SJRCC PRESS RELEASE April 2008 SJRCC dual enrollment means dual diplomas for three high school seniors "Anyone can do what I'm doing," said Pedro-Menendez High School senior Austen West. "I've seen other people do bigger, better things," he said modestly, referring to earning not only his high school diploma this June, but his associate in arts degree as well. West, along with two other St. Johns County high school seniors, will graduate from high school and St. Johns River Community College this spring due to SJRCC's dual enrollment program and what West called "a lot of hard work." "It was very hard work," West said. "But it's given me a head start on life." When West initially signed up for dual enrollment, his intention was to earn as many college credits as possible; he has since earned the 60 credit hours needed for the A.A. degree. West will begin classes this fall as a junior at the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne. Dual enrollment is a program where eligible high school juniors and seniors can earn college credit while still in high school. SJRCC dual enrollment director Melissa Williams said although it is rare for students to achieve both goals, this year there are three from St. Johns County and one from Putnam. "We've had extraordinary students this year," Williams said. "Dual enrollment does give students an academic advantage; however, this year has shown just how far a student can go if they set their goals high enough." St. Augustine High School senior Kayla Loveday said graduating from both high school and college was her initial goal. "I had graduating at the same time in mind," Loveday said. "Plus it makes the transition into the university a lot easier. I've already experienced the expectations of college professors, their grading and class requirements." Loveday will attend Flagler College this fall to pursue a degree in communications. Pedro-Menendez High School senior Brook Bogle, who will pursue a degree in psychology this fall at Florida State University, said taking advantage of the dual enrollment program has definitely put her ahead. "It takes some sacrificing of the high school experience, but you gain more independence," Bogle said. "I think it helps you cross that bridge into college. I now understand the self discipline that college requires." The dual enrollment program at SJRCC offers free college courses to qualified high school students. Summer A classes begin May 12. Summer B classes begin June 30. For more information on dual enrollment, call 312-4136 or visit the Web site. PHOTO CAPTION: From left, dual enrollment students Brook Bogle, Kayla Loveday and Austen West will graduate this spring not only from their St. Johns County high schools, but also from St. Johns River Community College. All will have earned their A.A. degrees and will begin their prospective colleges this fall as juniors. Return to SJRCC home page.