Members of the Mount Union Area High School Class of 2026 who will earn associate degrees through the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College dual enrollment program, from left to right: Lilyana Hicks, Isabella Yocum, Madalynn Musick, Sydnee Harris, Katie Pyne, Ava McVey, Sarah Varner, and Delaney Ronk.
By SYDNEE HARRIS | Journalism Student, Mount Union Area Senior High School
Mount Union, Pa. — For many students, earning a high school diploma is the goal. However, a handful of members of the graduating Class of 2026 have taken their education a step further by working toward earning their associate degrees while still in high school. Graduates who pursued this degree will also become Pennsylvania Highlands Community College graduates. Through dedication, long hours, and determination, these students balanced high school responsibilities with college-level coursework to prepare themselves for the future.
For senior Ava McVey, one of the most rewarding moments came at the end of the journey. “Finishing my courses and seeing all my hard work pay off over the last four years has definitely been my favorite part of the experience,” McVey said. Completing the program requires commitment and perseverance, but students like McVey prove that the effort is worthwhile.
Fellow senior Sarah Varner explained that the program gives students valuable experience before entering college full-time. “Dual enrollment allows students to understand what college life and coursework are like before going to college full-time,” Varner said. She emphasized that success in the program requires both hard work and motivation, qualities many students in the Class of 2026 demonstrated throughout their high school careers.
Senior Katie Pyne highlighted the academic advantages that come with earning an associate degree early. “Having my associate degree completed allows me to move right into my core classes instead of spending time on general education courses,” Pyne explained. She also noted that the opportunity could help her graduate college early and begin working in her chosen career field sooner.
Over the years, the program itself has continued to evolve and expand. Mrs. Dawn Shields, the program director at Mount Union Area High School, explained that “the program has grown to allow for more individual student customization, helping students better prepare for their post-secondary plans and career goals.” She also shared that, to date, students in the degree program have collectively earned $3,535,000 in academic scholarships, demonstrating both the program’s success and the dedication of its students.
As the Class of 2026 prepares to graduate, Mrs. Shields reflected on the impact the students have had on her. She said, “Walking alongside this group of young adults over the last four years, and for some students even six years, has been one of the most inspiring opportunities of my professional career.” Watching students gain knowledge, skills, and confidence while pursuing their dreams has left a lasting impression on both the students and the educators who supported them.
The graduating Class of 2026 has shown that with determination, motivation, and support, students can accomplish far more than what is traditionally expected during high school. Their achievements not only prepare them for future success but also set an example for future classes hoping to follow in their footsteps.
This article was published as part of Ms. Dimoff’s Journalism class at Mount Union Area Senior High School.
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