While attending college I will be able to finally start the rest of my life.”

Tyler Potter, Florence High School Senior

FUSD High School Graduation

Details about graduation and all events leading up to commencement can be found on the FUSD website at www.fusdaz.com.

As the Class of 2023 prepares to graduate high school next month, there is a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation among the students. Despite the challengers of the past few years, the graduates from Florence High School, San Tan Foothills and Poston Butte are looking forward to what lies ahead

“The biggest thing I am looking forward to after graduation is starting my career. While attending college I will be able to finally start the rest of my life,” Florence High School senior Tyler Potter said. “Making this leap from high school to college will be the biggest challenge I have faced.”

Potter will be attending Northern Arizona University where he will be majoring in mechanical engineering.

Many FUSD high school graduates are planning to pursue higher education with the goal of landing a fulfilling and rewarding career. According to a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the most popular majors for college graduates in 2023 are expected to be in business, engineering, computer science and health sciences. These fields have been in high demand for several years and are projected to continue to grow in the years ahead.

For many students, college is a pathway to a better future. In a survey of college-bound high school seniors conducted by the Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA, 84% of respondents said they believe college will help them become employed by a prestigious company that will provide financial security.

Additionally, 67% of respondents said they believe college will help them make a positive contribution to society.

“High school has allowed me to learn about myself and grow as a person. Through all the challenges I faced in the classroom and the friendships I have made, I took a valuable lesson away from each experience,” said Florence High School senior Farrah-Adhan Muhammad.

Muhammad will be attending Yale University to study political science.

Pursuing higher education is not the only option for high school graduates. Some are choosing to enter the workforce directly, either through full-time employment or through apprenticeships or vocational training program. Some have opted to serve in the military. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 30% of high school graduates do not immediately enroll in college.

Beyond career goals, 2023 graduates also are looking forward to a sense of independence and freedom, with high school graduation representing the first step toward adulthood and the ability to make their own decisions.

“During my years at Florence, I have learned many lessons that I will carry forward into my life after graduation,” said Florence High School senior Lainey Wallace. “As I move onto college at Pima Medical, I will take with me the responsibility that I have learned and how to cherish and enjoy every moment. I am looking forward to starting something new and becoming more independent.”

Along with looking toward the future, seniors also are looking back at their years in high school with fondness.

“These last 4 years have been life changing,” said San Tan Foothills High senior Avery Zunker.  “I’ve made so many memories with amazing people.  I know I wouldn’t have met these people or made these memories anywhere else.”

Rita Ann Ezzai Reznick is the director of public relations for the Florence Unified School District.