We have all thought about our graduation day. The presents we’ll receive, the parties we’ll have, and of course the incredibly long ceremony. For some students at New Trier, this day is coming early.

Early graduation is something rare at New Trier, but it exists. Students can decide to graduate because they want to follow a certain passion or career goal, circumstances arise, or there is a desire to just be done with this high school. Graduating early can lead students down a path they never expected and into early adulthood.

Emily Barretta was offered an opportunity to begin her college career this upcoming January by playing tennis for the University of Illinois. She will start her season this spring, a quick transition from high school to college.

“I thought it was an amazing opportunity that I couldn’t pass up,” said Barretta. “I get a jump start on my tennis and academic future.”

But always with pros, there are cons. Most high school students at New Trier plan on graduating the classic, Trevian way. Attempting a senior prank, smoking cigars right off of campus (or the beach) and attending the ceremony in June are all age-old traditions. And don’t forget finishing with a late night and early morning of watching the sunrise at the beach. It’s a fantastic way to end our high school careers. In response, Baretta commented that she is focusing on what she’s gaining, not losing.

“I’ll miss out on some of the fun traditions of being a second semester senior,” said Barretta, “but they will definitely be made up for in college.”

In order to graduate early, many requirements must be met, all of which significantly alter first semester. The potential grad needs to have a total of nineteen credits, which includes four years of English. Emily, with a plan ahead of her, met these requirements by taking two English classes this semester. As required courses are completed, a Request for Early Graduation form must be completed and turned into the school by September 8th. This form must contain signatures including those of the student, parents, advisor, post-high school counselor, English Department Chair, Registrar, and Administration. A lot of work, but for some students, it’s worth it.

Kira Wade, a senior, is graduating early as well. She knows her high school career is coming to an end and she is eager to start the next phase of her life.

“I want to get an early start,” said Wade. “Why stick around somewhere when you could do something better somewhere else?”

When making a life-changing decision like this, a student must turn to someone we all become very close to in our senior year: the post-high school college counselor.

Whether we choose a specific college or a specific graduation date – January or May – these people help us plan the next phase of our lives. James P. Conroy II, Post-High School College Department Chair, believes that for a small minority of the students, graduating early can open a lot of doors

“It depends on the situation, but I’m in favor of it,” said Conroy. “There are golden opportunities, trips, internships, careers.”

It’s not just seniors who can graduate early. There are some juniors who will completely skip their senior year and head off for college. In some cases, an early grad junior will be put into a senior advisory to get a feel for what it’s like. No matter what time you graduate, support from administration makes this decision easier and safer.

Matthew J. Ottaviano, Assistant Principal for Administration Services, knows the challenges of making such a conclusion. It can lead to a world of opportunities, but of course, there is always uncertainty.

“A decision like this can be risky,” said Ottaviano. “Most students have a plan and know what they want, but others want to leave because they feel they are in a toxic environment. I feel these students are survivors who will do fine because they know what they want for themselves.”

Whether you’re leaving early or counting down the days to May, graduation is an important memory that every student should be proud of, and with the help from friends, family, and the faculty, we will all get there.

“Our job is to make sure students and their families are thinking things through and making good decisions,” said Ottaviano.