In addition to the everyday curriculum material, high school classes have a much bigger goal at hand: to prepare their students for after graduation. Life s

kills are taught and emphasized in ways students may or may not realize. RCHS is one of the first rungs on the ladder to success that their students are on. The options are endless for seniors after receiving their diploma in May, and many are in the process of deciding which path is best for them. 

While some may be influenced by their families, financial situations, or comfortability, many RCHS seniors have been impacted by the courses, extracurricular, or programs offered by the school. In a poll surveying seniors’ post-graduation plans, 50% said they were planning on attending a 4-year college or university. Out of that 50%, over 60% said th

at programs or classes at RCHS have influenced their decision.

Sarah Allen, a student in Mrs. Wright’s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) class has seen her potential for nursing grow through the nursing program.

“Mrs. Wright’s CNA class has been one of the biggest influences in pursuing a career in the medical field,” said Allen. “As of right now I am planning to become a ICU or CCU Nurse Practitioner after attending college,”

Allen emphasizes the impact the nursing program at RCHS has had on her post-graduation decision and leaves words of wisdom for younger students interested in a similar field.

“We have so many classes at RCHS that can help you get ahead, so use them. Take EMT, Nurse Aide, Anatomy and Physiology, Psychology, and others like them,” said Allen.

Seniors Abby Brooks and Grey Hackman have discovered a love for teaching while at RCHS, through the impact their teachers and subjects have had on them.

“My World History classes made me realize that I want to teach history, specifically World/Religion history centered classes,” said Brooks. “US History and ENG 11 and 12, along with every single band class that I’ve taken has really inspired me to be a teacher, but I think that all of my history classes have made huge impacts on what and how I want to teach,”

Hackman is hoping to pursue a similar path to Brooks, inspired by teachers such as Dr. Hayslette and the safe space a teacher can provide for students.

Classes are not the only factor that have persuaded seniors. Extracurriculars and other programs offered at RCHS also have a big impact on students in the long run. Gianna McKeeman, the creator of Food For Thought, RCHS’s food pantry is now exploring a career path in non-profit organizations.

“I always knew that I wanted to do something that had some type of genuine impact on the world,” said McKeeman. “Being involved in non-profit organization is the best way to do this and I only realized that after my experience in creating and maintaining Food for Thought.”

The options are limitless, so it’s never too early to begin exploring RCHS’s programs and class offerings to start discovering different career paths. For more information about post-graduation options, contact Ms. van Ravenswaay, RCHS’s college support counselor.