Early College High School

Great Graduates

Everybody has a story, and Early College students have some great ones.  Many of these students would like to share their experiences with you.

Mathew Marks
At 18 years old, Mathew Marks will graduate with not only his High School Diploma, but also an Associate of Arts Degree. Mathew is apart of the first graduating class of Early College High School. Why was he successful? “I had a lot of support from my friends and my teachers.” He plans to further in education at LCCC by entering the Physical Therapy Assistant Program. Attending Early College gave him a large head start on his goals and overall was a great experience. Choosing to attend Early College was a difficult decision but in the end, he decided that the good outweighed the bad.

Travis Cushing
This fall, Travis Cushing will be entering Bowling Green University as a junior—two years ahead of anyone else his age. After earning his Associate of Arts Degree, Travis considers this his next step in obtaining a law degree in hopes of one day becoming a prosecutor. Success came to Travis because he worked hard and always had a determined attitude. He also had a lot of support from his teachers. Early College was an easy choice for Travis as he thought it would be a very positive experience that would not only prepare him for college but also for the real world. 

Thomas Jordan
Thomas Jordan is headed to Cleveland State University to major in Psychology after graduating with an Associate of Arts. All of his credits transferred which will give him a huge jump-start as he transitions from community college to a four-year university. Thomas found Early College with the help of his mom, who greatly influenced his decision. Thomas learned early that studying, completing homework and making sure it was turned in on time would lead him to success. 

Bethany Bryner
Graduating with her Associate of Arts Degree also gives Bethany Bryner a competitive advantage as she travels to Ohio State University for Nursing. At first, attending Early College was not Bethany’s decision, but she realized that it was the best decision especially during her senior year when she was able to enter nursing classes. Bethany attributes her success to working hard and never giving up. 

Drusilla Marshall
Among North Carolina A&T’s new students will be a graduate of the Associate of Arts Degree, Drusilla Marshall. The staff at Early College, especially Mrs. Valentine, pushed her hard to ensure that she would graduate with her class and live up to her potential. Drusilla entered the program because she wanted to try something new and because the benefits were excellent. This program led to Drusilla’s success because not only did it give her an advantage but it also networked her with many wonderful professors. 

Justin Cosentino
Justin Cosentino graduated with an Associate of Arts Degree but is planning on returning to LCCC to study Mechanical Engineering. Early College helped Justin realize his limitations and what his interests are which led him to the Mechanical Engineering field. Justin chose to attend Early College because of his friends, his family and his desire for a good education. Justin credits his success to Mrs. Valentine and his parents who pushed him to do his best in everything.

Jordan Lottman
Looking forward to staying at LCCC to attend the University Partnership’s Nursing Program, Jordan Lottman is very thankful to all those who pushed her and helped her arrive at this point in her life. Jordan is very proud of her Associate of Arts Degree but Jordan first entered Early College very scared. She always thought that she was not smart enough but as soon she acclimated to the environment and learned of the tremendous support her teachers would give, she knew she would succeed. It was this with the combined support of her peers and family as well as her hard work that helped her earn her Associate. 

Amanda Pettry
Amanda Pettry plans to transfer her Associate of Arts degree to a four-year university to pursue a Bachelor in Nursing or Education in hopes of fulfilling her dream of working with children. Amanda believes that Early College has greatly influenced her life in a positive way and that she would not be where she is today without their love and support. Like others, Amanda did not want to attend Early College at first but she is truly thankful that her parents pushed her and she now is extremely thankful for having this once in a lifetime opportunity that has allowed her to “conquer dreams and pursue a life-long journey that will inevitably hold a successful future.”