Cumberland, KY. – Six 2020 graduates from high schools in Bell County have earned some extra credit. Not only did they receive their high school diplomas, but they have also received associate degrees from Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College.

From Bell County High School, John Perkins and Hayden Prater are among those dual-credit graduates.  Middlesboro Independent graduates Shelby Herrell, Gracie Moles, Maridith Moore, and Janna Vaught also graduated from Southeast.

According to Southeast President Vic Adams, “Graduating from college is an accomplishment under any circumstance. Graduating from college and high school at the same time is an incredible feat. But to earn both during a global pandemic is awesome.”

All of these students plan to continue their education at four-year institutions:

·       John hopes to pursue drama and theatre and continues to explore his university options.

·       Hayden has been accepted to UK’s engineering program in the fall.

·       Shelby will attend LMU majoring in pre-med biology with plans to become a physician’s assistant.

·       Gracie will enroll in classes at LMU where she will pursue elementary education.

·       Maridith will attend EKU where she will major in pre-med.

·       Janna will attend UK and major in Spanish with eventual plans to attend law school.

“These students have shown that they have GRIT, that combination of passion and perseverance that allows them to overcome obstacles and do what it takes even though it may be extremely difficult,” said Dr. Adams. “I know that all of them have very bright futures.”

Last year, Southeast’s dual credit program enrolled approximately 1100 students from 12 local schools in Bell, Harlan, Knox, Laurel, and Letcher counties. Many will continue their educations at Southeast after high school graduation, while others will transfer to other institutions. For more information on Southeast’s dual credit programming, contact Heather Lewis at hlewis0052.kctcs.edu or 606-589-3026.