Thirty-four students of the Academy of the College Experience (ACE) graduate from Thomas Nelson Community College with associate degree

 

Monday, May 16, 2022, was a momentous day when 34 Hampton City Schools students graduated from Thomas Nelson Community College with their associate degree before even receiving their high school diploma. These students are a part of the Academy of the College Experience (ACE) at Phoebus High School.

 

The ACE Academy is one of Hampton City Schools’ wall-to-wall academies and is housed at Phoebus High School. ACE provides students with early exposure to the academic rigors and intellectual challenges of college-level work through a structured blend of high school and college curriculum. With the opportunity to complete their high school diploma and associate of arts degree simultaneously, ACE results in substantially reduced college tuition costs and the time spent earning postsecondary degrees.

 

Kayla Wiggins, who is also the salutatorian at Phoebus High School, received the TNCC President’s Award for the Class of 2022. This award is presented in recognition of exceptional academic performance. Criteria for the award includes a high cumulative grade point average, completing at least 60 semester hours of coursework, and receiving an associate degree.

 

Congratulations to the following students who received their associate degree from TNCC:

Angelina Austin Science

Danae Battle Science

Kason Branch Science

Joshua Brown Social Science

Jacob Castillo Science

Sean Chaffee Social Science

Samantha Champion Science

Omari Clark Science

Marie Clement Science

Jaden Dotstry Science

Jordan Foster Science

Logan Grier Science

Asha Haynes Social Science

Mitchell Hudnall Science

Jace Jockell Science

Josiah Jones Science

Persifoni Jones Social Science

Allison Kent Science

Jalen King Science

Brianna Light Social Science

Sadie Miller Science

Nathan Moore Science

Elijah Mullen Science

Jericho Nicely Social Science

Rudra Patel Science

Payten Price Social Science

Madison Richards Social Science

Lanasjanique Sims Science

Dorolice Sokpoli Social Science

Paris Stacy Science

Kaela Townes Social Science

Madison Viars Science

Kayla Wiggins Science

Jazlyn Williams Social Science

ACE is highly competitive, offering only 100 slots per grade level. Visit our website here for more information and requirements to participate in the program.

 

Dr. Towuanna Porter Brannon, president of Thomas Nelson Community College said, “The growth of dual enrollment among Hampton City School has gotten so great that we had to report to our accrediting bodies that the HCS high school Phoebus is now a satellite extension center of the college. This is incredible.”

 

“Despite the uncertainty we face in our world today, there is one fact that cannot be denied, in Hampton City Schools we have some of the most talented, hardworking young people who will no doubt positively impact the world in the years to come,” said Dr. Raymond Haynes, chief of secondary school leadership. “It is with great honor that I congratulate all ACE Academy students on graduating with their associate degree. Thank you also to TNCC for a continued partnership that allows our brilliant young people to thrive in extraordinary ways. As a division and community, we remain committed to all of our students graduating the Portrait of a Hampton Graduate, prepared for success in careers, lifelong learning, and life.”

 

Hampton City Schools is extremely proud of these young adults and their accomplishments. We wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors in college or the workforce.