This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Jostens for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.
With two of my grandchildren graduating from high school last year and two currently in high school, graduation and post-graduation plans have been hot topics around here. As an active grandparent and having raised 4 children of my own, I have learned many lessons about graduation preparation, and want to share my thoughts with you. There are so many things high school students and parents should consider prior to graduation.
It’s never too early to begin making plans. Freshman year is the ideal time to start planning the rest of your high school years, as well as your plans for after high school. Although it is never too late to start preparing for graduation, so don’t lose hope if your graduation date is nearing.
Research your options for after graduation – be it technical school, community colleges or four- year universities. Know the requirements for acceptance into the schools and degree programs you are interested in. Prepare for standardized tests, such as the SAT and ACT. Also, explore available scholarship programs and know the requirements. Most scholarships require community service work, so get started on that as early as possible. Doing volunteer work is also a great way to gain some experience!
I think it is also important to note that your college and career plans don’t have to be set in stone, prior to high school graduation. It’s perfectly normal for teens to change their minds – a lot.
Students: Don’t overwhelm yourself in high school. While it’s important to challenge yourself, you don’t want to be overwhelmed. Take advantage of dual enrollment opportunities that will earn you college credits while still in high school, and take challenging classes. Just make sure that you don’t take on so much that your grades suffer. That GPA matters when it’s time to apply for scholarships and colleges. Although studies are important, remember to have fun while in high school. You’ll have to be grown up soon enough post-graduation.
Parents: high school graduation and college can be a costly time. I encourage you to help your students find financial aid programs, and apply for a lot of scholarships. The cost of graduation photos, invitations, class rings and parties adds up fast. Start budgeting for these things early in your child’s senior year, if not sooner.
One of your options for high school rings is Jostens. Since Otto Josten created the first class ring in 1906, they have been empowering people to connect to important traditions, people, places and experiences throughout their lives.
We have been exploring the class rings by Jostens, in particular the Luxe and ShadowCast collections found on the Jostens website. The on trend designs are so stylish and unique. One of the best features is how customizable the Jostens class rings are – great to memorialize your personal high school experience or even design one together with a group of classmates or teammates. Varsity cheer has been a huge part of my granddaughter Becca’s high school years, so it would be great to design a ring for her and her teammates.
Below is a screenshot of the custom Serenity style ring we designed. It’s just lovely!
Josten’s legacy was built upon the handmade quality and personal service that helps people etch their unique memories and accomplishments into timeless, custom pieces.
If you have a high school student or recent graduate of your own, I encourage you to check out Jostens class rings.
What are some of your tips for high school grads and their parents?
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
December 15, 2014 at 12:43 PMI never bought a class ring when I was in high school. My step son is a senior and has little interest, either.
Debbie Denny says
December 15, 2014 at 1:53 PMPlanning should start early. I love the ring designs.
Jaime says
December 15, 2014 at 3:46 PMWe started a college fund and a savings account for our son when he was born. It’ll definitely come in handy as he gets older.
Pam says
December 15, 2014 at 4:44 PMMy daughter got a Jostens’s class ring and loved it. It was a great investment.
Liz Mays says
December 15, 2014 at 6:09 PMThe customization is really cool on that website. I’ve never seen anything like it!
Kecia says
December 15, 2014 at 6:15 PMI had a class ring when I graduated high school. I haven’t worn it in years, but it stayed on my finger from the time I got it until my sophomore year of college.
Dawn says
December 15, 2014 at 8:08 PMThose class rings are gorgeous. When I was in school, class rings were so boring.
Jennifer says
December 15, 2014 at 8:44 PMThese rings are gorgeous. They’re so striking.
Stefany says
December 15, 2014 at 10:13 PMI still own my class ring. I loved it and it still looks great.
Ann Bacciaglia says
December 15, 2014 at 10:26 PMI still have my class ring from high school. It can be a great memento to look back at when you are older.
jeanine says
December 15, 2014 at 10:51 PMClass rings are a great idea. I never would think to get a class ring, they aren’t too big here but I love the idea!
Theresa says
December 16, 2014 at 12:12 AMI like how they have made them much smaller from when I was in high school. I remember all the girls having to order big, gaudy rings. I like they are dainty and girly now!
Christie says
December 16, 2014 at 10:32 AMWow, high school rings have really come a long way. Such pretty designs now!
Angie | Big Bear's Wife says
December 16, 2014 at 10:43 AMooo That Serenity style ring is just beautiful! I wish our class rings had looked like that!
Amber C. says
December 16, 2014 at 12:02 PMI loved my class ring but it got stolen last year when we got broken into while we were out of town for the Holidays. My niece will be in High School soon and I can’t wait to help her pick out her class ring! Hope they’re as beautiful as that!
Chrystal @ YUM eating says
December 16, 2014 at 2:09 PMWe didn’t have dual enrollment when I was in high school. If we did, I sure didn’t know. We did have DECA through the marketing and business classes which allowed us to leave school an hour early to go to work. I did that program for my senior year. It worked out well.
Donna says
December 16, 2014 at 9:29 PMMy parents didn’t have much money so they couldn’t help me with college and they were also ignorant to all the ways to help me get financial aid and scholarships. So I finally graduated college 12 years after I graduated college and paid for it all myself. My husband and I will help our son do everything to be prepared and have every financial aid and/or scholarship to pay for his college taken care of for him.
chrysa says
December 16, 2014 at 10:58 PMLove your post for parents and high school students. I’m amazing at how beautiful the class rings are these days. They have changed a lot over the year.s
Emily says
December 16, 2014 at 11:46 PMI will share this with my mom. She still has one in high school and one in middle!
Veronica says
December 17, 2014 at 12:46 AMI never bough a class ring, but sometimes I wish I had. These are really beautiful
Kiwi says
December 17, 2014 at 4:05 AMHigh school was a decade ago for me. I never actually got a class ring (because I hate the high school I was transferred to) but this is awesome!
Amanda says
December 17, 2014 at 12:39 PMI have my class ring from high school and it’s a great memento of those years. These rings are really beautiful!
Fee Roberts says
December 18, 2014 at 5:47 PMNeither one of my daughters wanted to walk to receive their diploma, or wanted a ring. They hated the school they were in and said it would only be a reminder of the worst time in their lives. I was disappointed, of course. I always dreamed of watching them graduate but I sure didn’t want to force them for my gratification. Now my oldest daughter has children, so I’m wondering how she will feel about the whole graduating thing when her children are ready.
Heather in VA says
December 18, 2014 at 6:56 PMThe new class rings are so pretty. I wish I had gotten a college class ring. Nearly 20 years on do you think it’s too late?
Felicia says
December 19, 2014 at 10:00 PMGood tips for all! I am a high school counselor and I agree that you have to start planning as soon as your feet enter the high school doors.
Jennifer Herman says
December 23, 2014 at 12:55 PMThis blog is very informative – thanks for the thoughts.
Natalie Brown says
December 24, 2014 at 1:53 AMSuch a good point on finding financial aid and applying for lots of scholarships. There are many more than people think. I was even chosen to receive one at my age. lol I think, Josten’s is the best class ring company. They even make the Superbowl rings. Pretty cool!
Michelle Washburn says
December 27, 2014 at 7:16 PMJostens takes care of all our school needs including purchasing my sons cap and gown for graduation this year.
Kristina Kohler says
December 27, 2014 at 7:25 PMWe do not spend money on class rings. My kids rather have other stuff for getting ready for college.
Cynthia C says
December 28, 2014 at 7:47 AMYou really can’t start too early to save for college. Student loans are such a burden for kids and are best avoided if possible.
Brigid OHara Koshko says
December 28, 2014 at 9:39 AMGreat ideas! My son is in 7th grade and the schools are already pushing them to consider taking as many AP classes now to graduating early (10 or 11th grade) to do dual enrollment (college and high school.) We are already looking into scholarships (sports and academic) just to get a head start. Time flies and I don’t want to lose out on any opportunities.