Muhlenberg Class of 2025 move to next 'journey'

Yahoo

24-05-2025

Michelle Burden, 17, said that from a young age that she wanted to be a soldier.
'I actually have a paper from when I was in kindergarten, I think, and I was in a little OCP (Operational Camouflage Pattern) dress. It's the uniform, but it was a dress. And it (the paper) said that when I grow up, I want to be 'an army' (soldier),' she said.
Burden walked the line Friday night as a member of Muhlenberg County High School's (MCHS) class of 2025, and, she said, she's also taking one step closer to her kindergarten dream.
'I am so nervous,' Burden said. 'Next month I leave for basic training for the Army, so, I'm extra nervous because this means I'm pushing forward into a new journey.'
Assistant Principal Jill Stewart said that this year's graduation is commemorated by changes and transitions for the students.
'This class is going to be the first ones to graduate from the consolidated high school. Students moved from what was East and West to here, and they are the first class who did all four years here,' Stewart explained. 'And then, of course, this is our principal, Ken Carver's, last year, and his daughter graduates, too. So, there's a lot of big moments or a lot of, you know, big things. Big changes.'
The class of 2025's valedictorian Jacob Whitehouse also understands that changes are happening. The 18-year-old is planning to enroll at Murray State University in the fall to major in engineering and physics with the goal of becoming a professional engineer.
He said he's thankful that his hard work in high school paid off and allowed him to become class valedictorian, and that he spent some great moments going to the state championship with the academic team his sophomore year.
'I was a little nervous at first (for graduation), but now that I'm here, I really just feel excited and ready for it,' Whitehouse said.
Stewart provided some words of wisdom to the class of 2025 as they prepared for their next season of life.
'It's OK if you don't know what you want to do right now. You'll figure it out eventually,' Stewart said. 'For some of you, it will take a little longer, and some of you will automatically know what you want to do, but it's OK if you don't know, too.'
She closed by offering her former students, who she describes as 'phenomenal' and 'talented,' one more valuable piece of advice.
'One thing I always tell kids is to stay home as long as you can with Mom and Dad to give you mental support, monetary support,' Stewart said.'Stay as long as you can because you always have time. You're going to grow up anyway. So, don't rush it. You're rushing to graduate, and then you're going to be like, oh my gosh! Now, what's next?'