High school students get head start on college

ALBANY — Gabrielle Webb, Kayla Smith, Tarence Banks and Akendai Womack were honored at a signing ceremony at Albany Technical College Monday for their successful participation in the college’s Dual Enrollment program.

The four high school seniors will graduate this year not only with their diplomas but also with associate’s degrees earned through the program at Albany Tech.

Gabrielle Webb, a senior at Monroe Comprehensive High School, said she plans to go to medical school after graduation. She will graduate with an associate’s degree in Pharmacy Technology. She is currently licensed as a pharmacy technician and said she hopes to be accepted at Kennesaw State University for its Biology program.

“I plan to be an OB/GYN in the future. Women’s health is very important to me,” Gabrielle said of her plans after finishing medical school.

Gabrielle is an active member of the National Beta Club, Student Council, and the National Honor Society. She has been a tutor and was active in the Math Club, Beta Club, Science Club and Health Careers Opportunity Program when she attended Albany High School. At Albany High, she participated in sports and band. She is an active volunteer in her community and is active in her church as a youth usher and a worship leader.

Kayla, who attends Westover Comprehensive High School, overcame the challenge of taking 64 credit-hours in a matter of two years for dual enrollment. She will graduate with an associate’s degree in Business Management. Kayla says she wants to continue her education in medical school, but she says that her business degree will not go to waste.

“I will continue to use what I’ve learned during my dual enrollment,” Kayla said on switching her degree path. “I’ve actually been using the knowledge I got with my business degree that I started at 16 and have recently been trying to make it successful.”

Kayla said she plans to change her focus to a nursing degree so she can work in pediatrics. She is member of the National Society of High School Scholars, a 2018 Utilis Matronae Club debutante and a former varsity competition cheerleader. She has been a member of the Healthcare Occupations Students of America and Future Business Leaders of America. Kayla is active in her community and volunteers for multiple causes. She is active in her church as a member of its praise team. She said she hopes to enter Kennesaw State University.

Tarence Banks of Westover also wants to be accepted into Kennesaw State after graduation. He will graduate with a Computer Support Specialist degree and move on to major in Physical Education and obtain his real estate license.Tarence said he found out about Albany Tech’s dual enrollment program through a close family member.

“My auntie inspired me the most because she works here; it’s like her school, you know, school pride,” Tarence explained.

Tarence has played for multiple teams in Westover’s athletic program such as the school’s football team, the basketball team and he ran track. He participated in the President’s Leadership Institute at Albany Tech and is a member of his church.

Akendai Womack of Dougherty Comprehensive High School will graduate with an associate’s degree in Business Logistics Management. He said he hopes to be accepted into Georgia Military College for its supply chain management program. Akendai has big dreams of using his educational opportunities to lead him into the military, where he said he hopes to have a high ranking position or maybe even become a Navy Seal. His ultimate dream is to be a talk show host one day. Akendai encourages any student interested in college to follow their dreams.

“Think positive and apply for scholarships because that’s free money, and if you get scholarships you can go for free and don’t give up,” Akendai said to offer hope to high school students who are ready to apply for college.

He is a member of the 2018 Jack and Jill of America Le Beautillion Militaire and a member of Future Business Leaders of America. He is active in his community and his church, and he was a nominee for the Work Ethics Award at Albany Tech in 2017.

The Albany Technical College Dual Enrollment program is free of charge for high school students and offers opportunities that some students may feel are unavailable to them. Like these four seniors, graduates have an opportunity to earn an associate’s degree, possibly even before their 18th birthday.

Gypsy Crow