This past December Robertsdale High had 53 seniors to complete their studies. This figure led the county, in some cases at a five to one ratio, in the number of students to graduate early.

           "Many of these students will return in May to walk with their class at graduation, but what are they doing now," asked Julie Hershey, counselor of the junior class. "A number of them are working and going to a local community college, whereas some have joined the armed forces and are currently going through basic training."

           Hershey explained that students who chose to start college should be extremely careful regarding the number of courses they take.

           "Many of the four-year colleges and universities give freshmen scholarships to what they consider to be true freshmen," she said. "What I mean by that is many of the colleges want their freshmen classes to begin in the fall after a student has gone through several days of orientation during a summer session."

           If a student takes too many classes at the community college level they are no longer considered to be true freshmen, and as a result are no longer eligible for a freshman scholarship. In many cases that can mean a great deal of money off tuition, room and board.

           In another graduation-related piece of news, the guidelines have come down from the State Department of Education in Montgomery stating that unless a student passes every section of the Alabama High School Graduation Exam they will not be allowed to walk with their class during commencement ceremonies.

           Let me repeat that, as this isn't a policy that was dreamed up by RHS or Baldwin County Board of Education. If a student doesn't pass each of the five sections of the AHSGE they do not walk with their class. Least a parent get miffed when their child is not allowed to walk with his or her class, the rule is now a state mandate.

           Remediation classes are offered to those who may have failed a section, or who are not comfortable with where they are at in terms of the grad exam. Parents and students alike should make an appointment with one of school's counselors to make sure they are on track to receive their diploma.

           The other option, especially in today's economy, is to try and earn a General Equivalency Diploma (GED), as a diploma of some type is a must-have to enter the workforce, armed forces or college.

           Congratulations to Lexus Simpson on being named as co-captain of the Wrangler All-Stars Rodeo team. The team is a joint project between Wrangler and the Alabama High School Rodeo Association.

           The duo of Brandon Ellis and Shelby Trotter both deserve our congratulations for having joined the 1,000 Point Club at RHS. Trotter shot her way into the club last year, and Ellis entered this year. The two should enjoy prolific collegiate careers in any sport they set their minds to play.

            The RHS Golden Bear Athletic Booster Club will be hosting an athletic fundraiser on February 20, beginning at 6 p.m. at Waters' Outback Barn in Robertsdale. This year's location for the event has changed from the Robertsdale PZK Civic Center because of the need for more space.

           The $100 ticket covers up to four adults, (you must be 21 or older to attend) and includes food, live entertainment, and the opportunity to win door prizes, as well as the $5,000 grand prize.

           It's hard to believe that prom is looming on the horizon, but tickets are now on sale in the Robertsdale High Library for $20 per person. Now is the time for students to start purchasing their tickets, even if they don't have a date lined up yet.

           "By buying now, a student can save a ton of money, as tickets will go up in increments of $10 as each deadline comes up," said Sonnie Coleman, the faculty spokesperson. "From January 11, until Feb. 12, the price will be $20 per ticket. Beginning February 17 through March 5 the price will be $30, and from March 8 until March 24 the price per ticket is $40, or doubled from the start of ticket sales. The price will be $50 per ticket at the door."

           This year's prom will be held March 27, at the Baldwin County Coliseum in Robertsdale. The prom committee is currently working on this year's theme, along with all the details that go into planning such a massive event. The prom is sponsored each year by the junior class.

           National School Counseling Week will be observed Feb. 1-5 all across Alabama. This week gives us the opportunity to recognize the unique contributions that school counselors make as they help students succeed at the high school level, in addition to getting a handle on their future careers.

           Karen Sweeney, seniors, Julie Hershey, juniors, Marsha Flint, sophomores, and Shirley Bell, freshmen, each go above and beyond the call of duty where RHS students are concerned.

           A lot has been said and written about the impending vote on the three year, one-cent sales tax for schools.

           As people begin to make up their mind about which way they are going to vote it should be noted that this tax will affect visitors to our county and not just residents.

           Every person that stops, shops, eats or visits a store and purchases something will help our school system. This will ease the burden on our residents.