Planning for their futures

As part of Owen County’s Senior Signing Day last Friday, 58 students who will graduate next month were honored.

Signing Day has been a significant occasion for many students since 2019 as they declare to the community their chosen career path following graduation.

“Our hope is that every student finds their own path beyond high school, whether that’s in the military, a different job or career or furthering their education and training,” said Principal Betsy Webster in her opening speech.

Families of the graduates were invited to the event, as was the junior class.

“It’s a prideful event for a family to attend and inspiring to the juniors watching because that will be their reality next year,” said parent Ashley Hammond, whose daughter is majoring in biology and attending UK in the fall.

During his speech on pride, former principal Brian Gognat advised students to “take a moment and think about everything you have been through thus far, that got you to this moment.” Gognat went on to say, “We should feel pride for who we are and what we do here in Owen County”.

Out of the 58 students recognized, 33 plan to enroll in college, 21 in a trade school, three in the military, and one will be joining a family business.

Three seniors who will enlist in the US Marine Corps after graduation were signed in front of Ssgt. Davis. Each student has opted for a distinct career path: Jacqueline Mendoza, an aviation mechanic; Landon Lindsey, an infantryman; and Bryler Jackson, a security guard.

Eight graduating seniors will be moving into the dorms this fall as part of the Georgetown College full-tuition Legacy and Legends Scholarship, which is available to high school graduates of four Kentucky counties, including Owen County.

Gognat told each senior in his farewell speech that the future of our community depends on having individuals who support one another in a constructive way and bring individuals together rather than dividing them.