Local Students Earn College Degrees Before Finishing High School
By Mira Radovich, Senior Contributing Writer
The lights have dimmed at the Arizona Financial Theater and Rio Salado College’s Class of 2023 are now fully-fledged college graduates. Almost 4,000 credentials were awarded, with 200+ students taking part in the Commencement Ceremony on May 9, 2023.
Among the graduates were dozens of dual enrollment students who earned college credits and degrees while in high school.
As the largest provider of dual enrollment instruction in Arizona, Rio Salado College partners with 53 area in-person and online high schools to give students a head start on college.
7“Dual enrollment has really taken off this year,” said EJ Anderson, Director of Early College Programs at Rio Salado College. “Enrollment growth has been tremendous. We hear all the time from students what a tremendous impact dual enrollment has made on their success.”
Blossoming Partnership
One of Rio Salado College’s partner school districts, Heritage Academy, saw 123 students graduate from high school with a college associate degree in hand.
“We enjoy our partnership with Rio Salado,” said Jared Taylor, CEO of Heritage Academy. “Rio has a proven track record in Arizona. Rio's customer service has helped many of our parents navigate higher education, especially the families of first-generation college students.”
Heritage Academy’s mission is to build America’s heroes, a foundation that dual enrollment helps to lay.
“Because of our strong dual enrollment program, our graduates are not burdened with heavy student debt and are able to become more productive citizens in a shorter time frame,” he said.
Taylor’s enthusiasm hits close to home. His oldest daughter earned an associate degree from Rio in 2020 and his middle daughter, Reagan, earned her degree and participated in Rio’s Commencement ceremony this year.
“I've helped many families save time and money, but when it's your own, it's special,” Taylor said. “We love Rio and personally value the partnership with Heritage Academy.”
Xavier Prep Triumphs
Of the 309 dual enrollment students graduating with an associate degree from Rio Salado, 110 were from Xavier College Preparatory in Phoenix, which amounts to 40 percent of their senior class.
“Partnering with Rio Salado College has helped us bring our academics to a higher level,” said Sister Joanie Nuckols, who has spent 42 years at Xavier serving as a teacher, campus minister, vice principal, and principal. “It has kept our students on task throughout all four years.”
The school is vigilant about promoting the benefits of dual enrollment throughout the year.
“We encourage students to enroll through communications with parents, and announcements at school events like Open House, awards assembly, Back to School Night, and through individual teachers,” Nuckols said.
Specifically, Nuckols said dual enrollment gives high school students several perks for attending university.
“Students can get into the major of their choice, are given priority access to online registration, and can complete their 4-year degrees earlier,” Nuckols said.
The Dual Have Spoken
Overheard at this year’s commencement ceremony:
- “At Xavier, they drill it into you and recommend you do dual enrollment, you should do it and you should do it.” – Olivia Charles, Xavier College Preparatory
- “Work hard because even though it’s tough and you may want to quit, just keep pushing and it’ll be worth it in the end.” - Kyle Nelson, Heritage Academy
- “Once I saw my school offered dual enrollment, it immediately became a goal of mine to graduate high school with an associates degree. I’ve had such a great experience.” - Trinidad Alvarez, Mountain Pointe High School
- “Commencement was a warm and welcoming experience. The ceremony was meaningful no matter the age of the graduate!” - Tegan Bernard, Mountain Ridge High School
- “I’m watching her do this and I’m like, ‘Don’t cry!’ I’m going to bawl, but it’s okay! I’ve seen her grow as a person. I couldn’t be more proud. She did it and managed everything all on her own.” - Christy Ulibarri, mother of Deer Valley student Isabella Ulibarri
- “My parents emphasized the importance of education because they didn’t have that opportunity when they were younger. I wanted to make them proud.” - Selene Contreras, Heritage Academy