OTTAWA AREA EARLY COLLEGE STUDENTS RECOGNIZED FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS
Holland, MI – Three Ottawa Area Early College (OAEC) students were recognized for their remarkable academic achievements, active participation in co-curricular activities and contributions to both Muskegon Community College (MCC) and the neighboring community at the MCC Award for Excellence Ceremony Thursday, April 11 at the Overbrook Theater in Muskegon.
Ellie Dyk and Amerasia Miller were awarded Outstanding Graphic Design and Outstanding Achievement in General Biology respectively while Isaac Postema received Outstanding Achievement in General Biology and Physics Student of the Year. Nearly 50 students were honored for achievements in the fields of Arts and Humanities, Business, Tutoring Services, English, Education, Life Sciences and Math and Physical Sciences.
The Ottawa Area Early College Program allows selected students to extend high school by one year to earn both their high school diploma and up to 62 college credits from Muskegon Community College at no cost to the student. The program is currently available to students in the Allendale, Coopersville, Grand Haven, Hamilton, Saugatuck, Spring Lake and West Ottawa school districts.
“Amerasia, Ellie and Isaac's accomplishments exemplify the values of Ottawa Area Early College, an Ottawa Area ISD program in partnership with MCC, and they inspire us to continue fostering a culture of excellence and innovation for high school students in the area,” Susan Tater, Early College Student Advisor for Ottawa Area ISD, said. “These three students are all on track to complete their program at the end of this semester, and we are so proud of them and eager to see what they do next. Students like these remind me that our future is in good hands!”
All three students are 13th-year students from Grand Haven High School.
"The Ottawa Area Early College Program has been a wonderful option for our students,” Tracy Wilson, Principal of Grand Haven High School, said. “These three students have taken full advantage of all opportunities that both Grand Haven High School and Muskegon Community College have to offer. I am excited to follow their continued success!"
Amerasia Miller said she enjoyed her Ottawa Area Early College experience and feels more prepared to attend The University of Alabama when she transfers there this fall.
“I enrolled in Early College for many reasons, but mostly because I appreciated being able to save a year of my time and having two years of school paid for,” Miller said. “It helps a lot, especially since I'm headed into the medical field and student loans are no joke. This program was a tremendous help towards me achieving my goals.”
Ottawa Area Early College
The Ottawa Area ISD Early College program blends high school and college courses allowing students to earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree from Muskegon Community College, through the addition of a 13th year of school. Students can participate in high school sports, clubs and activities while they receive support to help improve their academic performance as they complete the coursework and secure their future education and career-related goals. College costs, including tuition and textbooks, are covered by participating high schools. Visit oaisd.org/programs-services/career-technical-education/early-college to learn more.
Ottawa Area Intermediate School District
Ottawa Area Intermediate School District (OAISD) collaborates with local schools and communities to support the educational needs of individuals from birth through all ages in the Ottawa region. By pooling resources and delivering services on a regional scale, Ottawa Area ISD efficiently provides essential programs and services to local K-12 public, charter, and parochial schools, as well as to families and adult learners, ensuring these offerings are both comprehensive and cost-effective. Visit www.oaisd.orgto learn more.
Photo L-R
Amerasia Miller
Isaac Postema
Ellie Dyk
Susan Tater, OAEC Student Advisor for OAISD
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