Darlington High School Early College Graduate Spotlights
Emily Yarborough is one of 13 Darlington High School Early College Honors Program students who is set to graduate with her Associate of Arts degree from Florence-Darlington Technical College.
After DHS shared its Associate of Arts Degree program with qualified Early College Honors Program students, Emily decided to rise to the challenge of earning her Associate of Arts degree at the end of her sophomore year. Emily then committed to spend the next two years and two summers devoted to college courses each semester in addition to her other high school classes. Her hard work has paid off. Miss Yarborough participated in Florence-Darlington Technical College’s Spring commencement ceremony on May 10th and will now receive both her college degree and high school diploma during Darlington High School’s graduation ceremony on June 7th.
Emily is a dedicated student at DHS where she was a member of the Anchor club. When she is not busy with her school work, Emily shared that she likes to try different things and is always trying to sell something for profit.
Emily plans to attend the University of South Carolina Columbia and major in business. When asked, she stated deciding to earn a college degree in high school “is a big step, so make sure you are ready to go into the program.” It is apparent that Emily was clearly ready when she entered the program and is well on her way to even more success in the future. Congratulations Emily Yarborough!
Kaitlyn Elizabeth Westbrook is one of 13 Darlington High School Early College Honors Program students who is set to graduate with her Associate of Arts degree from Florence-Darlington Technical College.
When DHS shared its Associate of Arts Degree program with qualified Early College Honors Program students, Kaitlyn decided to rise to the challenge and take advantage of this opportunity. While only a high school freshman, Kaitlyn committed to spend the next three years, including one summer, devoted to college courses each semester in addition to her other high school classes. Her hard work has paid off. Miss Westbrook participated in Florence-Darlington Technical College’s Spring commencement ceremony on May 10th and will now receive both her college degree and high school diploma during Darlington High School’s graduation ceremony on June 7th.
Kaitlyn is an energetic student at DHS where she has been a member of the Volleyball team and has been a member of the Anchor Club, National Honors Society, and Key Club. Kaitlyn has also interned with the DHS athletic trainer, helped with an animal rescue, waitressed, babysat, and taught Awana. When she is not doing her school work, volunteering, or working, Kaitlyn enjoys babysitting, napping, and helping on a local farm.
Kaitlyn plans to attend Coker College and eventually become a pharmacist or occupational therapist. When asked to reflect upon her experience, she stated, “For the past four years I’ve been elbow deep in school work, but I wouldn’t change anything. The AA degree program has given me more opportunities than I ever imagined.” Kaitlyn is clearly making the most of her opportunities and will have great success in the future. Congratulations Kaitlyn Elizabeth Westbrook!
Olivia Vacanti is one of 13 Darlington High School Early College Honors Program students who is set to graduate with her Associate of Arts degree from Florence-Darlington Technical College.
When DHS shared its Associate of Arts Degree program with qualified Early College Honors Program students, Olivia decided to rise to the challenge and take advantage of this opportunity. While only a high school freshman Olivia committed to spend the next three years, including one summer, devoted to college courses each semester in addition to her other high school classes. Her hard work has paid off. Miss Vacanti participated in Florence-Darlington Technical College’s Spring commencement ceremony on May 10th and will now receive both her college degree and high school diploma during Darlington High School’s graduation ceremony on June 7th.
Olivia is a dedicated student at DHS where she has been a member of the volleyball team and is also a member of both the Anchor Club and the Key Club. Olivia also holds a part-time job at Starbucks. When she is not working on school work or working her part-time job, Olivia enjoys volunteering for a local animal rescue and an animal shelter in Bishopville where she has been helping since she was four years old.
Olivia plans to attend Francis Marion University where she will begin her studies to eventually become a veterinarian. When asked about the DHS Early College Honors Program, she stated, “I think it is a great program for students with a good work ethic. You become part of an amazing school family and become close to some of the best teachers.“ With her work thus far, Olivia is well on her way to a successful future. Congratulations Olivia Vacanti!
Rickya Washington is one of 13 Darlington High School Early College Honors Program students who is set to graduate with her Associate of Arts degree from Florence-Darlington Technical College.
When DHS shared its Associate of Arts Degree program with qualified Early College Honors Program students, Rickya decided to rise to the challenge and take advantage of this opportunity. While only a high school freshman, Rickya committed to spend the next three years, including one summer, devoted to college courses each semester in addition to her other high school classes. Her hard work has paid off. Miss Washington participated in Florence-Darlington Technical College’s Spring commencement ceremony on May 10th and will now receive both her college degree and high school diploma during Darlington High School’s graduation ceremony on June 7th.
Rickya is an active student at DHS where she is a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, International Club, and Key Club. When she is not working on school work or working her part-time job, Rickya enjoys listening to music and going to the movies.
Rickya plans to attend Greenville Technical College to become an MRI Technician. When asked what advice she would give future students, Rickya stated quite simply, “Don’t procrastinate.” With the effort she has shown thus far, Rickya is definitely not procrastinating and is well on her way toward reaching her goals. Congratulations Rickya Washington!