Garret Hoyes not only walked across the stage Friday night as a recently minted graduate of Sweet Springs High School, but also the recipient of an associates degree from State Fair Community College.

Hoyes tells KMMO News it took dedication and a commitment to effective time management to achieve the feat, believed to be a first for a Sweet Springs graduate.

Hoyes completed several of his required courses online and on SFCC’s main campus in Sedalia.

Hoyes also stayed busy competing in track for Sweet Springs and working as a lifeguard for Sedalia Parks and Recreation, using that work experience toward earning his State Degree as an officer with the Sweet Springs FFA Chapter. Hoyes has this advice for high school students seeking to get a head start on their college studies:

Hoyes will enroll in the University of Missouri this summer to continue his pursuit of a career in medicine.