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Hampton recognizes 65 students who completed dual-enrollment associate degrees
Summary
At a Hampton City Council special session, officials honored students who earned associate degrees through a dual-enrollment partnership with Virginia Peninsula Community College; presenters cited 65 graduates and noted the program has produced 226 associate-degree recipients since inception.
Hampton City Council held a special session to honor students who completed dual-enrollment coursework and will receive associate degrees through the city's partnership with Virginia Peninsula Community College. Mayor Donnie T. Gray opened the event by welcoming attendees and congratulating the students: "Tonight I'm pleased to welcome you as we congratulate this year's dual enrollment students."
Brian Marchese, outreach and creative coordinator for the mayor's marketing department, said the program began in the 2016–17 school year and has expanded: "Back in 2016, '20 '17 academic school year, Hampton City Schools partner with Virginia Peninsula Community College to offer college level courses to high school students who are ready to take on that challenge." Marchese told the chamber the program produced its first two graduates in 2018 and that the number of participants has grown each year. He said the graduates "have met all the requirements for high school graduation while simultaneously fulfilling all the requirements in college work course work for a 2 year degree, receiving their associate's degree an entire month before they receive their high school diploma."
Superintendent Dr. Raymond Haynes confirmed the figure presented by staff, saying, "65 total graduates tomorrow at Virginia Peninsula Community College, all of whom will receive the associate's degree prior to receiving their high school diploma." Haynes also reported a cumulative total of 226 students who have earned associate degrees through the partnership since the program began.
Officials and school leaders in attendance included School Board Chair Dr. Richard Mason, Vice Chair Stephanie Fonja Jackson, Deputy Superintendent Dr. John Caziano, Chief of Secondary School Leadership Shamika Pollard, Bethel High School Executive Principal Dr. Tanya Howard, Phoebus High School Principal Dr. David Coccoli, Academy Principal Travis Oliver, and Academy Principal Lindsey Jackson. Marchese read students' names in alphabetical order while council members presented certificates; city leaders paused for photos after each presentation.
Presenters highlighted two practical benefits of the program: students earn college credit while completing high school requirements and families save on college costs. Marchese noted family and school support as key factors, saying the achievement "speaks volumes about their dedication, their drive, and their willingness to take on more." Haynes said the city and school division covered program costs: "And this of course is at no cost to you all. We took care of all the costs."
The mayor and council closed the ceremony by again praising the students and the Academies of Hampton, including the ACE Academy, as providing college credits and career pathways while students are still in high school. Certificates were presented to 65 named students (the names were read aloud during the session), and council members remained onstage afterward to allow families to take personal photographs. The session then adjourned.
