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Two Franklin High School seniors graduated early this year.

A Franklin City Public Schools press release noted that Alaysia Joyner and Jacob Henry, who are also members of the Vanguard Early College Academy at Franklin High School, each received an associate degree in computer science from Tidewater Community College on May 9.

Vanguard Early College Academy has given numerous qualifying Franklin High School students the opportunity to earn the aforementioned degree through TCC. They are able to take courses either online or in person in addition to their regular high school classes.

This is no mere summer computer camp; the students who want to be in VECA prove their commitment to learn by maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA. They must also successfully complete Algebra I and Geometry by the end of their freshman year.

Ultimately, students gain a foundation of knowledge and skills for nearly any career that requires the use of computers — support, programming, website building and management, etc. In addition, students may earn an associate degree in general studies from Camp Community College. Earning these degrees can serve as an incentive to further one’s education. 

This is what Joyner and Henry have accomplished. 

To mark that occasion, Terry Eusebio came to Franklin High School on May 6. As coordinator of TCC’s dual enrollment program, he bestowed tassels and governor’s medallions upon the seniors to wear at the ceremony. Those accouterments will signify their status as graduates of the program and TCC. 

Joyner and Henry will also be allowed to wear those items at their graduation from FHS on Friday, June 3.

Eusebio later said, “This unique partnership provides a great opportunity. The students have worked very hard in accomplishing this goal. We look forward to serving more Vanguard Early College Academy students and supporting the program.”

Each senior also received a one-year certificate in general studies from Camp Community College during CCC’s graduation Friday, May 13. 

Joyner said she will attend Norfolk State University this fall and major in biology. She intends to become a radiologist. She is the daughter of Angela Joyner and Louis Bailey.  

Henry plans to attend a culinary school, such as the one at Johnson & Wales University, and later specialize in baking. He is the son of Paul Henry.

FHS Principal Travis Felts has said the following of VECA: “Increasing opportunities for our students to earn college credits while enrolled in high school has been a focus of our school division over the last five years. We now have partnerships with both Camp Community College and Tidewater Community College that allow students to earn an associate degree, general studies certificate or the passport while concurrently completing their high school graduation requirements. We believe in providing access for as many of our students as possible to our dual enrollment program at Franklin High School.”