This May, in addition to graduating from Salina Public Schools (SPS), seven seniors are participating in commencement ceremonies at K-State Salina and Salina Tech. All have earned associate degrees while in high school.

Congratulations to:

Name	Degree	Institution
Zadan Anderson (CHS)	Associates in Applied Science, Welding	Salina Tech
Brady Hemmer (CHS)	Associates in Applied Science, Machining and Manufacturing	Salina Tech
Ria Lehnert (CHS)	Associates in Business Administration Technology	Salina Tech
James MacKinney (CHS)	Associates in Applied Business	K-State Salina
Mallory Renfro (CHS)	Associates in Applied Business	K-State Salina
Josiah Martinez (SHS)	Associates in Applied Business	K-State Salina
Sophia Osborn (SHS)	Associates in Applied Business	K-State Salina

The associate degrees have been earned through partnerships SPS has with K-State Salina and Salina Tech. The partnerships offer dual credits that count toward both an associate degree and high school graduation. The cost of credits, when taken through this arrangement, is reduced.

Zadan Anderson saw the value of saving money. “I chose to earn an associate’s because of the time and money saved by doing it now, compared to when I would fully attend a college.” And, he wanted to get started on his future. “Another value is getting a start on my career, and having a solid foundation for my career or resume in welding technology.”

Taking college courses while in high school give students a feel for the rigor of college courses, making for an easier transition after high school. James MacKinney noted that college requires more attention and effort. “It takes a lot of work and sometimes it feels like it will never end but it gets better. The harder you try, the easier it gets.” And, MacKinney looks forward to graduating from college two years after high school.

Earning an associate degree while in high school allows students to complete many of their general education courses so if they choose to go on, they can jump right into courses for their major.

South High parent, Teela Martinez, was in full support of her son Josiah’s pursuit of the associate degree. “No matter what path he decides to take, having the business degree helps get a lot of classes out of the way. And, the classes cost a fraction of what it would have been going into a four-year college as a freshman. He’s now stepping into a four-year college with no debt and half the classes already under his belt.” Josiah plans to attend Fort Hays State University.

The benefits extend beyond classes and finances. “This is not only a great financial option for students but it also is great for references and networking,” said Ria Lehnert. “In my program we created a professional profile that will help me in the future.” Lehnert aspires to own a business one day and her next step is to study cosmetology next fall.

Sophia Osborn embraced the challenge. “When this opportunity was presented to me, I did not have a clear vision of my life pathway, but I recognized this would give me a valuable advantage regardless of what I chose to do,” she shared. “More importantly, it would challenge me and I welcome challenges that drive me both personally and professionally, and I am eager to rise to them in every way.”

Brady Hemmer wants to become a mechanical engineer. “The most common complaint about engineers is that they can design parts but they’re disconnected from the manufacturing side, making the job of the manufacturer more difficult.” Brady’s choice to get an associate’s in machining and manufacturing helps him get ahead of this issue.

Brady’s advice to younger students is, “Figure out what field most interests you and find a way to get yourself working in that field as soon as possible even if it’s a summer internship. Also, if you’re planning to get a degree, take as many college classes as you can while you’re in high school.”

To learn more about earning an associate degree while still in high school, contact the high school counseling departments at Central High School, 785-309-3636 or South High School, 785-309-3715.