Every year, before Lakeview’s High School graduation, Eastfield has their graduation in early May. This year, 89 seniors graduated with their Associates of Science from Eastfield last Saturday, May 6, thanks to Lakeview’s Collegiate Program.

“Honestly it’s a relief to graduate college as a senior,” senior Kendra Greaux said. “Not only to know that I got my basics out of the way and saved my family so much money but also just to know that I am capable of completing one of the most challenging things of my life.”

The seniors got to graduate among hundreds of college students and one other high school. They waited for their name to be called and their turn to walk across stage to get their diploma.

“All I could think about as I crossed the stage (other than “shake hand with your right! Grab degree with your left!”) was that I finally made it,” senior Maegan Plunk said.

The Collegiate Program gives students the opportunity to take Dual Credit classes in high school over 4 years to complete an Associate’s Degree by the time they’re seniors.

“Overall, I think the collegiate program is worth it if you’re willing to do the work,” senior Ben Reeve said.

The program is free for all the students that are involved in it. You’re getting your Associate’s Degree years earlier than usual and for no cost.

“I didn’t realize how much of an impact it was making until I started scheduling classes for college,” Plunk said. “To be able to graduate and save time and money is such a wonderful thing.”