Graduating from high school is a source of joy, but it can also be a source of anxiety for those unsure about the next step.
Amos "A.J." Taylor falls into that category.
The 2026 Anderson High School salutatorian hopes to pursue a degree in computer science from Ball State University in hopes of beginning a computer programming career.
"It's really cool that I'm here, but at the same time, one of the reasons I'm salutatorian is I've been doing this, I've gotten good at (high school)," Taylor said before he and 333 classmates received their diplomas during a commencement ceremony Saturday at Anderson High School.
"It's kind of scary to be moving on to other things that I don't know if I'm going to be as good at," Taylor added.
He said he is excited about the possibility of being a programmer. He hopes to specialize in mobile applications.
"It's creative but it's also structured," Taylor said. "I think I can do well with those things."
Jahneese Johnson has honed in on her career path. She and her husband, a member of the United States Navy, are starting a life together.
"(Graduation is) an accomplishment," she said. "I feel relieved. I don't know too much about school plans."
Johnson was on track to join the military, but discovering she is expecting the couple’s first child has changed those plans.
"I want to be the parent at home," she said.
In addition to her cap and gown, Johnson also donned a stole with lettering spelling "Black Grads Matter."
"A lot of Black kids get stereotyped,” she said. “It's an honor that I have an education because not all Black kids have an education."
Johnson said she hopes her story encourages others.
"No matter how hard life can be, show up because it's worth it in the end," Johnson said. "Show up even if you don't want to. I didn't want to show up, but I did and now I'm here."
Class President Cooper King plans to continue his track and field career at Manchester University, where he intends to major in exercise science.
Despite having a clearer path forward than some, he is unsure where that path will lead.
"I'm still trying to figure that out," King said. "I just came up with a major within the last year."
King said completing his high school journey with people he's known for most of his life brings with it a certain bittersweet feeling.
"I think I'm going to miss the student sections, team dinners, teachers," he said. "The whole community, I'll miss."
This article appeared in The Herald Bulletin.