May 17, 2006 9:38 am US/Central
Student Gets College Degree Before H.S. Diploma
by Lisa Kiava
Owatonna, Minn. (WCCO) ―
A Minnesota teenager will celebrate graduation twice this spring: once from high school and once from college.
For students who want to save a bundle on college tuition, they should consider Zach Pero's path. He attended a community college for free while he was still in high school.
As he earned Riverland College credits, they also counted as high school credits. Many students statewide take advantage of this program, but few are as dedicated as Pero.
"That he has been an excellent student, you know, and can count on him getting his work done and in on time," said Stephanie Shea, Pero's counselor.
Pero essentially skipped his junior and senior years of high school, taking only two classes those years at Owatonna High.
He racked up so many college credits, he was surprised when his adviser told him the good news.
"You know, I had kind of been keeping track of my credits and what I needed to do and then Stephanie (Shea) told me that I could attend commencement ceremonies," Pero said.
Pero had earned his two-year associate arts degree. He attended commencement last month and will attend his high school graduation next month.
This fall, Pero will head to the University of Minnesota where he plans to finish a four-year degree in two years, thanks to his head start in high school.
North Hennepin Community College is another popular school among high schoolers. Nearly 60 will earn their college degrees this spring, but all will graduate from their high schools first.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
