Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College Celebrates Record Number of Dual Credit Students Earning College Degrees
Dual Credit students receiving their college degrees from left are: Amy Arce-Santamaria – Hart County High School, Jay Houchens – Barren County High School, Ella Parrish – Russellville High School, Maddie Simpson – Monroe County High School, Maelee Ford – Monroe County High School, Aliza Wilson – Russellville High School, Brayden Johnson – Edmonson County High School, Maeleigh Belcher – Butler County High School, Zella Claire Myatt – Monroe County High School, Ella Madison- Edmonson County High School, Maddie Jones – Butler County High School, Nellie Saylors – Allen County-Scottsville High School
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A record number of high school students earned college degrees this spring through the dual credit program at Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College, marking a significant achievement for students across southcentral Kentucky.
While most SKYCTC dual credit students graduate with an average of approximately six college credit hours completed, thirteen students in the Spring 2026 graduating class completed at least 60 college credit hours while still enrolled in high school. The accomplishment reflects tremendous dedication as students balanced college coursework alongside high school academics, extracurricular activities and, in some cases, part-time jobs.
2025 dual credit graduate Benjamin Richardson described the challenge of completing a college degree while still in high school.
“This is NOT for everyone,” Richardson shared. “A student should be fully committed to the end goal of getting a college degree before high school graduation.”
Because of their commitment and perseverance, all thirteen graduates earned a college credential debt-free while also gaining valuable experience navigating college-level coursework and expectations. Their achievement positions them for continued success in their academic and professional futures.
This year’s dual credit graduates earning an associate degree from SKYCTC include:
- Amy Arce-Santamaria – Hart County High School
- Jay Houchens – Barren County High School
- Ella Parrish – Russellville High School
- Maddie Simpson – Monroe County High School
- Maelee Ford – Monroe County High School
- Aliza Wilson – Russellville High School
- Brayden Johnson – Edmonson County High School
- Maeleigh Belcher – Butler County High School
- Zella Claire Myatt – Monroe County High School
- Ella Madison – Edmonson County High School
- Maddie Jones – Butler County High School
- Nellie Saylors – Allen County-Scottsville High School
- Elijah Nelson – Homeschool
Nellie Saylors reflected on becoming the first Allen County student to achieve the milestone while still in high school.
“To me, earning my associate degree as a high school student shows that I am hardworking and very dedicated to my education,” Saylors said. “Persevering through my hardships has allowed me to become the student that I am. Being the first one to receive an associate degree as a high school student from Allen County is very rewarding to see all my work pay off, and I hope more students follow in the future.”
Brayden Johnson said the opportunity helped prepare him for his future career goals.
“Completing my Associate in Science Degree through SKYCTC while in high school has been an incredible opportunity that pushed me to take initiative and prepared me for the rigor of college,” Johnson said. “It's given me a strong foundation as I pursue a career in medicine and work toward becoming a physician.”
Ella Madison shared how the accomplishment strengthened her confidence and future plans.
“I am grateful for the opportunity given to me and that I completed my associate degree while also attending high school full time,” Madison said. “This accomplishment helped me realize that I can do hard things, and I feel more prepared for Western Kentucky University. I am excited and optimistic about my future. I am ready to achieve my dreams. This opportunity has helped make it possible.”
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College congratulates all Spring 2026 dual credit students and graduates on this outstanding accomplishment and wishes them continued success in their educational and career journeys.
