Gearing up for graduation

Gearing up for graduation

With graduation only days away, seniors at Scripps Ranch High School (SRHS) have a lot on their minds. From year-end to what awaits them in the “real world,” emotions are a bit mixed. Two SRHS seniors offered their thoughts as they gear up for graduation, which will take place on Wednesday, June 13 at Viejas Arena, 5500 Canyon Crest Drive.

SRHS senior Benjamin Ruhl said that he is feeling a bit anxious as the end of the school year approaches.

“I would like it to be done as soon as possible,” he said. “It’s going to be nice to have a little bit of a break.”

Classmate Evan Fraser said that, more than anything else, he is feeling nervous.

“It means almost total and complete independence,” he said. “I’m trying to prepare as much as possible for independence and whatever else may come with that.”

Both Ruhl and Fraser agree that it seems most of their classmates are becoming a bit antsy.

“Everything is done,” said Fraser, alluding to the idea that most everyone already has their plans in place for next fall, whether that involves acceptance into a four-year university, community college, securing a job, or a combination.

While the anticipation of finishing high school and moving on to the next chapter of their lives is strong, the senior activities are a source of excitement for the students.

Ruhl said that he is looking forward to commencement activities.

“I’m excited. This is one of the biggest things I’ve ever done, completing high school,” he said.

With roughly 10 guests expected to cheer him on, including family from out of state, Ruhl explained that he is proud to share the occasion with those closest to him.

Fraser echoed this sentiment regarding sharing the occasion with his loved ones.

“I can’t wait for graduation. My parents get to see 18 years of watching me grow up. They’ll get to see me walk across the stage, with the fruits of their labor and mine,” he said. “It’s a very big occasion for everyone in the family. I can’t wait to see how proud my parents are of me. It will be the biggest milestone of my life so far.”

As his next academic goal, Fraser plans to pursue studies in the field of nursing at Sonoma State University, where he will begin classes this fall.

Ruhl has already secured a job for the summer and looks forward to the freedom and independence that comes with earning his own money. He then plans to attend Miramar College for two years in order to figure out what he wants to study and the type of career he would like to pursue before moving on to a university.

The California Promise and San Diego Promise programs, collectively, provide for two years of free tuition for first-time, full-time California community college students, making this option especially attractive for those who may desire more time to figure out their future academic and career path.

As members of the SRHS class of 2018, Ruhl and Fraser are in good company with a very bright group of peers. This year’s class will have 510 graduating seniors, 63 percent of whom will graduate with academic distinction – which denotes a grade point average of 3.5 and above – while 38 percent will graduate with a 4.0 or higher. According to the 2018 U.S. News and World Report “Best High Schools” ranking list, released in May, SRHS ranked in the top 6 percent of high schools in the state of California.

Ruhl offered a final thought as he contemplated graduation and the future.

“All of us are scared to finally be adults, but at the same time, most of us are ready for it,” he said. “People don’t give us enough credit for that. I think it would be good for people to know that we can handle ourselves.”