Getting a head start — Four Newcastle seniors complete college degrees early

Four Newcastle High School seniors earned associate’s degrees this year, completing more than 60 college credits before finishing high school.

Callie Christensen, Preslee Fitzwater, Baleigh Knight and Kaitlyn Blumenthal earned the degrees through a dual-enrollment program with Eastern Wyoming College that allows students to take college courses while still enrolled in high school.

They were recognized at the April 29 meeting of the Weston County School District No. 1 board of trustees before receiving their degrees May 1 in the Newcastle High School auditorium.

About 10% of Newcastle High School graduates complete associate’s degrees through the program, according to board of trustees Treasurer Dana Mann-Tavegia, who said the district intends to preserve the opportunity. She said some may view the program as an unnecessary expense, but she believes it remains an important opportunity for students in the district.

“We will fight tooth and nail to keep (the program),” Mann-Tavegia said.

The students said the program expands access to courses and allows them to make significant progress toward college degrees before graduating high school.

“A lot of students get the opportunity to take diverse courses that are not always offered in person,” Fitzwater said.

Fitzwater said the experience also helped her explore her interests and prepare for the future.

“The degree is nice, the money saving is nice, and my parents will tell you that,” Fitzwater said. “But throughout high school, I’ve been able to pursue classes that I really enjoy and that have really opened me up to new opportunities and what I want to do in the future.”

Christensen said balancing college and high school coursework requires significant effort.

“Being dual enrolled in both college and high school is a very difficult task,” Christensen said. “It can be very stressful and overwhelming.”

She said the program allows students to accelerate their academic timelines.

“Now I’m projected to graduate with my bachelor’s degree by 2028, which is only two years of college after high school,” Christensen said.

Knight said the program helped her clarify her plans after graduation and develop independence and personal growth. She said she became “100% confident with what I wanted to do and what I want to continue to do.”

Blumenthal said the program allowed her to complete all but one of her general education requirements before finishing high school.

Kim Conzelman, the Newcastle outreach coordinator for EWC, said the program requires significant commitment from students and support from families and the district. She thanked the students and those who helped them complete the program and outlined what the students plan to do to continue their education.

Fitzwater and Knight plan to attend the University of Wyoming. Fitzwater will study psychology and kinesiology, with a minor in honors, pursuing a career in occupational therapy with a focus on pediatric neurological rehabilitation. Knight intends to study criminal justice, with minors in psychology and possibly political science.

Blumenthal plans to attend Black Hills State University to major in business and minor in studio art, and Christensen plans to attend Grand Canyon University in Phoenix to study biology before pursuing medical school and a career as an anesthesiologist.