How Are Local Students Spending Their Summer?

The word "summer" is inevitably associated with warm temperatures, family barbecues, relaxing vacations, and the prospect of no school.

And while fun is definitely on the agenda for area students in between heading off to college or back to those same young adults also are keeping busy by working a job — or searching for a job — volunteering, and even traveling for educational purposes.

Summer jobs have an increasing demand as students get older. At the same time they are increasingly harder to find. Obtaining a summer job is no longer just about getting a paycheck. In discussions, many students say also made it a priority to find a job that will be a valuable learning experience.

But getting a job is not the only thing on students' minds this summer. Those who will be Ridge sophomores this fall will try to get a headstart on their community service requirements for this year's Social Studies classes, and some rising juniors will be preparing for the SATs and doing activities that will enhance their college resume.

And of course, many prospective seniors will start the long process of completing college applications. They know they will be facing a very busy year ahead with many decisions to be made — and the months of summer may also be a good time to reflect on those choices.

This past week, Patch ran a number of other stories about graduates, as well as their plans for the weeks — and years — that lie ahead:

Some members of Ridge's Class of 2012 talked about their plans for the future right before graduation.

The Faces of Ridge graduates are presented here.

The Ridge Class of 2012 reviews at graduation the common ground that more than 400 graduates have shared — and some special moments and achievements.