Every year, more and more high school graduates are released into the world to begin their new lives. Whether it’s work, college or the army, they turn to brave the world with eager faces. But what about the families they leave behind? “Things have changed lot,” said junior Hunter Shawley. His brother, Josh Shawley, graduated last year. Hunter hasn’t seen Josh since he left for a school for culinary arts. Other families are more fortunate. Sophmore Thomas Kinyon’s sister, Stephanie Kinyon, also graduated last year and is now attending college in La Crosse. “Not much has changed,” said Kinyon. “She’s home almost every weekend.” As the holidays draw nearer, families begin to miss their graduates more than usual, bringing back memories of those gone. “The worst part is the lack of someone to talk to… he’s like an old friend,” said Shawley. While some are longing for those who have left, others are just itching to leave. One of those people is senior Christine Slosser, who is enjoying her senior year immensely. “I love it. I love almost being done with high school and with some of the people in it,” laughed Slosser. Slosser is planning on moving to North Carolina to enroll in a culinary school. Although she admitted that she would miss her friends and family, she did find an upside. “Being able to do what I want,” said Slosser. “I could stay out as late as I wanted and I don’t have to listen to my mom.” Slosser’s says she would come on the holidays to visit her family that she’d probably miss as much as they’d miss her.