HALL MAKES HISTORY AS WESLEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS FIRST ECA GRADUATE

Zac Hall was just like any normal college student going into finals week. He felt the stress of cramming for exams and the jitters of a looming graduation.

But Hall is 19 years old and a senior in at Wesley Christian High School.

That sets his story apart from most others.

Hall earned an Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees during a commencement ceremony held on Friday, May 6 at the Mountain Arts Center, weeks before he officially becomes a high school graduate. He was the first student from Wesley Christian High School to earn a degree through the Early College Academy [ECA] program.

I was very excited and when I learned that I got into the [ECA]. I really didnt think I would get in, said Hall. Dr. [Tom] Vierheller dropped by the school to introduce himself to me, and said he would serve as my advisor. Hes been a tremendous advisor and mentor through this process.

When Hall started college in 2014, his mother, Tammy, was finishing her degree. She graduated in 2015 and will enter the colleges dental hygiene program in August.

Tammy said she never dreamed she would be going to college with her son, especially when he was in high school.

We are so proud of Zac, she said. I waited to raise my family and go back to college, but I never dreamed in a thousand years I would go [to college] with my son.

Zac, a Robinson Scholarship recipient at the University of Kentucky, will continue his studies in Lexington in the fall. He hopes to work in orthopedic medicine and work with athletes. His passion for medicine came after suffering an injury while playing basketball at Wesley Christian High School.

Zac said his time at BSCTC has prepared me for what is ahead. Going to community and technical college as a high school junior and senior allows you to learn the responsibilities needed to become a good college student.