AID — Ohio University Southern will have no shortage of nursing students pouring in from Lawrence County schools when next school year begins. For many, it is a way to get a good job and stay close to home if they wish — for Summer McMillian is a little more personal.

“When I was younger I had a lot of health issues and the nurses and pediatricians kind of inspired me to go down this path,” McMillian said. “Ohio University Southern has a really good nursing program, and while I’m nervous, I’m excited and happy to be moving on to new things.”

McMillian said she is glad she can study and stay close to home, but will probably move to Ironton to be closer to school.

While being closer to school is nice, Alec Herrell said he plans to live at home while pursing his bachelor’s of safety technology at Marshall University. Like McMillian, he said he is choosing his career path because of personal reasons as well.

“I don’t want to be sitting in an office all the time,” Herrell said. “I want to be outside walking around a plant or something.”

Herrell said his brother is also attending Marshall University while living at home and he does not think the commute will be too bad. He said graduating high school feels good, but he is ready to do something different.

Valedictorian Michaela Sheppard and Salutatorian Caleb Holderby both gave speeches before the presentation of diplomas reflecting on their time at Symmes Valley, obstacles overcome and moving forward.