Three high schools and Cayuga Community College recently celebrated six students who simultaneously earned both their high school diplomas and associate degrees through a partnership between CCC and area school districts.
Leaders from Dana L West High School, Synergy Virtual High School at CiTi BOCES, and Union Springs High School joined CCC President Dr Brian Durant to congratulate the students on their impressive achievements.
“We’re incredibly proud of these students, who challenged themselves to accomplish something that very few have done at Cayuga: Earning high school and college degrees simultaneously,” said Dr. Durant. “Our partnerships with area school districts, led at Cayuga by Professor Sarah Yaw, created countless pathways for high school students to explore their academic options and earn credits toward an associate’s degree. These students seized these opportunities and have demonstrated to future students everything that’s possible through our partnership programs.”
The six students, their school districts, and Cayuga degrees are:
- Nina Bartolotta, Dana L. West High School, Associate in Arts;
- Stephen Case, Union Springs High School, Associate in Arts;
- Gracie Chalupnicki, Union Springs High School, Associate in Arts;
- Ella Dougherty, Union Springs High School, Associate in Arts;
- Carissa Quagliata, Synergy Virtual High School at CiTi BOCES, Associate in Science;
- Lilyana Thornton, Union Springs High School, Associate in Arts.
The college partners with school districts in Cayuga, Oswego, Onondaga, Seneca, and Wayne Counties to offer high school students the chance to earn college credits while in high school.
“Port Byron is extremely proud of Nina for the diligence she has shown in obtaining her associate’s degree from Cayuga Community College, while also facing the numerous rigors each teen faces during their senior year of high school,” said Dana L. West High School Principal Kim Brown. “We cannot wait to see the amazing things Nina accomplishes as she transitions into higher education and her future career field.”
“Graduating with both a high school diploma and an associate degree at the same time is an extraordinary accomplishment. Not only did Carissa achieve this milestone, but did so by taking courses both online and on-campus, demonstrating exceptional independence, focus, and perseverance,” said Melissa Daniels, Director of Virtual Learning & Innovation P-16 at Synergy Virtual High School at CiTi BOCES. “Congratulations on such an incredible achievement, and our sincere thanks to Cayuga Community College for providing the opportunity and investing in the future of our students in partnership with Synergy Virtual High School at CiTi BOCES.”
“Stephen, Gracie, Ella and Lilyana identified in ninth grade that reaching this moment was something they wanted to achieve. Year after year, they pushed themselves and encouraged each other. They are more than just exceptional students — they’re well-rounded individuals who are athletes, musicians, Board of Education student representatives and more. They’ll accomplish great things at their next step,” said Union Springs High School Principal Jason Dentel.
