One of the 27 seniors set to graduate from Medora High School on Friday night spent most of her 13 years attending classes at a nearby and much larger school corporation.
Halfway through her junior year at Seymour High School, however, Tara Richey decided she wanted to finish out her education at the same place where she began it — Medora.
Richey completed kindergarten and first grade at Medora Elementary School then transferred to Seymour Community Schools in second grade.
Although the state’s second-smallest public school corporation is much different than attending Seymour High School, Richey said the small-town feel fit her just fine.
During her time at Medora High School, Richey has had the chance to play basketball and participate in Beta Club, Food Club and Singing Club.
Richey credits the staff and students at Medora with making her feel welcome at the school.
“I didn’t feel like I was the new kid,” the 18-year old said of her move back to Medora. “Everybody made me feel welcome.”
The smaller class sizes and “down-to-earth” teachers are among the reasons why Richey said she is able to graduate this year.
She also said she will not forget the friends she has made at Medora any time soon.
“I’ll probably always remember all the laughs I had with my friends as well as the new friends I made here,” she said.
Richey said she liked math the best in high school, but it’s not a subject she believes she will need much if she reaches her career goal of working in human resources.
“I have always liked working with people and helping people,” she said. “I may have to hire and sometimes fire people, as well.”
Richey plans on attending Indiana State University this fall to reach her career goal.
Richey said her mother, Deana Richey, is taking her decision to go away for college the hardest, but that everyone, including her father, Terry Richey, and younger brother, Brett Richey, 14, all want the best for her.
“They have always supported me in anything I do,” Richey said. “They just want me to be happy.”
Richey’s advice to younger students is “to choose what they want to do and not let others decide because they don’t know what is best for them.”
To her brother, she wanted to leave another message.
“Make the best of your high school career and take it day by day,” she said.
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Name: Tara Richey
Hometown: Medora
School: Medora Junior-Senior High School
School activities: Basketball, Beta Club, Food Club, Singing Club
Future plans: Attend Indiana University and major in human resources
Family: Parents, Deana Richey and Terry Richey; brother, Brett Richey
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What: Medora High School graduation
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Medora High School gymnasium, 82 S. George St., Medora
Who: 27 seniors will graduate
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