Almost every year at least one senior at DCHS completes the credits necessary to earn an associate’s degree from Motlow State Community College just as he or she is finishing up high school studies in preparation for graduation.
Mackenzie Sprague, a senior at DeKalb County High School class of 2022, plans to become college graduate before receiving her high school diploma.
For two years Mackenzie, daughter of Wanda Sprague, has been working toward an Associates of Science degree from Motlow State Community College and on Monday, May 9th she will walk the line in a Motlow commencement ceremony at MTSU in Murfreesboro, four days before her high school graduation on Friday night, May 13.
Through Motlow College’s dual enrollment program, high school students like Sprague can earn college credits while still enrolled in high school. Students can take classes on a Motlow College campus, online, or even at a partner high school like DCHS.
Students who have completed their sophomore year and have met all requirements for taking the desired college courses may apply. Public, private and home-schooled students are all welcome to apply. The program gives students the chance to seamlessly transition from high school to college. The core curriculum credits transfer easily to Tennessee’s public colleges and universities while allowing students who are working on a four-year degree to save money on tuition.
“I started my first dual enrollment class the summer between my sophomore year and junior year. I took one class that summer and never thought I would really complete all my classes to graduate with my associates. I honestly took some of the classes because I knew they could be free or cheaper on my mom when it was time to do college classes in the future. I continued to excel in my dual enrollment classes. Before I knew it, I had only few classes left and now earning my degree before graduating high school. It’s an accomplishment and couldn’t have done it without my mom,” said Sprague.
With two years of college, Sprague will have a head start when she enrolls at Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville this fall with a dream of one day becoming pediatric nurse.
She said her experience in the dual enrollment program at DCHS has been rewarding and she would recommend it to other college bound students.
“I highly recommend doing the classes to anyone that wants to get a head start in their college years, it has been a great experience. Overall I think it’s a great idea to start on your future, just have someone in your corner as far as your biggest fans and you can make anything happen, believe in yourself,” she said.
