The class of 2015 finishes up the school year preparing for the next step in their lives. In a few words they explain where they’re going and why.

“I chose Averett because it is close to home, and it is a really good school.” —Patience Banks attending Averett University

“I chose JMU because as cliché as it is, I got the feeling of ‘I need to be here.’ It’s a beautiful campus and it provides for incredible opportunities.” —Cassie Donahue attending James Madison University

“I chose Tech for its proximity to home, as well as the educational opportunities there.” —Austin Canavan attending Virginia Tech

“It’s close to home in case something happens, it offers both my major and minor and it has a beautiful campus! Oh, and Ms. James went there!” —Megan Thompson attending Lynchburg College

“I chose DCC and Averett because they’re close to home.” —Lauren Ritch attending DCC then Averett University

“They have the program I wanted, and I’ve grown up as a Hokie because that’s where my dad went.” —Joseph Snead attending Virginia Tech

“Being in a big city, starting fresh and being in a diverse and artistic kind of community is what made me choose VCU.”—Luis Lopez attending Virginia Commonwealth University

“I’ve lived in Danville my entire life and all of my family is here, so I couldn’t imagine leaving my hometown. It’s also the college my mom and sister attended, so I decided to stick with the family tradition.” —Jackie Williams attending Averett University

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Cassie Donahue is attending James Madison University in the fall