COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL MAY 24, 2017 3C
GRADUATION GUIDE FOR SOUTH LANE SCHOOLS
Why it pays to graduate
CGHS:
G
Saturday, June 10
2 p.m. Cottage
Grove High School
Kennedy: Satur-
day, June 10, 10
a.m. Delight Valley
Ace: Friday, June
9th 9:30
raduation ceremonies
and other events that
mark the end of a
school year are rife with tradi-
tion. Students know it is import-
ant to receive their diplomas but
may not have a full understand-
ing of why that piece of paper
can help open so many doors.
Diplomas date back to some
of the earliest schools, but were
also conferred upon land own-
ers in ancient times by kings and
other authority fi gures. Some
military personnel were also
given diplomas to signal land
grants that were not subject to
taxes. Nowadays diplomas take
on a different meaning and vary
depending on where one lives in
the world.
Graduates who complete a
specifi c course of study are is-
sued diplomas. Diplomas were
once written on Italian sheep-
skin. Although "diploma" trans-
lates to "folded papers," paper
was not always an economically
viable medium for diplomas. In
fact, animal skins were used as
recently as the 1950s.
Receiving a degree or diplo-
ma can be a point of pride in
families where older members
may not have had the same edu-
cational opportunities as young-
er members. Many people move
to North America for the educa-
tional opportunities, and a di-
ploma can symbolize taking ad-
vantage of those opportunities.
According to the organiza-
tion Do Something, roughly
20 percent of fi rst-time college
students come from parents
who have a high school diplo-
ma or less. The United States
Department of Education says
high school graduation rates
have increased since the 2006-
2007 school year. Around 80
percent of student who enter
high school now earn a regular
or advanced diploma. Dropout
rates are on the decline, and a
growing number of high school
students continue on to two- or
four-year degrees.
Community colleges are ben-
efi tting from this infl ux of stu-
dents. Various statistics from the
2010-2011 year point to more
than eight million American
students enrolled in community
colleges at that time. Commu-
nity colleges enable students
to take core curriculum credits
at a less expensive institution
and then move on to a four-year
school later on to expand on
their coursework. This presents
a viable option to students who
are looking to keep education
costs manageable.
The reason so many students
continue to apply themselves
and come out after four or more
years with diplomas and de-
grees is that they realize how
competitive the job market can
be. Graduates have a distinct
advantage over other candi-
dates. Some companies will not
even consider a job candidate
who does not possess some col-
lege education. Other employ-
ers pay more depending on the
level of education the job candi-
dates completed. According to
the United States Department of
Labor, employees with a bache-
lor's degree earn about 54 per-
cent more on average than those
who attended college but didn't
fi nish. Workers with advanced
degrees (master's, doctoral, etc.)
can average $20,000 to $30,000
more per year than those with
bachelor's degrees, according to
the U.S. Census Bureau.
Some students, however, will
insist that failure to have a di-
ploma isn't a barrier to success.
For example, Richard Branson,
the billionaire entrepreneur
who owns Virgin Group, did
not graduate high school. But
such people are an aberration.
Typically, earning a high school
diploma and a bachelor's degree
is a key ingredient to landing a
good job and enjoying profes-
sional success.
Students of the Month
of the
YONCALLA
LINCOLN MIDDLE KENNEDY HIGH-
SCHOOL
SCHOOL MIDDLE SCHOOL
Amanda has a
positive outlook
and always does her
work. She’s nice to
everyone and is super
helpful.
Michelle is a model
student:
she’s
always
on-task, is incredibly
responsible, and is kind to
others around her. When it
comes to her schoolwork,
she is diligent and the
amount of eff ort she puts
in is inspiring; she strives
to go above and beyond!
MICHELLE JIMENEZ
Lexi likes to draw and listen
to music. She also likes to
dance. At Lakeview she
played volleyball and was a
cheerleader. Next year she
would like to participate in
these activities at Yoncalla
High School. She likes all
of her teachers and likes
all of her classes. She has
always been good at math!
LEXI
AMANDA MULLEN
ANNETTE SIMARD
2775 Row River Rd • 541-942-4415
bradschevy.com
24 N. Ninth St. • 541-942-2551
COTTAGE GROVE NORTH DOUGLAS
HIGH SCHOOL
HIGH SCHOOL
Savannah is a Junior and has
been very active at CGHS.
She has done a wonderful
job volunteering in the
community, while working
part time. Savannah is also
involved in athletics, band
and theater and has Hosted an
exchange student this year. All
around terrifi c student!.
SAVANNAH DAVIS
Chiropractic M DC
1011 E Main St.
541-942-9031
YONCALLA
HIGH SCHOOL
Tim Claiborne is
involved in FBLA,
National Honor
Society, plays
basketball and is
the Student Council
Treasurer.
TIM CLAIBORNE
TREVOR WEINHOLD
Trevor has been a very active student.
He participated in band and baseball
South Lane County
Fire & Rescue
233 Harrison Ave • 541-942-4439
southlanefi re.org
DRAIN
SAW 541-836-2423
SHOP, INC.
his freshman and was the class
treasurer also. During his sophomore
year he has played football, been a
member of the track team, been a
member of Future Leaders of America
and is the secretary/treasurer for the
sophomore class. Trevor went to state
in FBLA this year. Trevor’s hobbies
include hiking and collecting knives.
His favorite classes are wood shop and
history and his favorite teacher is Mr.
Agee. Trevor is a very helpful young
man around school. He is able to see
when someone needs help without
having to be asked to help. Th e
teachers at Y.H.S. appreciate Trevor’s
great attitude and eff ort. Keep up the
great work Trevor and congratulations
for being Student of the Month.
Cottage Grove Sentinel
116 N. 6th St. • 541-942-3325
www.cgsentinel.com
