Twelve seniors from Midland Valley High School had the distinct honor May 7 of being the first-ever Early College students in Aiken County to graduate with Associate’s Degrees from Aiken Technical College during commencement exercises held at the USC Aiken Convocation Center.
The students, who will receive their high school diplomas in early June, entered the program as rising high school sophomores entering the 2016-17 school year.
“This is truly a momentous occasion and cause for celebration in Aiken County Public Schools and the Midland Valley community,” stated Aiken County Superintendent Dr. Sean Alford. “These talented students have worked extremely hard to set themselves apart academically, and they are being rewarded for that initiative. They have also honored their parents and family members by pursuing college course work during their high school years where no financial hardship is required.”
Dr. Alford thanked the leadership of Aiken Technical College, community business partner Graniteville Specialty Fabrics and Public Education Partners for their tremendous support of Midland Valley High School students.
“This has been a wonderful collaboration fully illustrative of the heights of opportunity that may be afforded to students when we work together,” Dr. Alford added. “We sincerely appreciate the outstanding support of Aiken Technical College, Graniteville Specialty Fabrics and Public Education partners and look forward to the continued success of the program for many years to come.”
Aiken Technical College President Dr. Forest E. Mahan says students who accept the Early College challenge see many benefits.
“We are very proud our first Early College cohort. These students have shown dedication and determination throughout the program. They have excelled academically while also balancing several extracurricular and community activities,” commented Dr. Forest E. Mahan, president of Aiken Technical College. “The Early College program is a unique opportunity that allows high school students to earn a college credential and be steps ahead of their peers when they transfer to the four-year college or university of their choice. This program has been yet another example of the great partnership we have with the Aiken County Public School District and the impacts of us working together to increase the higher education attainment in Aiken County.”
Let’s meet the Midland Valley High School Early College Class of 2019:
NAME: Clint Brandon Humphreys, Jr.
PARENTS: Clint and Marisol Humphreys
CAREER PLANS: Military Enlistment
CAREER GOAL: United States Navy
QUOTING CLINT: “It was long and hard and there were good times and bad times. Overall, it was a good experience and I would recommend that most people attempt the program.”
NAME: Francesca Keara Johnson
PARENT: Juvelle Carter
COLLEGE PLANS: Winthrop University
PLANNED MAJOR: Biochemistry
CAREER GOAL: Pediatrician
QUOTING FRANCESCA: “Hard work, dedication, and fun are the ultimate takeaways that I’ve picked up through this incredible opportunity.”
NAME: Trinity Michelle Kirby
PARENTS: Edward Kirby and Veronica Kampf
COLLEGE PLANS: Clemson University
PLANNED MAJOR: Animal Science
CAREER GOAL: Veterinary Medicine
QUOTING TRINITY: “The Early College program gives you a great opportunity to advance your education and get ahead in life.”
NAME: Irvon Terryan Malcolm
PARENTS: Irvin and Latasha Malcolm
COLLEGE PLANS: The University of South Carolina Aiken
PLANNED MAJOR: Nursing
CAREER GOAL: Physician’s Assistant (PA)
QUOTING IRVON: “In these last three years I have had the experience of a lifetime. Even though it was hard, stressful, and downright tiring, it was all well worth it. The benefits that Early College have provided me with have brought me further than I could ever have imagined.”
NAME: Summerlin Jade Morris
PARENTS: George and Loretta Morris
COLLEGE (OR CAREER) PLANS: The University of South Carolina Aiken
PLANNED MAJOR: BSN
CAREER GOAL: Oncologist
QUOTING SUMMERLIN: “Early College was a great experience. It was an amazing opportunity. It was hard work, but very much worth it!”
NAME: Christopher Tyler Randall
PARENTS: Chris and Jennifer Randall
COLLEGE (OR CAREER) PLANS: The University of South Carolina Columbia
PLANNED MAJOR: Mechanical and Electrical Engineering
CAREER GOAL: Undecided
QUOTING CHRISTOPHER: “Joining the Early College program was the best thing I could’ve done for myself in high school. It provided me a way to get a head start on my peers and obtain a college degree without having to pay a dime.”
NAME: Carly Rayann Rivers
PARENTS: Marty and Tommy Rivers
COLLEGE: USC Aiken
PLANNED MAJOR: Psychology (Master’s Degree)
CAREER GOAL: School Counseling or Social Work
QUOTING CARLY: “This opportunity has given me so much. It’s made me more responsible, mature, and ready for the rest of my college experience at a four-year university. The most important thing it has given me is a family. I will truly miss the friends that are now family that I have made throughout this program. Early College is something I will always be grateful for and always remember from my high school years.”
NAME: Lauren Taylor Shoup
PARENTS: Charles and Jennifer Shoup
COLLEGE PLANS: The University of South Carolina Columbia
PLANNED MAJOR: Biology
CAREER GOAL: Pediatric Physician’s Assistant
QUOTING LAUREN: “Early College has been an amazing opportunity that I am very glad I decided to take advantage of. It is, by far, the best decision I have made throughout high school.”
NAME: Michael Gregory Trock
PARENTS: Anthony and Alicia Zeman
COLLEGE PLANS: The University of South Carolina Columbia
PLANNED MAJOR: Computer Science and Computer Engineering (double major)
CAREER GOAL: Computer Engineer
QUOTING MICHAEL: “The Early College program has been a great opportunity for me. I am excited because when my peers are graduating with their bachelor’s degrees, I will be graduating with my master’s degree.”
NAME: William Andrew Walker
PARENTS: Todd and Rebecca Walker
COLLEGE PLANS: The University of South Carolina Columbia
PLANNED MAJOR: Civil Engineering
CAREER GOAL: Civil Engineer
QUOTING ANDREW: “Early College helped me learn time management skills and how to be successful in college.”
NAME: Jade Deshawn Whitfield
PARENT: Johnny Whitfield
COLLEGE PLANS: University of South Carolina Columbia
PLANNED MAJOR: Biological Sciences
CAREER GOAL: Orthodontist
QUOTING JADE: “It’s been a long journey, but I am really excited to finally be reaching this milestone in my life. Sometimes I have to sit back and just say, wow, we finally made it. It’s just amazing that we are about to graduate. Our teachers helped us throughout and I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s been amazing.”
NAME: Adriana Cateriana Wood
PARENTS: Alicia Nyerges and Harry Wood
COLLEGE: Augusta University
CAREER GOAL: Neurologist/Pathologist
PLANNED MAJOR: Biochemistry and Forensic Science (double major)
QUOTING ADRIANA: “Early College has been a great experience. It allowed me to have the immediate support from my family while getting accustomed to college life. Early College helped discipline my academic life, and pushed me to succeed. I’m so grateful for everyone who has been involved with making this possible. It really made my high school experience worth it.”
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LINK TO DISTRICT PRESS RELEASE: 2019 PR EARLY COLLEGE GRADUATES