THHgrad26

Graduation Keepsake Edition

Tillamook High School

Valedictorian

Jessica Brown

4.6364 GPA

Jessica plans to attend Corban University to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology while throwing on the track & field team. She plans to continue her education to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy.

Salutatorian

Natalia Huston

4.5645 GPA

Natalia plans to attend Oregon State University to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She plans to continue her education to become a doctor.

Neah-Kah-Nie High School

Valedictorian

Viva Summons

During high school, Viva has been involved in NHS, Leos Club Secretary, LINK Crew, Yearbook, Volleyball, and served as the Basketball team manager for two years. She will be graduating with her Associates degree from TBCC in June. Following graduation, Viva plans to attend Pacific University in Forest Grove to study Occupational Therapy. Viva would like to thank Ms. Scott and Mrs. Gores for always being prepared and helpful throughout her time in high school. They always prioritized Viva when she needed help, and it was evident that they were fully invested in her success.

Salutatorian

Yukon Norris-Rivera

During high school, Yukon has been involved in Speech and Debate, Student Council, National Honors Society, and is the President of Leos. She has been a member of National Ocean Sciences Bowl, Future Natural Resources Leaders, and Robotics as well during her time in High School. Following graduation, Yukon plans to attend Reed College in Portland to study political science in order to pursue a career as a policy advisor. Yukon would like to thank Mrs. Gores working with her before school and coaching her through things she thought she couldn’t get through.

Nestucca High School

Nestucca High School is proud to recognize Audrey Gaine and Peyton Olson as the Valedictorian and Salutatorian, respectively, of the Class of 2026. Both students have distinguished themselves through their dedication to academic excellence, perseverance, and commitment to personal growth throughout their high school careers.

Audrey exemplifies the very best of true Bobcat spirit. Through her academic achievement, positive attitude, strong work ethic, and leadership, she has consistently served as a role model for her peers. Her accomplishments both inside and outside the classroom reflect exceptional dedication and character, making her highly deserving of the honor of Valedictorian.

As Salutatorian, Peyton has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to her studies and a determination to succeed in everything she pursues. Her independence, motivation, and perseverance have distinguished her as a leader among her peers and contributed to her many accomplishments throughout her educational journey at Nestucca High School.

The Nestucca High School community is incredibly proud of both Audrey and Peyton for their achievements and the example they have set for others. Their hard work, leadership, and dedication have left a lasting impact on the school, and we congratulate them on this well-earned recognition. We wish both students continued success and happiness as they pursue their future goals and aspirations.

Prepared by Interim Principal Peter Deam

Abigail Prince

Alfonso Esquivel Gomez

AJ Gann

Anikka Merry

Anthony Bramblett

Audrey Finnell

Austin Ingram Harrison

Benjamin Johnson

Braden Brogden

Bryan Pulido Moya

Damian Dodson

Daniela Sanchez Mendez

Dennis Vieyra Lobato

Diego Legorreta Alonso

Dylan Lubacky

Elizabeth Richardson

Evelyn Dix

Fernanda Oseguera Maldonado

Gabriela Rodriguez

Gavin Thompson

Genesis Zarco Huato

Homero Valencia Godinez

Isaac Marquez Benito

Jennifer Valencia Benito

Jonathan Rodriguez Palillero

Kaleb Dunn

Kaylee Smith

Kimberly Gonzalez Mandujano

Kodi Golightly

Konrad Doyle

Kooper Whitehead

Maloree Malcom

Mareli Rodriguez Silva

Mary Nell Gibb

Zackery Bohm Not Pictured

Miley Weathers

Rosco Funkhouser

Richard Alan Davison

Samantha Tebeck

Serina Wheeler Rich

Silvia Bernal

Tanya Herrera Chacon

Financial tips for young professionals

Young adults confront something of a juggling act once they begin their professional lives. For many, that challenge begins with landing and starting a first job, arranging a payment plan for student loans, finding a place to live, and determining savings and personal finance goals. Although entering the workforce and taking a big step toward financial independence can be exciting, it also comes with financial responsibility. Setting a strong financial foundation as early as possible helps establish long-term financial security. These tips can help young professionals manage their money more effectively.

• Take a money management course. Young professionals may be tired of heading to class or making the grade at this point in life, but educat -

ing oneself about some of the basic rules of personal finance can help bridge knowledge gaps in this arena. Many young adults have never been taught the basics of applying for credit and staying out of debt. If you’ve been riding your parents’ financial coattails throughout school, now is the time to learn more, whether it’s through an online course or reading up on the subject.

• Set SMART goals. The acronym SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, and can serve as a roadmap to achieving various goals, including those related to money. Develop a clear plan for your money, which can make it easier to budget and achieve savings-related goals.

• Minimize debt. The Education Data Initiative says university graduates owe an

average of $28,244 on student loans after they leave school, with a monthly payment between $200 and $299. Some graduates have even more debt and higher payments. Managing debt is vital to anyone’s finances. Create a debt repayment plan at the earliest opportunity. With a “snowball” strategy, borrowers pay off their smallest debts first. Once a debt is paid off, the payment amount for that debt is then applied to the next smallest debt, gaining momentum with each payment. The “avalanche” approach involves paying off the debt with the highest interest rate first.

• Aim to pay with cash more often. Unless you can afford to pay off the balance in full every month, using credit cards a lot can contribute to debt accumulation. Buying items with cash or debit will reduce the likelihood of spending

what you don’t have, offers Investopedia.

• Set up an emergency fund. It might be challenging to set aside a lot of money right now when you have an entry-level position and some debt. But setting aside as little

as $1,000 for unexpected life events separate from your own personal savings can shield you from issues that arise from unexpected expenses.

• Participate in employer benefit plans. Look for the various ways that your em -

ployer can help you save money. This may include participating in retirement plans (including those with employer contribution matches), health spending accounts, gym memberships, and additional opportunities.

• Start saving and investing now. According to SmartAsset, if you start investing $150 a paycheck at age 25 and your investments have an average annualized return of 8 percent, after 40 years you’ll have about $1.1 million in your account. Investing the same at age 35 means cutting nearly half of that total simply by procrastinating.

There are many ways young professionals can develop strong financial skills. Working with a certified financial planner also can help young professionals grow wealth over the course of their lives.

How to land a job after graduation

The road to graduation can be long and winding. Graduation often is an exciting time in a person’s life. However, it also may spark some anxiety as newly minted grads prepare to look for jobs and begin their careers.

An unpredictable economic climate coupled with the rising cost of education can make soon-tobe graduates curious about what awaits them after graduation. It typically takes high school graduates 1 to 3 months to secure an entry-level job or part-time work, provided they actively apply to roles requiring no prior experience. For those stepping straight into the workforce without college, the average search usually takes 3 to 6 months to land a position offering a long-term career path. According to the market data report -

ing, a large percentage of college graduates can expect to find jobs within six months of graduation. While the economy can affect how quickly new grads begin their careers, it’s not the only variable that affects where grads go after tossing their caps in the air. Students on the cusp of graduation can employ various strategies to increase their chances of finding a job.

• Start while in school. It’s never too early to think about the hiring process and what can be done to improve your profile as a candidate. Maintain a grade point average that will impress employers, suggests Indeed. Also, part-time jobs and internships in your field will help you gain valuable experience and determine if working in a particular field is a good fit.

• Select an off-peak time to search for a job. Many people start searching and applying for jobs at the same time, typically after graduation ceremonies in December and May. That floods the market with

applicants. Increase the chances your résumé is read by staggering when you apply for jobs and sending out inquiries before you graduate.

• Streamline your résumé. Many companies

receive thousands of applications per position, so it is essential to cater your résumé to the specific job to which you are applying. Include key words that match those in the job listing and will attract the attention of hiring managers. If you do not yet have experience, replace that section on the résumé with your accomplishments or special projects you have worked on.

• Network as much as possible. Many job openings are learned about through personal relationships. Employers may not advertise widely and hope that word of mouth will bring applicants to their doors, or through recommendations from other employees. Reach out to academic advisors, former professors and colleagues in your academic department. Be sure to maintain

these networking relationships.

• Consider growth-stage companies, they tend to hire entry level professionals who do not necessarily have a lot of experience. These are fast-growing companies looking to expand their operations and build company culture.

• Utilize networking social media apps. They enable people to network and make it easy to apply for jobs directly through their sites or apps. There’s even the option to passively apply for jobs by having a résumé uploaded where companies can search and find you if your skills are a match.

Finding a job after graduation is a priority for graduates anxious to begin their careers. Various strategies can help new grads find work sooner rather than later.