As part of the Freshman Seminar series, nine Tyrone Area High School graduates returned to 1001 Clay Avenue to talk to the 9^th Grade Class about life after high school. The Friday, December 10, 2014 event took place during students’ first period advisory period.

“[Retired TAHS English teacher] Mr. Merryman always said ‘Life sucks. Then you die,’ so my advice to 9^th graders is make the most of the life you’re given!” Bethany Harker, a history major at Penn State Altoona, told students.

Karah Postreich, a criminology major at Mount Aloysius College, encouraged students to take advantage of all that post-secondary education has to offer “because you’re paying for it.”

“I’m at tutor at school. When I was a freshman, I used tutors all the time to get extra practice,” she said. “Now I’m a tutor, and the students aren’t attending sessions. Don’t be like that!”

Like many of her peers on the panel, Lucy Raftery encouraged students to take as many upper-level high school and college classes as possible so that they can be prepared, and sometimes ahead, of their peers.

“I don’t regret doing all I could while I was here,” said Raftery.

Joe Miller, a member of the United States Army, is currently stationed in Texas but was home visiting family over the holiday.

“No matter who you deal with in life–supervisors, professors, bosses, officers,” said Miller. “It’s good advice to ask them questions and let them know you’re trying…and that you’re trying to figure it out.”

Dalton McKeehan is in the first year of an apprenticeship program with the Carpenter’s Union.

“In my program and in life, if you don’t get the work done in eight hours, you stay after until the job’s finished,” said McKeehan. “Last week I worked a 13-hour day until I got done what I needed to.”

Juniata College freshman Levi Putt shared his Juniata College experiences with the 9^th Grade Class the week before.

“At college you’ll meet all kinds of interesting people, and you’ll have the opportunity to join all kinds of clubs. For example, I joined a Star Wars club. It’s really cool,” said Putt.

Sadie Jackson, a human services major at Geneva College, agreed: “My favorite thing about college is the people. My school is really small, so it’s easy to know everyone.”

Kendra Voyzey is studying business/accounting at Lycoming College in Williamsport. She plans to take and pass the Certified Public Accountant test by the end of her senior year, but she still finds time to play soccer.

“That’s one of the reasons I love Lycoming,” said Voyzey. “I can still participate in activities I enjoy.”

Tessa Corle, a Saint Francis University accounting major, told students that she recently pledged to a sorority.

“And now I have 33 sisters. It’s really great,” said Corle.

Ninth Grade Guidance Counselor April Campbell helped organize the event.

Campbell was pleased with outcome and looks forward to inviting graduates back again next year.