High school graduates in Adams County have already been lining up for commencement exercises in the past few days, with more to come in the next few weeks.
Many college-bound students are watching their older colleagues graduate from college where the splashdown into the real world begins in earnest.
Recent survey results compiled by Harris Interactive on behalf of CareerBuilder shows just a bit of good news given 46 percent of employers said they plan to hire recent college graduates, as compared to 44 percent last year. That is very good news in the face of high unemployment.
To our graduates, we say take these upticks where you can find them and be optimistic.
And for those taking notes, the survey indicates the most sought after graduates will be for IT, customer service, finance, accounting and marketing. Further remember that strong written and verbal communications, technical skills and leadership combined with internships, part-time work in chosen fields and volunteer work make for a package of success.
Of course, we know many 2011 high school graduates have also chosen other challenging and rewarding paths involving military service or going directly into the work force. So to all our graduates, we say congratulations for your hard work, we wish you great success.
It’s been an interesting year for all schools in Adams County. A leadership change in Adams County District 50 means more uncertainty for the future. Massive budget cuts in all districts have caused teachers, administrators, students and parents to worry. Yet, through it all, most schools continue to produce quality students, and we’re amazed and impressed with some of the students we read about in our graduation section. When we hear about these students, our hope for the future is always bright.
So once again congratulations graduates. Keep making us proud.
Today we glimpse glimmers of hope in statistics, while we recognize powerful promise in our Class of 2011.