With only a few weeks left of school, the class of 2026 are preparing to graduate. After four long years of high school, they are finally ready to take the next step.

For some, this may mean college—others, a gap year. Some may not choose to go to school at all and instead make the decision to head straight into the workforce, and others might choose to go into a trade. Whatever their decisions may be, come May, most seniors at Mooresville High School will officially graduate.

Heading into summer, many seniors have already made plans in preparation for their futures. Senior Taylor Friend, who plans to become an electrician, offers some advice to anyone who plans to pursue this same path.

“It’s a little bit confusing and somewhat difficult to get into a trade if you don’t know someone currently in a trade. I would recommend that students find a connection in the community,” Friend said.

On the flip side, senior Sebastian Casteel has plans to attend Purdue University’s West Lafayette campus in the fall. He plans to learn more about his major through self-study ahead of his first semester. He also has some advice for students intending to attend college.

“Try to keep up to date with all of the college applications and deadlines, and don’t do them last minute. Having the extra time to review your applications can really be the difference between getting into a college and getting rejected,” Casteel said.

Social studies teacher Michael Butler has advice for graduating seniors on their way to college for the fall semester.

“My advice is to get as involved as you can, because people aren’t going to come seek you out to get you to do stuff. The more involved you are, the more fun you’ll have in college,” Butler said.