Orange and black balloons with streamers line the walkway leading to the intimidating stage that high school graduates walk across every year, time after time. Parents, relatives, and friends fill the room wearing an odd combination of tears and smiles across their faces and a class of 2014 pamphlet gripped in their palms. Teachers quickly walk in and get seated in their correct arrangement. The entire room takes a breath then watch as the glowing, soon to be graduates, walk down the aisle.

Sitting at graduation feels oddly surreal to Middletown High School junior, Megan Runnells. She can see the joy and accomplishment is every student’s expression that crosses over the stage in a black gown, styled with a cap and appropriate cords. Now she knows it’s her turn to work toward that big stage and bright future.

Junior year is said to be the hardest year for high school students. Colleges look at the grade 11 as final transcripts and if they are not up to par then it could affect chances for certain colleges.

Andrew Klingensmith, MHS junior, said that having a lot of hard classes’ junior year makes it tough to keep your grades steady, let alone be “good enough for competitive schools”.

MHS junior, Peter Heon, added “if you have a successful junior year, you can have fun senior year.”

High school preaches that they prepare young adults to be ready for life beyond grade 12. Students now realize how beneficial the schooling system can be. When asked to answer honestly, MHS junior, Sami Breeze, said “They’ve always pushed me to do better”.

Students trying to apply to college seek guidance within the schooling system. Guidance counselor’s give planning options and techniques to help relieve the various stresses every junior has when getting ready for the future.

Bradley George, MHS guidance counselor, said “I think the most stressful thing about applying to college is finding that balance between competition and admission and what the student can successfully manage.”

He adds that students need to “jump on looking for schools as soon as possible”, yet take the time to make an accurate decision and not rush through the entire applying process.

Challenges can arise while considering colleges. Cost, location, size, and atmosphere are massive aspects to consider when visiting and determining what school to attend.

MHS juniors, Mason Machak and Dalton Russo, said that the applying process is the most nerve-racking and stressful part of the entire experience.

Trevor McClure, MHS junior, adds that the expensive costs of schools are what are affecting his options for colleges.

Students who have thought out a basic plan for after high school are now focusing on senior year, the best time of high school. The work has been done, and now all students have to do is make memories with their class.

MHS junior, Matt Lynch, said “I can’t wait for pep rallies and for the senior class to come together as one”. He also added that the Middletown baseball team should be number one.

Heon, said he wishes for “success in sports and in the classroom”.

Maddie Houck, MHS junior, said “The senior class is going bond next year over so many things.  Everyone is going through the same emotions and hardships. Pep rallies, picnics, fundraising events, senior lock-ins, and spirit events are all possible if we’re all in this together”.