Students enrolled in the high school programs sponsored by the University of Arkansas-East Arkansas Community College have achieved several records and made significant achievements this year, including the largest number of associate degrees ever awarded to high school students.

During the 50th annual commencement and first commencement as a University of Arkansas affiliated institution, the University of Arkansas-East Arkansas Community College will award 248 degrees and credentials to 140 high school students.

"We are proud and excited to honor the record number of high school students who will be earning UA-EACC degrees and credentials this year. In support of the state's educational efforts to promote career readiness for high school students, UA-EACC is directly achieving the priorities of the Arkansas ACCESS Act," stated Dr. Cathie Cline, chancellor of UA-EACC.

This year, 28 students will earn an associate's degree, including 18 from Palestine-Wheatley High School (PWHS). Of the 28 students, 27 will earn an Associate of Arts degree, and for the first time ever, a high school student will be awarded an Associate of Science in Education-Elementary K-6 degree.

In addition to setting a new record for the number of high school students earning an associate's degree, a total of 37 PWHS students will be awarded 101 degrees and credentials. This is the largest number of credentials and associate's degree graduates of any of the 11 high schools that UA-EACC serves. Two PWHS students will also earn credentials in Emergency Medical Technology-Basic, Michael Heard and Kailey Mitchell.

Forrest City High School (FCHS) has the largest number of students earning a career and technical credential, with 15 students receiving credentials of value that make them immediately employable upon graduation. A total of 17 FCHS students will earn 18 credentials from UA-EACC.

Two FCHS graduates, Mia Ellis and Starla Hughes, will graduate from UA-EACC's LPN program. Currently in its second year, the high school LPN program's largest number of graduates have been Forrest City High School students. 

In addition, five FCHS students - Kylin Daniels, Monsieur Gains, Trinity Mays, Corey McKissick, and Quintavius Nelson -  will earn a Certificate of Proficiency in Commercial Driver Training. With average salaries over $50,000 per year in Arkansas, this valuable credential ensures graduates are immediately employable upon licensure. FCHS and UA-EACC pioneered the first high school CDT program in Arkansas, which has received awards for innovation and collaboration. To date, Forrest City High School has the most graduates from the high school CDT program.

Wynne High School (WHS) receives the record for the largest number of students graduating, with 47 students earning a total of 63 degrees and credentials. In addition, WHS student Bella Bowles will graduate from UA-EACC's LPN program. This significant achievement demanded substantial sacrifice during a student's senior year. However, the dedication and hard work puts graduates on a fast track to well-paid careers, with the high school LPN program currently boasting a 100% job placement rate.

Bethany Watkins of Cross County High School is the first high school student to earn an Associate of Science in Education-Elementary K-6 degree from UA-EACC. She will be eligible to apply for admission to an education bachelor's degree program. Given the shortage of qualified teachers in Arkansas, this is a significant contribution to education. This fall, UA-EACC will launch a new baccalaureate program in education on its campus through a partnership with the University of Arkansas at Monticello.

Other high schools with students earning UA-EACC associate degrees include Arkansas Virtual Academy and Lee High School.

UA-EACC also recognizes the achievements of high school students graduating with a high value credential from its career and technical education programs and secondary career center. Over 41 credentials in skilled trades or occupations will be awarded to students in the following fields: Automotive Service Technology, Teaching, Diesel Technology, Commercial Driver Training, Medical Professions Education, Practical Nursing, Emergency Medical Technology-Basic, Health Professions, Refrigeration and Heat Exchange Technology, and Welding Technology.

Students earning an associate's degree include:

Palestine-Wheatley High School

Cache Burns

Isabella Carden

Gavin Crawford

Mackenzie Ford

Aiden Holman

Hallie Hooker

Hannah Huskey

Justice Jackson

Reid Jackson

Baileigh Mitchell

Kailey Mitchell

Ryleigh Mitchell

Maci Padgett

Brianna Parson

Kaley Parson

Katelyn Ramsey

Joseph Swan

Carly Todd

Wynne High School

Kristen Barnes

Paden Bennett

Cross County High School

Mali Wallis

Bethany Watkins

Lee High School

Antoine Long

Jaylon Long

Arkansas Virtual Academy

Mya Donley

Jesse Kolb

Kaitlyn Munroe

Homeschool

Emily King

UA-EACC's annual commencement ceremonies are scheduled for Thursday and Friday, May 8th and 9th in the Fine Arts Center on the campus in Forrest City. High school graduates participating in the ceremonies will be provided a limited number of tickets.