What do a bank executive, youth leader, deputy sheriff, Special Education teacher, engineer, and flight attendant have in common? These are all occupations held by graduates of Bear Creek High School. Now students who graduated in the first four years of Bear Creek are in college, on their own and starting families. Here are six stories of what former students of Bear Creek have achieved. Jen Harlow graduated from Bear Creek in 1996. She attends Brigham Young University in Utah and plans to graduate in April. Harlow is majoring in Recreation Management and Youth Leadership, which leads into a nonprofit organization for youth. Harlow's classes end before the holiday season. Starting in January she has an internship with Kids on the Move. The organization works with kids with disabilities and poor economic backgrounds. Harlow is looking into graduate school for educational or recreational purposes. "I didn't know what I wanted to do when I started college," Harlow said. "But all my experiences at Bear Creek helped me decide how to be involved in college and ultimately what I should do with my life." Harlow went with a group of 18 students from BYU to Zimbabwe for a study abroad program. They traveled around the country and took educational classes such as history and international relations, as well as classes for recreational purposes. The group also visited orphanages, youth conferences and elementary schools. They stayed in rural and developing areas. "It was really an eye-opening experience," Harlow said. "It was exciting to be with a group of people who welcomed us and didn't have much but were still willing to offer us everything they had." Harlow also went to the mountains on a outward bound course and went backpacking as well. Her experiences in Africa and at college have shown Harlow that trying new things is important. "Be involved and gain different experiences," Harlow said. "Find a spark of interest in something and develop it into a talent." Greg Hein, a graduate of the class of 1994, has become a deputy in the Sacramento Sheriff Department. He graduated from 26 weeks of training at the Sheriff's Deputy Academy with the Most Outstanding Recruit award. Hein received this award for his performance at the shooting range, in the classroom and in physical tests. Currently Hein works in the main jail's courtroom, where he keeps peace in the courtroom and makes sure the inmates get to jail securely. After he works in the jails and courtrooms for two years, Hein will go on patrol. He is thinking of eventually becoming a detective. "I want the stay with the Sacramento Sheriff's Department for my entire career," Hein said. "I plan on making it my life." Ken Long, from the class of 1994, graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, with a Bachelor Art's degree in political science. During orientation week, Long got a part-time mail room job at the First Bank of San Luis Obispo. Long was promoted to various positions, including teller and network administrator. He was recently promoted to Assistant Vice President of Information Systems. Long met his girlfriend of 15 months at First Bank. He plans to stay with the bank and work on some new projects such as Internet banking and document imaging. "San Luis Obispo is a great place to live," Long said. "I hope to stay here and start a family." Matt Allen (also a graduate of the class of 1994) has already started a family. Married in June, he now attends Brigham Young University and will graduate in April. He is majoring in mechanical engineering and had an internship in Illinois during the summer. Allen is not sure where he will work after graduating, but he is interested in aerospace engineering - perhaps working with Boeing. "I want to thank Mr. Lopez for teaching me calculus," Allen said. "Without him, I never would have gone into engineering." Allen also spent two years in Guatemala on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The mission further developed the multicultural awareness Allen acquired at Bear Creek. Kelly Wentz, a graduate from the class of 1994, graduated from Humboldt State University with a Bachelor Art's degree in English literature and journalism. Wentz worked on the university's newspaper and literary magazine. While on the newspaper, Wentz interviewed Elizabeth Dole while Bob Dole was running for presidency. Also, she spent her sophomore year in North Carolina. Because Wentz was not ready to settle down permanently, she started working with American Airlines in 1998. Wentz is based out of O'Hare International Airport and flies on domestic flights throughout Canada, the United States and Mexico. "My favorite places to visit are Montreal, Miami and New York City," Wentz said. "I would encourage everyone to step out of their environment and open their eyes to new experiences." Currently Wentz works as a flight attendant on the weekends and works at McClier Architecture as Assistant Director. Wentz's job includes investment counseling, promotions and public relations. She has her own studio on Lake Chicago and enjoys living on her own."It's exciting to be living on your own and paying your own rent," said Wentz. Wentz is looking into graduate schools in Boston, where she hopes to earn her master's degree in English. Ultimately, she would like to start her own publishing company and help young writers get published. "I'm really big on education," Wentz said. "The more you learn, the more tolerance and kindness you learn." Josh Crabtree graduated in 1994. He attended McCallister College in St. Paul, Minn. After college he became a financial planner. "When you're a professional you realize things you valued before are unimportant," Crabtree said. He eventually became a Special Education teacher and basketball, baseball and football coach at Bear Creek. Crabtree returned to Bear Creek because it was the best opportunity for teaching and coaching. As a former student, Crabtree has noticed some differences in life at Bear Creek. "The average student now is different," Crabtree said. "The kids aren't as motivated, polite or committed." Crabtree wants his students to strive for a better future. "I encourage my students to take every opportunity they have," Crabtree said. "I had never been to Minnesota until I went to school there. But I'm glad I took advantage of my opportunities. I learned a lot about myself."