Some seniors are already gone

Some seniors are already gone

Seniors are gearing up for their last day here at CM, but a few members of the class of 2022 have already said good-bye. This year, seniors were allowed to graduate a semester early. Bethalto was one of the few districts in Madison County that had not allowed early graduation in the past, and this is the first group to take advantage of this option. Students who graduated after first semester can still participate in the May 14 graduation ceremony.

Zay Anderson has spent most of her time working since she graduated in December, but SIUE is just around the corner for her. “I am actually preparing for college with an interview I have for the Meridian Scholarship,” she said.

She said she misses learning, but does not miss attending school.

Early graduate Jon Crady echoed those sentiments. “I only missed going to school for 1-2 days max,” he said. “It really is draining on the soul.”

Crady has spent most of his time working at McDonalds, and he plans to attend SIUE in the fall.

Ryan Lynn said his decision to graduate early was influenced by his health: he had a severe case of mononucleosis. “So school was the last of my worries,” he said. “My plans now are figuring out what I’m interested in, working, and finding a degree/trade for this fall.”

Kaegen McClure said he chose to graduate early because “because I wanted a newer truck and I wanted to pay for college.” He said he “miss(es) the people but not actual school.”