Two Jeff High seniors make history by earning an associate degree
For Immediate Release: April 14, 2023
Two Jeff High seniors make history by earning an associate degree
FAYETTE, MS – When Copiah-Lincoln Community College calls the names of its graduates to receive the associate’s degree in a few weeks, history will be made in the Jefferson County School District.
Carmen Micha'el Kennedy and Terrell Walker Jr. will earn their first college degree before they receive their high school diplomas.
The two scholars took part in a partnership that the district made with Copiah-Lincoln Community College and Alcorn State University.
“Jefferson County has reason to be proud,” said Superintendent Adrian D. Hammitte. “This is a significant milestone for these two young people and for the Jefferson County School District.”
Kennedy is the 17-year-old daughter of Ruth Felton of Fayette and Nathan Kennedy of Greenville. She holds a 3.8 grade point average. She scored a 24 on the ACT.
She attends Mt. Israel Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. James Jones. Kennedy is President of the illustrious Class of 2023 and a member of the National BETA, National Society of High School Scholars, and Student Government Association. Carmen is currently enrolled as a dual credit student at Alcorn State University and Copiah-Lincoln Community College. After graduation, Carmen plans to attend Alabama A&M University in Normal, AL. She plans to major in civil engineering. Her future goal is to become the first female engineer from this small town to help with the construction of roads and bridges.
Walker is the son of Terrell and Arthurine Walker, brother of Aniyah C. Walker, paternal grandson of Clifton and Gloria Gray, and the maternal grandson of Arthur and the late Carrie Mae Frye Tenner. He is currently a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the National Honor Society, and New Hope the Vision Center. He scored a 25 on the ACT.
After graduation, he plans to attend the University of Southern Mississippi, majoring in Marine Biology, and further this career in the city of his choice.
Jefferson County High School Principal David Day said, “I met Carmen and Terrell when they were in junior high. They were two of the smartest in their class and always performed well academically. This focus and trend continued throughout their High School careers. They are so deserving of this honor!”
Since 2017, students have been able to earn college credits from Alcorn State University or Copiah-Lincoln Community College. The district alternated between the two schools each year. This school year, the District made classes available through both schools.
Hammitte said, “We have been working vigorously to reach this point, and now we have finally arrived. This accomplishment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our two graduates and our team's commitment to expanding educational opportunities for our children.”
“I am grateful for our partnership with Copiah-Lincoln Community College and Alcorn State University. I hope this inspires other students to follow in their footsteps,” Hammitte said.
The two students will receive their associate’s degree on May 11, and will receive their high school diploma on May 25.
“These two students have dedicated themselves to academic success while in high school,” said Courtney Mitchell, school counselor at Jefferson County High School. “We are excited to witness their history-making achievements. They are our first, but not our last.”
Two Jeff High seniors make history by earning an associate degree
FAYETTE, MS – When Copiah-Lincoln Community College calls the names of its graduates to receive the associate’s degree in a few weeks, history will be made in the Jefferson County School District.
Carmen Micha'el Kennedy and Terrell Walker Jr. will earn their first college degree before they receive their high school diplomas.
The two scholars took part in a partnership that the district made with Copiah-Lincoln Community College and Alcorn State University.
“Jefferson County has reason to be proud,” said Superintendent Adrian D. Hammitte. “This is a significant milestone for these two young people and for the Jefferson County School District.”
Kennedy is the 17-year-old daughter of Ruth Felton of Fayette and Nathan Kennedy of Greenville. She holds a 3.8 grade point average. She scored a 24 on the ACT.
She attends Mt. Israel Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. James Jones. Kennedy is President of the illustrious Class of 2023 and a member of the National BETA, National Society of High School Scholars, and Student Government Association. Carmen is currently enrolled as a dual credit student at Alcorn State University and Copiah-Lincoln Community College. After graduation, Carmen plans to attend Alabama A&M University in Normal, AL. She plans to major in civil engineering. Her future goal is to become the first female engineer from this small town to help with the construction of roads and bridges.
Walker is the son of Terrell and Arthurine Walker, brother of Aniyah C. Walker, paternal grandson of Clifton and Gloria Gray, and the maternal grandson of Arthur and the late Carrie Mae Frye Tenner. He is currently a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the National Honor Society, and New Hope the Vision Center. He scored a 25 on the ACT.
After graduation, he plans to attend the University of Southern Mississippi, majoring in Marine Biology, and further this career in the city of his choice.
Jefferson County High School Principal David Day said, “I met Carmen and Terrell when they were in junior high. They were two of the smartest in their class and always performed well academically. This focus and trend continued throughout their High School careers. They are so deserving of this honor!”
Since 2017, students have been able to earn college credits from Alcorn State University or Copiah-Lincoln Community College. The district alternated between the two schools each year. This school year, the District made classes available through both schools.
Hammitte said, “We have been working vigorously to reach this point, and now we have finally arrived. This accomplishment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our two graduates and our team's commitment to expanding educational opportunities for our children.”
“I am grateful for our partnership with Copiah-Lincoln Community College and Alcorn State University. I hope this inspires other students to follow in their footsteps,” Hammitte said.
The two students will receive their associate’s degree on May 11, and will receive their high school diploma on May 25.
“These two students have dedicated themselves to academic success while in high school,” said Courtney Mitchell, school counselor at Jefferson County High School. “We are excited to witness their history-making achievements. They are our first, but not our last.”