Baldwin High School’s class of 2023 will be graduating at 10 a.m. on May 13. Graduation can cause mixed feelings. This year’s class of 2023 has experienced a lot through their 4 years. 

Graduating from high school is a big accomplishment for anyone. It can be exciting to have a senior party, get gifts, and see your relatives as you walk across the stage, but graduating is much more than a big accomplishment. 

It’s an opportunity and starting point for the new life you are going to have to live. There are many ways seniors are taking on their future and different opportunities. 

Senior Caleb Carr will be graduating with the class of 2023. He has been going to Baldwin since 1st grade. He plans to go to college. 

“I’m going to play basketball at MidAmerica Nazarene University,” Carr said.

He enjoyed his experience at Baldwin High School.

“I’ve played 4 sports for most of the time I was here,” Carr said. 

Along with Carr, Kaleigh Griffith is a senior that will be graduating this year. She’s also been going to Baldwin since the first grade. Griffith plans to attend college.

“I’m attending KU in the fall for Biology,” Griffith said. 

She enjoyed her time at Baldwin High School.

“I’ve had a great time at Baldwin,” Griffith said. “It’s been an amazing experience watching my classmates grow up with me and getting to see them change and achieve their goals.”

Like many other students, Griffith is nervous about graduating.

“I’m a little nervous about having to meet all new people when I go to college,” Griffith said. 

College is on future plans for senior Huntler Graham too.

“I plan on attending Kansas State University next fall to study Civil Engineering,” Graham said.

He had a positive experience at Baldwin. 

“I am thankful for the time that I have spent in Baldwin,” Graham said. “I have had many great experiences and friendships that I couldn’t have gotten anywhere else.”

The future is exciting for Graham. 

“While I am sad to be leaving,” Graham said. “I am excited for the next chapter of my life.”

The senior counselor, Reggie Harris will miss the class of 2023. 

“I think what makes this Senior Class special is that it’s my first Senior Class,” Harris said. “They were the first group that I built some pretty good solid relationships with.”

The relationships between the Seniors and Harris will be the most missed part.

“The part that’ll be hard to get over is the fact that I helped them pursue their dreams and goals for two years,” Harris said. “I was able to help them do all the things they wanted to do.” 

Some students have been at Baldwin Schools their whole lives, while others have only experienced Baldwin school for a year or two. 

No matter what, getting a diploma and walking across the stage is a big accomplishment. However, parents may expect you to start taking over your own bills, do more work around the house, and get a job. The work may be stressful and hard but keep persevering and have fun.