”
For sophomores and juniors watching their peers walk out the doors four months early, Zipperer has some practical advice: Start planning now.
“You definitely have to put a little bit more work in in previous school years to be able to have all the credits,” Zipperer said. “I think it’s definitely worth it because it’ll give you a little extra time before you really start planning moving out… taking a start on the outside world.”
As these 35 seniors pack up their lockers this month, they leave behind a quiet reminder that while high school is a journey, everyone reaches the destination at their own pace.
