Wallace State Fast Track Academy, Fast Track for Industry students recognized during ceremony

HANCEVILLE, ALA. –  Wallace State’s Fast Track Academy and Fast Track for Industry students were recognized during their certificate ceremony earlier this month at the Betty Leeth Haynes Theatre.

Wallace State honored 27 Fast Track Academy graduates and 19 Fast Track for Industry graduates.

Through the program, which serves eligible high school students in Blount, Cullman, Morgan and Winston Counties, the students simultaneously earned their high school and college degrees, meeting state requirements for high school graduation, while also providing the general education requirements for the certificate or associate degree programs at Wallace State. Students are also allowed to participate in their high school’s extracurricular activities, including athletics, band and student organizations.

Fast Track Academy students pursue an Associate in Arts or Science degree or a General Studies Certificate, often to be used toward university transfer.  Fast Track for Industry students enroll in Applied Technologies or Health Sciences programs and pursue an Associate in Applied Science degree or certificate and may continue their studies or start a career.

“We are so proud of you all and congratulate you. When I look at the list of your accomplishments, I know we have some outstanding people in each family represented here,” said Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Karolewics. “I want to thank each family for trusting your young people to us in a program that requires them to give up some things typical high school students might value. These students have demonstrated how ambitious they are, how directed and determined they are and how academically talented they are.”

Dr. Karolewics also thanked the families in attendance and Dr. Shane Barnette, Cullman County Superintendent, for his vision years ago to begin a program like the Fast Track option.

Fast Track Student President Austin Bowling was named the Fast Track Academy Student of the Year. He also addressed his fellow graduates, congratulating them and thanking multiple individuals who have helped the group over the past two years. Bowling, who is from Meek High School, earned a general studies degree.

Abigail Long was named the Fast Track for Industry Student of the Year. Long, who attends Hanceville High, earned a degree in paralegal studies.

Will Swann was the recipient of the Horizon Award. He earned an associate degree in Diesel Mechanics. The Horizon Award was a new honor bestowed upon a Fast Track for Industry student who demonstrates diligence, maturity, a strong work ethic and will be an asset in their chosen field.

Also serving as officers this academic year were Long (Vice President) and Sadie Junkins (Treasurer).

Fast Track Academy graduates were Bowling, Junkins, Breanlee Anderton, Gabriela Castillo-Huerta, Nicole Espinoza, Mikayla Goodwin, Morgan Goodwin, Keslynn Grimmett, Rachell Hall, Kaylon Helton, Emmalie Holderfield, Cara Jewellson, Rodney Johnson, Elivia Jones, Chandler Lane, Faith Leonard, Anna Mason, Megan McDaniel, Samantha Millwood, Kristen Moody, Gian Smith, Angelina Wallis, Nolan Warner, Coree Wells, Maddie Woods, Cassidy Wright and Morgan Yglesias.

Fast Track for Industry graduates were Long, Swann, Ailynn Benitez-Garcia, Zacharia Blubaugh, Marissa Donohoo, David Jacobs, Austin Knight, Kevin Mosley, Savannah Murphy, Olivia Rodriguez, Clay Rollo, Zeb Rushing, Jacob Shaffer, Shaun Sexton, Branden Singleton, Tristan Vincent, Erin Williams and EmbreeAnn Wingo.

The following Wallace State FAST Track Academy/Fast Track for Industry graduates received scholarships:

Breanlee Anderson – University of Alabama-Birmingham Academic Scholarship

Austin Bowling – University of Alabama Presidential Scholarship

Mikayla Goodwin – University of Alabama-Birmingham Academic Scholarship

Morgan Goodwin – University of Alabama-Birmingham Recognition Scholarship

Rachel Hall – University of Alabama-Huntsville UAH Charger Scholarship; Michael Stewart Memorial Scholarship

Rodney Samuel Johnson – $12,000 Samford University Dean’s Scholarship

Sadie Junkins – University of South Alabama USA Scholarship; UAB Breakthrough Scholarship; UAH Charger Success Scholarship; 2019 Distinguished Young Woman of Cullman County Runner-up Scholarship; 2019 Distinguished Young Woman of Cullman County “Be Your Best Self” Scholarship

Faith Leonard – UAB Academic Achievement Scholarship; UAB Dean’s Scholarship

Abigail Long – University of Tennessee Volunteer Scholarship; University of Tennessee Distinguished Scholar Award; University of Tennessee Majorette Scholarship; Distinguished Women Young Women of Alabama Scholarship; Cullman County Fair Queen Scholarship

Anna Mason – University of North Alabama Vanguard Scholarship;

Savannah Murphy – AFAPA/Alabama Foster/Adoptive Parent Association Scholarship; Auburn University-Montgomery Opportunity Scholarship; Jacksonville State University Scholarship; Millsaps College Scholarship

Gian Smith – VAW Scholarship; Allied Health Scholarship; Asipco Scholarship

Nolan Warner – Samford University – Academic, Leadership, Global Missions, Legacy and University Scholarships

Coree Wells – University of Alabama Academic Achievement Scholarship

Erin Williams – Wallace State Future Foundation Ottis and Evelyn Burrow Endowed Scholarship; Wallace State Allied Health Scholarship

Maddie Woods – UAH Charger Scholarship

Cassidy Wright – UAB Academic Achievement Scholarship; UAB Presidential Scholarship

Morgan Yglesias – College Counts Scholarship; University of Alabama Recognition Scholarship

You can view pictures of the event here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/wallacestate/albums/72157707022894801

To learn more about Wallace State, visit www.wallacestate.edu.

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Russell Moore

Wallace State Community College

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Kristen Holmes

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Communications | Marketing | Museum | International | Government Affairs

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kristen.holmes@wallacestate.edu

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