Seven local high school seniors will graduate with associate degrees from Garden City Community College this year before receiving their high school diplomas.
These students have completed all requirements of GCCC’s Dual Credit EDGE program, earning their associate degrees while still enrolled in high school:
- Ariana Bachman – Lakin High School
- Mya Brown – Lakin High School
- Aubrey Grothusen – Scott Community High School
- Gavin Langenfeld – Holcomb High School
- James Marquardt – Greeley County High School
- Jaslene Moncada – Garden City High School
- Brylee West – Garden City High School
GCCC’s Dual Credit EDGE program enables eligible high school students to enroll in college-level courses and accumulate credits toward their future college degree while still in high school, giving them an edge on their post-secondary education.
Notably, research has consistently shown that students who engage in college-level coursework during high school exhibit greater academic momentum, take more college credits, and transition to college more smoothly, leading to higher rates of success and completion.
Dr. Ryan Ruda, President of Garden City Community College, congratulated the students on their achievement and emphasized the impact of the program.
“The Dual Credit EDGE program reflects our commitment to access and affordability, giving students a head start on their college journey. It strengthens academic readiness, lowers the overall cost of a degree, and helps students reach their goals more efficiently,” he said.
Each of the graduating students has a unique story and ambitious plans for their future.
Ariana Bachman
Ariana Bachman from Lakin High School attended GCCC for three years and earned an Associate in Science (Liberal Arts & Sciences). She plans to study nursing at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, with a career goal of becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).
“The GCCC dual credit program has allowed me to further my education while in high school. This has given me the opportunity to be two years ahead in my education,” she said.
Mya Brown
Mya Brown from Lakin High School has attended GCCC for two years and earned an Associate in Science (Liberal Arts & Sciences). She plans to attend Dodge City Community College for the Nail Tech program, with a career goal of becoming a Private Nail Tech.
“I’ve spent the past two years taking classes, and the flexibility of online courses has made it possible to complete my requirements and graduate with my general associate degree,” she said.
Aubrey Grothusen
Aubrey Grothusen from Scott Community High School has attended GCCC for three years and earned an Associate in Science (Liberal Arts & Sciences). She plans to study Nursing at Fort Hays State University, with a goal of earning a Master of Science in Nursing.
“The GCCC dual credit program gave me the opportunity to further my education while still in high school. Taking classes through GCCC helped me gain confidence and better prepare myself for the future,” she said.
Gavin Langenfeld
Gavin Langenfeld from Holcomb High School has attended GCCC for two years and earned an Associate in Science (Liberal Arts & Sciences). He plans to attend Fort Hays State University to major in Biochemistry or the University of Kansas to major in Molecular Biology. His career aspiration is to create new medicines in a laboratory.
“GCCC was an incredible experience. I met great professors and friends, and I especially enjoyed the labs and being pushed to grow. It prepared me for the next chapter of my life, and I can’t thank my professors enough,” he said.
James Marquardt
James Marquardt from Greeley County High School has attended GCCC for three years and earned an Associate in Science (Liberal Arts & Sciences). He plans to attend Kansas State University and study Milling Science, with a career goal to work in the food science industry.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at GCCC, especially the variety of courses available. Taking classes online through my high school made earning these credits even more rewarding. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished and grateful for the opportunity,” he said.
Jaslene Moncada
Jaslene Moncada from Garden City High School has attended GCCC for three years and earned an Associate in Science (Pre-Health Occupations). She plans to attend Wichita State University, majoring in Health Science, and then attend Creighton University for Dental School. Her career goal is to become a Dentist in southwest Kansas.
“Taking dual credit classes at GCCC helped me get a head start and become more confident in myself. It showed me that I’m capable of handling the workload and staying committed to my goals. This experience has played a big role in preparing me for my future in health science and my goal of becoming a dentist,” she said.
Brylee West
Brylee West from Garden City High School has attended GCCC for three years and earned an Associate in Science (Business Administration). She plans to study Finance at Kansas State University, with a career goal to become a Financial Advisor and Real Estate Investor.
“The GCCC dual credit program challenged me academically and helped me advance beyond my peers. The flexibility and support from both high school and college counselors and administrators made it all possible,” she said.
GCCC offers various pathways for high school students to earn college credit, including concurrent enrollment, dual enrollment, and online enrollment. Dual credit enrollment is open to students in grades 10-12, with prerequisites ensuring academic preparedness for college-level coursework.
To enhance accessibility, GCCC provides scholarships to high schools in its service area for students taking non-technical dual credit courses. Additionally, the Buster Boost program enables high school students who qualify for free and/or reduced lunches to take non-technical courses at no cost for tuition and fees. Through the statewide Excel in CTE initiative, GCCC also offers technical courses at high school sites, on the GCCC campus, and online, often at no cost to the student.
For more information on the Dual Credit EDGE program at GCCC, students are encouraged to contact their high school counselor or Dawn Tucker, GCCC Dual Credit Coordinator, at dawn.tucker@gcccks.edu or 620-276-0441. Additional details are available on the GCCC website.
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