EDUCATION
Decisions declared Desert Sunrise seniors celebrated their next chapter STORY AND PHOTOS BY MONICA D. SPENCER
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they’re going or what they’re doing or what they’re majoring in, all their paths are super important.” Krigbaum has worked with many of the seniors throughout their four years of high school, helping guide them through applications, planning and major life decisions. Watching them publicly celebrate their futures brought mixed emotions. “It’s kind of emotional,” she said. “You basically work for four years, but mostly their senior year, and you get them to this amazing point. To kind of send them off is amazing.” With those big life transitions just weeks away, a few seniors shared what they are most excited for and where they plan to attend college.
OR DESERT SUNRISE HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS, COLLEGE Decision Day was about more than announcing where they plan to continue their education. It was a celebration of their next step into adulthood.
Inside the school gymnasium, students crossed center court while classmates, teachers and family members applauded plans that included universities, community colleges and career pathways. College and Career Counselor Allie Krigbaum said the event mirrors the excitement often seen during athletic signing ceremonies but focuses on recognizing every student’s journey after graduation. “Not a lot of kids get athletic scholarships,” Krigbaum said. “We wanted to make sure to celebrate all of them, because no matter where
Tuition-Free Public Charter
4 Day School Week
Samantha Morgan Arizona State University
I’m going to ASU for a community health major. I’m going to head into radiology after that, because that’s what I really want to do. I’m excited about making new friends and having a new beginning in my life. Also, I’m trying out for the ASU swim team. I will find out if I make it soon. Desert Sunrise was really helpful, especially with all my teachers. Miss Krigbaum and the other counselors really helped me get onto my path, and all my teachers helped me, too.
Lyla Allen Arizona State University
Project Based Learning
I’m going to be a pediatric nurse, so I’ll be studying nursing. It meant a lot for me to be able to come and show that I’m going to ASU. It was a big accomplishment for my mom to be here and for everybody to see it. I’m really excited to learn every aspect about kids. I love working with kids and learning about how they think and work and just learning how to take care of them.
6th-12th Grade
InMaricopa.com | June 2026
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