By Nila Harris
FALMOUTH — Five Pendleton County High School students in the Class of 2024 earned associates degrees from Northern Kentucky University while still enrolled in high school. In fact, they graduated from college before high school commencement ceremonies took place.
Reagan Anderson, Reese Barlow, Alex Beyst, Rebecca McCoy and Katie Wright were students in the Young Scholar’s Academy, “an immersive, dual-credit, early college experience for high school juniors and seniors based at Northern Kentucky University,” according to NKU.
Pendleton County began the program in 2022.
Superintendent Joe Buerkley said, “The Young Scholars Academy program at Northern Kentucky University has achieved remarkable success, as evidenced by the impressive accomplishments of its participants.
“In just two years, the program has seen a significant percentage of its graduating seniors complete an associates degree concurrently with their high school diploma. The accumulation of over 1,000 college credit hours by these dedicated seniors is a testament to the program’s effectiveness in providing a rigorous and enriching educational experience.
“This initiative has not only elevated the academic journey of these young scholars but also provided them with a considerable advantage as they embark on their future educational and professional endeavors. We are extremely proud of our PC students and their accomplishments,” he said.
Speaking with the five graduates revealed several traits in common. All said they appreciated the opportunity to participate in YSA. All are goal-oriented and organized planners who enjoyed the challenge of navigating college and high school courses.
They expressed that YSA was beneficial, financially prudent and encouraged other young people to go this route.
The group also expressed the importance of time management, interacting with other college students, and conferring with professors, if needed.
As students both at PCHS and NKU, the young people were able to participate in sports, clubs and activities at the high school level, yet experience the campus life at the college level.
Wright said she played golf at PCHS but still enjoyed going to NKU volleyball and basketball games. “I got treated as a regular college student.”
Anderson said she maintained membership in the National Honor Society, cheer team and softball team.
“It was not easy, but with good time management skills, I was able to be in all the activities I wanted while being in YSA,” she said.
Beyst said he 100% recommends YSA to anyone who can get in.
“If I go into work, I already have a degree at 17. It is a great program that will help you in the future,” he said.
Beyst now is a double major at NKU — marketing and entrepreneurship. He is considering changing his major to the health care field.
McCoy said she encourages young people to “spread yourself out more.”
Taking statistics and anatomy at the same time was challenging, she said.
She also recommended “getting to know your professor. They will help you if you ask.”
McCoy will continue at NKU in the fall in their nursing program. She will also be a part of the cheer program. “I’m a freshman cheerleader and a junior student,” she said.
Barlow, who will attend Coastal Carolina in South Carolina this fall on an academic scholarship, will work toward her business administration and management bachelor’s degree.
For students considering YSA, she recommended, “Go in with an open mind, be ready for opportunities right in front of you.”