High school memories often come flooding back: walking through crowded hallways, the familiar aroma of the lunchroom, the excitement of Friday night football, and the rhythm of band camp. We remember dissecting frogs in science class, working hands-on in the wood and welding shops, and the mix of pride and nerves in the locker room. There were cheers echoing during pep assemblies, the hum of instructional videos in classrooms, and the warmth of sunlit rooms or the sweat of athletic competition. Graduation is a powerful milestone. It marks the culmination of grade school, the beginning of post-secondary opportunities, and the continuation of a lifelong journey of learning.

On May 22 and 23, Marshalltown High School seniors will take part in Senior Decision Days by declaring their next steps after graduation. These decisions reflect the diversity of our student body and include military enlistment, attending a 4-year private or public university, enrolling in a 2-year college, entering the workforce, pursuing post-secondary training in or outside of Iowa, and for some, still exploring their options.

This journey began back in 8th grade, when students were first asked to reflect on their strengths and areas of career interest. They visited the high school to explore elective courses that aligned with those interests and offered hands-on learning experiences. As they progressed, students engaged in work-based learning and visited local businesses to gain real-world exposure to various career pathways. These experiences have helped prepare them to be Bobcat Career and College Ready.

Today’s students are looking for more than just a paycheck. They want careers that offer meaningful experiences, a healthy work-life balance, and time to focus on their personal well-being. After four years of career exploration, interest inventories, and focused coursework, Marshalltown High School students are now making important decisions about the post-secondary training required to achieve their goals. These next steps may include college, vocational or technical training, apprenticeships, or on-the-job learning.

At the same time, many students are weighing the financial realities of continuing their education. The average cost of attending a two-year college in Iowa is $10,950 per year, including tuition, fees, room, and board. For a four-year college, the average annual cost is $27,146. The possibility of accumulating student debt is a valid concern.

On May 29, MHS graduates will be awarded scholarships to help fund their post-secondary plans. In May 2024, MHS students were awarded an impressive $1,060,440 in scholarships. Sixty percent of graduates indicated they planned to continue their education, but nationally, only 40 percent will remain in school and complete their degrees. That financial gap remains a real concern for many families.

Fortunately, through our partnership with Marshalltown Community College (MCC), MHS students have access to college-level coursework that transfers to universities. The Marshalltown Community School District invests approximately $400,000 each semester to support this advanced learning opportunity. Many of these courses are offered through career academies in nursing, welding, automotive, and construction.

So far, 21 MHS students have earned Associate’s Degrees from MCC. Many others have accumulated enough credits to begin college as sophomores. In addition, three students earned diplomas in career-technical programs such as welding and automotive. Sixty students completed the Nurse Aide course, and 32 completed the ServSafe and Culinary Apprentice program. These students are well-prepared to either advance their training or step directly into the workforce beyond the entry level.

The Class of 2025 is entering a world filled with opportunities, and with the right education or technical training, they can achieve their goals. According to the World Economic Forum, the average employee changes jobs 12 times before the age of 55. As employers continue to seek individuals with advanced technical and interpersonal skills, our graduates must be ready to adapt and grow throughout their careers.

During their time at MHS, the Class of 2025 has developed the social and emotional skills necessary to face an ever-evolving world. It has been an honor to serve this class, and I am incredibly proud of each and every student. While the future may feel uncertain, it is also full of promise. Congratulations to the Marshalltown High School Class of 2025!

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Justin Boliver is the Marshalltown High School Principal for the Marshalltown Community School District. He can be reached at jboliver@marshalltown.k12.ia.us. Learn more by visiting www.marshalltown.k12.ia.us.