Even though traditional high school graduation ceremonies across the country have been altered because of COVID-19, at least nine Early College high school students at State Fair Community College have twice as much to celebrate this month. Not only will these students be awarded their high school diplomas but also will receive college certificates and degrees because they chose the academic fast track.
A news release says high school graduates will receive their Associate of Arts degrees (64 credit hours) from SFCC, which prepares students to transfer to a four-year school to earn a bachelor’s degree:
— Kenzi Lee Bustamante, Trinity Shea Crouch, Lucas Martin and Emma Grace Salmons from Eldon High School;
— Katy Faith Poock, of Boonville – Homeschooled;
— Haley LeAnn Rector and Shaylee Nichole Skinner from Macks Creek High School;
— Lauren Elaine McFail from Smith-Cotton Higher School; and
Ryan Stephen Dixon from Windsor High School, will receive an Associate of Applied Science in Engineering Design Technology, a Professional Certificate in Engineering Design Technology, a Skills Certificate in Architectural Design, and a Skills Certificate in Mechanical Design from SFCC. Dixon was 15 years old when he began taking college courses at SFCC.
Kevin Haulotte, SFCC instructor, and Sherry Foster, Windsor High School counselor, shared comments about Ryan’s extraordinary achievements.
“Ryan is one of the most outstanding students I have worked with,” Haulotte said. “He had to not only learn architectural design content, but he also had to learn how to be a college student … Ryan did a phenomenal job of mastering the content and adjusting to college. He did all of this while he attended high school, participated in sports, and stayed involved in high school clubs and activities – all while he maintained a high GPA in high school and at SFCC.”
Foster also recognized Ryan’s determination. “Ryan has worked hard and has been extremely focused and driven in order to achieve his goals of completing the required coursework for his high school diploma at the same time as obtaining his college associates degree,” Foster said. “What an accomplishment to have achieved both goals alone, but with academic honors as well! Ryan is a student leader, and his exceptional accomplishment will serve as motivation for underclassmen to follow in his footsteps. I am very proud of Ryan, and I foresee a bright future for him and continued success in his forthcoming endeavors!”
More than 600 high school students were enrolled in spring Early College (dual-credit) classes at SFCC, which was an increase of 27 percent over the previous spring semester.