Before earning their high school diploma last Friday, a group of Irving ISD students crossed the stage to receive a college degree.
The following 11 students earned their associate’s degrees through the district’s partnership with Dallas College:
From Singley Academy
- Kate Amber Angulo Giron, Associate of Science
- RaMiah Money Boyd, Associate of Paralegal Studies
- Hunter Ellis Capulong, Associate of Arts
- Jose Angel Castilleja, Associate of Arts
- Irene Kizhakkedathu Chacko, Associate of Science
- Kiara Andrea Lozano, Associate of Science
- Maximiliano Rodriguez Galicia, Associate of Science
- Syeda Ariba Shibli, Associate of Arts
- Annaka Raenell Vasquez, Associate of Science
- Victor Minhquan Vo, Associate of Science
In addition, Denise Rodriguez, who graduated salutatorian of her class, became the first student from Nimitz High School to earn an associate’s degree through Irving ISD’s early college start program.
Dual-credit classes are taught at the collegiate level, are tuition-free for Irving ISD students and enable students to receive high school and college credit simultaneously.
According to College for all Texans, the average annual tuition of a public four-year college and university is $25,000 per year. With the degrees, each of these students have two years of college under their belts and $50,000 saved – which collectively amounts to $550,000.
In addition to the financial savings, the dual-credit program also gives students a head start on their future plans.