901 Now: Students graduate high school, college at same time
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – ‘Tis the season for graduations!
Some students will walk away with their high school diplomas, college degrees, or both.
This edition of 901 Now highlights some high school students who are two degrees smarter.
“I am genuinely excited but at the same time there is a bit of nervousness,” graduate Hannah Sweezer said.
Hannah and Javion White make up two of the 43 graduates at Medical District High School.
They’re set to walk across stage to receive their high school diploma and associates degree.
“We were the first,” White said. “We were in the first class. When we started there were only 9th graders. There were no upperclassmen. It was not like any other high school experience.
These high schoolers took community college courses for four years through the joint program with Southwest Tennessee Community College.
The program kicked off in 2021 with hopes that students could get a head start on their collegiate journey.
“I was able to network and just get myself out there,” Sweezer said. “Learn new things and get certain certifications a lot of high schoolers my age does not have.”
“I appreciate Southwest for easing me into it because I can now say I’ve experienced all kinds of college professors and coursework,” White added.
Southwest Tennessee college president Tracy D. Hall worked alongside the students.
She said seeing the kids prepare for the next level wasn’t an easy task, but was achievable.
“I knew it was possible,” Hall said. “I think sometimes when people think about our young people they have a negative perception of them. It’s just so exciting to see the 43 young people, their faces and names attached to this endeavor we started 4 years ago.”
Principal Wakima Tutwiler from Medical District High School said the partnership with Southwest Tennessee Community College provided the students with a big jump start in their educational journey.
“Our students thrive in this dual enrollment program, developing their confidence, education, and critical thinking that will benefit them no matter what they are doing in the future,” Wakima said. “Their teachers and the faculty at Southwest have prepared them well as they transfer to a 4-year college.”
Now, heading into college as rising juniors, this special moment for a special crew comes bittersweet.
“I did not expect to get as far as I did,” Sweezer said. “At the time my thing was to keep praying and I was going to keep on pushing and get as far as I can. Didn’t know I was going to get valedictorian but when you have a vision in your heart you have to push forward.”
“I’ve truly enjoyed high school, but I know bigger things are in store for me in my future and I would love to see those things play out,” White added.
Wednesday was Medical District High School’s graduation. Thursday, the students will walk across the stage for their Southwest Tennessee Community College graduation.
Mayor Paul Young is set to give the commencement speech.
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