Twenty-one dual-enrolled DCSS seniors plan dual celebrations

ALBANY — When Dougherty County School System seniors walked across the stage at the Albany Civic Center Saturday to receive their high school diplomas, some of them had degrees and certificates from local colleges and universities already in tow.

Twenty-one DCSS seniors earned post-secondary degrees, diplomas and certificates from Albany State University and Albany Technical College while still high school seniors. It’s the district’s largest number yet of dual-enrolled students who have completed degree programs.

“These students should be commended for their hard work and dedication,” DCSS Superintendent Kenneth Dyer said. “The educational opportunities that are now available to them and the economic benefits passed along to their families cannot be overstated. They serve as examples of what hard work and dedication can achieve.”

With the average total cost of in-state tuition, room and board, books, travel and incidental costs estimated to be close to $22,000 annually, according to FinAid.org, students graduating with an associate’s degree under Georgia’s dual-enrollment program have saved nearly $45,000 of college-related expenses.

“Knowing that I completed (my associate’s degree), I feel like I’ve accomplished one of my greatest goals in life, which is to graduate from college at 18 with a degree and five certificates,” Dougherty Comprehensive High School student Akendai Womack said. “Next, I plan to study Business Administration with a concentration in supply chain logistics management.”

The district currently has more than 550 students who are dual-enrolled, taking both college and high school courses. Graduates who received degrees, diplomas or certificates Saturday along with their high school diploma were:

— Akendai Womack, Dougherty Comprehensive High School: Certificate in Supply Chain Management, diploma in Business Logistics Management and associate’s degree in Business Logistics Management (Albany Tech).

— K’Neciana Roberts, Dougherty: Certificate in Criminal Justice Specialist. (Albany Tech)

— Branecia Peak, Monroe Comprehensive High School: Certificate in Child Development Specialist. (Albany Tech)

— Gabrielle Webb, Monroe: Diploma in Pharmacy Technology. (Albany Tech)

— Tarence Banks, Westover Comprehensive High School: Certificate in Preparation A+ Network Tech, certificate in PC Repair and Network Technician, and certificate in Supervisor/Management Specialist. (Albany Tech)

— Londynn Jackson, Westover: Certificate in Criminal Justice. (Albany Tech)

— Kayla Smith, Westover: Certificate in Supervisor/Management Specialist, diploma in Business Management. (Albany Tech)

— Zaria Davis, Dougherty: Associate’s degree in General Studies (Albany State).

— Kyndall Hills, Dougherty: Associate’s degree in General Studies (Albany State).

— Dariyell Smith, Dougherty: Associate’s degree in General Studies (Albany State).

— Gabrielle Webb, Monroe: Associate’s degree in Pharmacy Technology (Albany Tech).

— Tarence Banks, Westover: Associate’s degree in Computer Support Specialist (Albany Tech).

— Kayla Smith, Westover: Associate’s degree in Business Management (Albany Tech).

— Scott Dawson, Westover: Associate’s degree in Chemistry (Albany State).

— Destiny Shaw, Westover: Associate’s degree in General Studies (Albany State).

— Caitlyn Caldwell, Westover: Associate’s degree in Health Science (Albany State).

— Franklynne Banks, Westover: Associate’s degree in General Studies (Albany State).

— Nitalia Taylor, Westover: Associate’s degree in General Studies (Albany State).

— Tymaree Nelson, Westover: Associate’s degree in General Studies (Albany State).

— Zackeria Knighton, Westover: Associate’s degree in General Studies (Albany State).

— Braeden Earnest, Westover: Associate’s degree in General Studies (Albany State).