Seniors and College Destinations

Story By: Tristen Heldstab

With only five months left this school year, EHS seniors are making one of the biggest decisions of their lives: “Where am I going to college?” Some students have had a plan since freshman year, others are still undecided but are narrowing down their choices as their final year of high school comes to an end. 

In response to a Google form sent out to the class of ‘21, most of the class is planning to stay in state for their upcoming school year. Over half of the responses were students saying that they were going to attend KU in the fall. Other students decided to branch out and attend schools like K-State, Emporia, Fort Hays, or JCCC. Seniors, Caitlin Beets, Malachi Baron, and Travis Bohnenblust have all said they plan to stay in state not only because it’s close to home, but their tuitions are cheaper here than out of state.

“I didn’t necessarily stay in state to stay close to home, but more for in-state tuition,” Bohnenblust explained. 

 For reference, KU’s in-state tuition is $11,116, while an out of state kid would be paying $28,304. By staying in the Sunflower State, students are saving thousands of dollars to attend schools at home. Other ways students are saving money is with scholarship opportunities. Senior Malachi Baron was offered a cheer scholarship to MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, KS. Baron plans to major in kinesiology at MNU alongside his cheerleading career. 

Those who didn’t want to stay in Kansas are heading out to schools across the states. One senior, Skylar Hartley, isn’t even staying in the U.S. for college, she plans to do a few years at JCCC and then will be headed to Ontario College of Art & Design. Meanwhile, some students wanted to go right next door to Missouri, while others wanted to go south and plan to attend schools in Oklahoma and Texas. Bryce Prawl, Sr., has decided she is going to Oklahoma State University to study early childhood education.

“I picked OSU because everyone treats you like family. All the people there are so welcoming and so kind. The campus is absolutely beautiful with so many amenities, clubs, and activities you can be a part of. I just couldn’t see myself going anywhere else. I just fell in love with the university on my first visit,” Prawl said. 

She also explained that living away from home will give her a chance to grow up and get a sense of the real, adult world. 

“I decided to go out of state for college because I kind of wanted an opportunity to live on my own. I think that it will be a really good learning opportunity for me, and it allows me to step out of my comfort zone and become a little more independent,” she said.

Another Senior who has signed out of state is Dylan Coleman. Coleman signed to Southwest Baptist in Bolivar, Missouri and will be a part of the school’s cheer and STUNT team. Coleman will be about three hours away from home but isn’t too worried about creating a new home next door.  

“I picked this school because it felt like a home away from home. Coming from a small school, I wanted a smaller place, but still get a new experience. Being out of state is going to provide me with meeting even more people. I didn’t really choose it because it was out of state, I chose it because it felt like a big family.” Coleman plans to major in secondary English education and a minor in journalism. 

As time runs out and we near the end of senior year, we are faced with one of the biggest decisions for our futures and it’s the first big step into adulthood.

Good luck Class of 2021!

Photos By: Tristen Heldstab

Photo Courtesy: Dylan Coleman, Bryce Prawl