High School Graduation 2024

GRADUATION

A special publication of the May 15, 2024

From the Hartselle Enquirer

D HARTSELLE HIGH SCHOOL

Dear Class of 2024 Senior,

As the principal of Hartselle High School, it is my honor and privilege to extend my heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of you on this momentous occasion – your graduation day. You have earned the right to join thousands of other Hartselle High alumni in graduating from this amazing school.

Today marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. You have overcome challenges, embraced opportunities, and demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity. Your achievements reflect not only your academic excellence but also your character, integrity, and strength of character.

As you stand on the threshold of a new chapter in your lives, I want to encourage you to reflect on the journey that has brought you to this point. Cherish the memories you have created, the friendships you have forged, and the lessons you have learned along the way. These experiences will serve as a solid foundation for the future endeavors that lie ahead.

As you embark on the next phase of your journey, whether it be pursuing higher education, entering the workforce, or exploring other paths, remember the values that Hartselle High School has instilled in you. Strive for excellence in all that you do, remain open to new opportunities, and continue to uphold the principles of integrity, respect, and compassion.

As you spread your wings and soar into the world beyond our school walls, know that you carry with you the pride and support of the entire Hartselle High School community. We believe in you, we are proud of you, and we have every confidence that you will go on to achieve great things.

Congratulations, Class of 2024. May your futures be filled with success, happiness, and fulfillment.

On the cover:

Minister

MinisterofChildren:

W ishing the best today and always. Don’t neglect your eye health. If your vision is clear, then you can see your goals.

Dr. Susan M. Persall

hartselleeyecare.net

“I thank my God ever y time I remember you In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your par tnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will car r y it on to completion until the day of Chr ist Jesus.” Philippians 1:3-6 (NLT)

FALKVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

DANVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

Explore these college savings strategies

Enrolling in a trade school or college is widely considered the next step after a student graduates from high school. College is especially popular.

Finding ways to pay for higher education has long been a goal for students and their families. PrepScholar, a college testing preparation resource, calculates that, by 2033, students can expect to pay around $237,000 at in-state public universities and $464,000 at private colleges or universities for four-year degrees. That high cost is why so many families take proactive steps to set aside funds for college soon after their children are born. No matter the situation, taking the steps to plan and save helps to make schooling more affordable.

529 college savings plan

A 529 is a specialized savings account for college and university costs. Most plans can be opened by a U.S. citizen or resident alien age 18 and older. The individual opening the account can be a parent, grandparent, cousin, or even a friend. The student is the beneficiary of the account. Four-year schools, community colleges and vocational/trade schools accept 529 accounts as payment sources. The only requirement is that the school must participate in the U.S. Department of Education student financial aid programs.

Education savings account, or Education IRA

The financial experts at Ramsey Solutions say an ESA works like a Roth IRA but it is designed specifically for education expenses. Indi-

viduals can invest up to $2,000 (after tax) per year, per child. The account grows tax-free. The rate of growth varies based on investments in the account. Ramsey estimates that at an average return rate of 12 percent on a $36,000 investment ($2,000 per year for 18 years) would grow to around $126,000 by the time the child starts college. An ESA also can be used to pay for K-12 private school tuition, school supplies, tutoring, or textbooks. It also can be transferred to a sibling if the money is not needed for a particular student.

UTMA/UGMA plan

This plan is different from ESAs and 529s because it is not specifically designed for college savings. The Uniform Transfer/Gift to Minors Act is in the child’s name but is controlled by a guardian until the child reaches age 18 or 21. This mutual fund account can be used to save for college with reduced taxes, or funds can be used for other expenses, such as a car or housing.

Advanced placement classes

AP classes allow high school students to take college-level courses that can be converted into college credits. Each AP class reduces the need to pay for a class in college. This can add up to some significant savings. In addition, performing well in AP classes may make students more attractive to colleges and universities, helping students to earn academic scholarships. Saving for college can start early and there are various vehicles for families to explore.

BREWER HIGH SCHOOL

DDear A.P. Brewer High School Class of 2024, Congratulations on completing this important milestone in your lives! I am very proud of each of you and who you have become. You have represented yourselves, your families, Brewer High School, and Morgan County Schools exceptionally well.

Being your Principal for the past three and a half years has been one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life. Watching you grow and overcome various challenges throughout high school makes me eager to see where you will end up as adults. I look forward to celebrating all of your many successes.

I will leave you with the advice given to many graduating classes: Do not focus on life’s negative aspects, but rather keep your focus forward and lean on the positives you are blessed to have. Keep your eyes up, focus on your goals, and know that you control the decisions you make every day.

To quote Dr. Seuss, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”

Congratulations from all of Brewer High School. We are excited about what your future holds.

Sincerely,

PRICEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

Class of 2024,

CIt has been my pleasure and privilege to serve as your principal this year. Most of you, I was lucky enough to meet when you were in 8th grade and some of you, I have known since you have been old enough to attend school. You have worked very hard and persevered through much adversity to achieve many of your academic goals.

Our school and community is stronger because of your efforts to make a lasting impression on everything that you set out to do. Myself, along with all our faculty, can’t wait to see you reap the rewards of your time spent learning to love the process of learning and high achievement. We are proud to say that you have exemplified our core values of Responsibility, Integrity, Fidelity, and Ingenuity.

It is with great honor that we at Priceville High School, send you out into your next endeavor, and we know that you will remember that challenges are meant to be overcome, and excellence is the standard to set for yourself. Go Bulldogs!

Your friend, Mr. Shane Hopkins

Cl a ss of 2024 Congratulations

Congratulations 2024 Falkville Graduates

“How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these.” George Washington Car ver

Ellie Cate Hill

Daughter of Councilman

Alton Hill & Christy Hill

Lynsley Madison Jo Hayes

Daughter of Josh & Danielle Hayes

(employee of TOF)

Town of Falkville

Mayor Ken Winkles, Councilmen Brandon Dillard, Alton Hill, Charlie Gover, Patrick Holmes, and David Carroll