Jim Tressel, vice president for strategic engagement, addresses the second class of AECHS graduates and their family members at their May 2 graduation.
Most students have to wait a few years between high school and college graduation, but for 35 Akron Early College High School students, the wait will only be a few days. The students are among 67 AECHS 2012 graduates who earned high school diplomas and associate degrees simultaneously, enabling them to enter the workforce or get a head start on a bachelor's degree.
These first-generation college students symbolize the success of Akron Early College High School, a partnership between Akron Public Schools and The University of Akron to provide students who might not otherwise have an opportunity to attend college, a chance to do so.
Accepted for admission to UA's Honors College, from left: Kue Yang, Beau Brown, Destiny Ross, Alicia Ivanoff, Eliza Jacobs and Tyler Brown.
Jim Tressel, vice president for strategic engagement, recognized the 2012 AECHS graduates at their May 2 commencement ceremony at the Student Union Ballroom. Those earning associate degrees will accept them at UA’s Saturday, May 5, 2 p.m., commencement ceremony led by President Luis M. Proenza at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall.
Valedictorian Beau Brown and five of his classmates, Tyler Brown, Eliza Jacops, Alicia Ivanoff, Destiny Ross and Kue Yang were accepted for admission to the UA Honors College. Their achievements are a testament to the success of AECHS, which received an "excellent" designation on its 2011-12 report card issued by the state of Ohio, according to Stan Silverman, dean of Summit College and University College and associate provost. Statewide, AECHS ranks 29th out of 743 high schools.
Silverman adds that AECHS's high student performance continues on an upward trend. Of last year's AECHS's first class of 59 graduates, 19 received associate degrees.
Media contact: Denise Henry, 330-972-6477 or henryd@uakron.edu.