LCCC Great Grads

Anthony Morales

Early College High School Eases Transition to College for Lorain Graduate

Anthony Morales of Lorain is certain he would have had a harder time adjusting to college if it wasn’t for his experience as an Early College High School student.

“If it wasn't for LCCC I would have struggled with the transition from high school to college, but now I understand the difference in maturity and education levels between college and high school students and professors,” Morales said.

The Early College High School is a partnership program between LCCC, the Lorain City Schools and Elyria City Schools that gives first-generation college students the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and associate’s degree at the same time.

Morales will graduate in May with his associate’s of arts degree, but he has already been recognized for his dedication to academics by being named to the All-Ohio Academic Third Team. He was honored at an awards ceremony in early May in Columbus. As an All-Ohio awardee he received a $100 cash scholarship and an All-Ohio medallion.

Created in 1997, the All-Ohio Academic Team provides recognition to outstanding students in Ohio’s 23 public two-year colleges. To be eligible, students must be nominated by their college president and have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.25. 

Morales liked the idea of learning within the community he lives in. “The phrase ‘community college’ emphasizes the chance to learn within the community,” Morales said. “Attending LCCC allowed me to do just that; I learned how to appreciate the opinions of others and to incorporate them with my own. Attending a community college gave me the ability to understand how living within a community is the same as living with your family.”

While a student in the ECHS at LCCC Morales was involved as a math and science tutor, worked as a student ambassador helping with ECHS and LCCC events; was a teacher’s aide and mentor during the ECHS Summer Academy and served as treasurer of the ECHS senior committee.  He also served as a program coordinator that ran fundraisers for Blessing House through his American National Government class and participated in the College’s Los Unidos Spanish club.

“I just love the atmosphere on the campus. The events and activities give students the chance to release stress and relax,” Morales said. “LCCC is an amazing place.”

After graduating from LCCC, Morales will attend Ohio State University to earn degrees in accounting and international business. Eventually he wants to earn his CPA and possibly multiple masters degrees.

“This college gave me the opportunity to earn an associate’s degree getting me one step closer to my dreams,” Morales said.