Some are firm and forthright in their determination, and seem to be in first gear, halfway out the door; they know where they are going, what they want to be. Others are in neutral, keeping options open, waiting for life’s dealer to spread out all the cards.

Nearby Lord Fairfax Community College has a strong matriculation program just recently adding the College of William and Mary to their list. Students who garner their associates degree with acceptable grades can make an easy transition into several state schools their junior year like the University of Mary Washington, James Madison University and others.

The number reporting that they will simply go to work is 18. For some, it may mean formal education has ended, period. Others, however, may work for a year or two and then come back to the Next Step program looking for advice and help on resuming studies.

This and other information comes from advisor Miranda Hope, who coordinates the Next Step Program, Rappahannock County College and Career Access Program.

Hope pointed out that the grant was designed to help students from lower income families. "For many", she said, "money is the issue, even at community colleges, which accept federal aid forms, offer no-interest payment plans, and have classes for $72.50 per credit hour."

Forty-three of the graduates checked the box indicating community college is ahead for them. Said Hope, "community college is a great place for those not ready to leave home, who don’t feel ready to do college-level work, or who are unsure of their finances."

At least three in the class of ’08 have impressed Ms. Hope with outstanding ability, very high grades, obvious energy, and clear goals --- and yet have no plans for the Fall. Why? Hope explained that they just plan to take a year off, and considers it a good idea.

"Many Deans of Admission", she said, "at even the most prestigious colleges, Harvard, for example, advise students to take a year off between high school and college." Go out and travel, see the real world for a bit, is the suggestion.

The survey of the seniors’ plans contained this surprise: no one taking up arms. No one has indicated that he or she is pointing toward the armed forces.

Among the 76 percent of the class of ’08 who plan to go on to further studies, many are the first in their families to do so. This has a certain benefit that Miranda Hope identifies: it breaks the ice for younger siblings, sets an example, changes the family pattern.

Rocio Loya is one of those who is the first in her family to go on with an education. Ms. Loya has been accepted at the University of Virginia and was awarded a full scholarship --- "a full free ride" – as it is called. Four years tuition, room and board and expenses. The university saw a student with need, and granted the scholarship.

Matt Wiese plays the saxophone in the Rappahannock County High jazz band and has put down that he will enroll in Lord Fairfax Community College. For Matt, the future is wide open --- no specific career plans. His mother Margaret, after the jazz band concert last weekend, said she hopes her son will move on to a four-year program some time later.

Another jazz band saxophonist, Brandon Lee, also has in mind "basic studies", as his dad Brian put it. Brandon’s mother Annie said she wants him "to be the best of whatever he chooses to be."

Maeghan Boucher has firm plans to be in the saddle. In the saddle aboard her barrel-racing quarter horse "Doc". Maeghan will travel farther from home than most of her classmates, attending National American University in Rapid City, South Dakota. She will major in equine management.

For students, parents and community educators, it may be many years before the full value of the Next Step program is understood in Rappahannock County. For the first time in its history the high school has a program and an individual devoted full time to helping youngsters, pointing the way, propelling them forward, showing how the forms work, where the financial aid is, illuminating the application process, providing inspiration. It may well be that this week’s graduates have to show up decades hence with their own children in tow and careers in full flower before the community fully grasps the return on the investments, the funding that makes Next Step possible.

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