JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Terry Parker High School seniors made it official Friday night, picking up their diplomas and stepping into the next chapter of their lives. The ceremony at UNF Arena closed out Duval County’s graduation season for the class of 2026 — and the graduates had plenty to say about where they’re headed.
According to a recent Wall Street Journal report, this year’s college graduates are facing a tough job market, but those with a bachelor’s degree still hold an edge. For high school graduates, the path forward looks different for everyone.
‘Like a kid on Christmas’
For Harley Crowder, walking across that stage was a long time coming.
“I was honestly ecstatic, like a kid on Christmas, to be honest,” Crowder said. “I’m so happy!”
She plans to start at the University of North Florida this summer, pursuing a degree in business administration — with bigger ambitions already taking shape.
“I’ve thought about real estate. I’ve thought about owning my own business. I’ve thought about so many things,” Crowder said. “I just want to broaden my horizons on where I can go with my career.”
‘12 years of hard work’
Jornaldo Marquez said crossing the stage gave him a feeling that validated more than a decade of effort.
“It was definitely a proud feeling — a feeling that makes you feel like you know you don’t work them 12 years for nothing,” Marquez said. “12 years of hard work, waking up at five, waking up at seven, being able to come out of school even though you’re tired — you still make it happen the next day.”
His next stop: the U.S. Marines, in about two months.
“I’m gonna do that, serve, try to benefit everywhere possible and be the best person I can be,” Marquez said.
He left the door open for college after his service. “There’s a possibility that will happen, but as of right now, I’m just focused on the Marines,” he said.
‘I worked very hard to be here’
Alana Osazuwa said the moment felt earned.
“It was exhilarating. I worked very hard to be here,” she said.
Osazuwa plans to study theater technology in college — a career path that puts her close to the spotlight without being center stage.
“I think it’s the closest I can get to being on the stage without being in a play,” she said. “I’m excited to see what the future holds — eventually what I will turn out to be or what I’ll do.”
From nervous to ready
Cristiano Pariag walked across the stage with nerves that quickly gave way to relief.
“I was nervous and then when I did it, all of it left my body. I was excited, I was ready to leave,” Pariag said.
His plan after high school: enjoy the summer, then join the U.S. Army.
“Probably a couple years and then going to something else,” he said of his military career. “I’m going to be an electrician after my military career.”