COPPERAS COVE – Friday evening, Copperas Cove High School will become college graduates while still in high school.
Seven CCHS students will graduate Friday with associate degrees from Central Texas College as part of CCISD’s Dual Credit and Early College program.
“These students exemplify everything it means to be a Bulldawg,” said Superintendent Dr. Brent Hawkins. “They went above and beyond and have set themselves up with a true foundation of excellence, in order to achieve a future of real success. We are proud of each of these Dawgs, and I can’t wait to see all they achieve after high school.”
Michael Dennis earned an associate degree in General Studies this semester.
“It feels great because it is something that everybody doesn't do,” Dennis said. “It's something that I've been trying to do since I was a freshman, and even 8th grade. I remember talking to my family about doing this, and now that that's actually done is really awesome. It'll definitely speed up my education going forward, because I do want to end up with my doctorate so the earlier I can get it, the better.”
Dennis plans to attend UTSA for his bachelor’s degree before pursuing a career as a dentist after college.
Isabel Orta earned associate degrees in General Studies and Interdisciplinary Studies and will graduate from CTC on Friday.
“It was a lot of work,” Orta said. “And to finally say that I'm, like, done is just really relieving. I feel like it's going to help prepare me more for college whenever I go to a university. I’m going to be ahead of my class and I'm going to be able to get all of my prerequisites out of the way so that I don't have to do them.”
Orta plans to attend either the University of Texas at Austin or Texas Tech University for her bachelor’s degree before pursuing a career as an anesthesiologist.
Sophie Palafox earned an associate degree in General Studies.
“All the work that I've been putting into school and everything is finally paying off and I’m finally seeing the result of it,” Palafox said. “It's going to help with some of the time needed to get where I want to be. I won't have to spend as much money as well on the degree after school.”
After graduating from high school, Palafox plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology before pursuing a master’s in athletic training.
Erinn Sewell earned her associate degree in General Studies.
“It will help me advance in my college journey,” Sewell said. “Because I'm going to college to get my bachelor's in nursing, it will cut my years short so I could easily get that degree, have most of my prerequisites already done and just be ahead in college.”
Sewell plans to attend the University of Texas at Arlington after graduating from high school, before pursuing medical school after completing her bachelor’s.
Jadon Thomas earned a pair of associate degrees in General Studies and Interdisciplinary Studies.
“It feels like I'm running a race and I'm in the final stretch right now,” Thomas said. “It's going to allow me to save a little bit more off college and use the skills from my classes and courses I've taken in everyday life.”
After finishing high school, Thomas plans to attend the University of Texas at San Antonio to study civil engineering and business management.
Marques Uini earned his associate degree in General Studies.
“It's changed my world,” Uini said. “I mean, when I saw that it was available to me, I wanted to jump on it because I want to get ahead in life. I've always been the type of person who wants to plan ahead and be ahead in life.”
Uini will graduate early from Copperas Cove High School before enrolling at Arizona State University in January to play college football.
Chloe Wilkins also earned her associate degree in General Studies.
“I've been taking dual credit classes since I was a freshman,” Wilkins said. “I've gone from knowing absolutely nothing about what it takes to take a college class to, what truly is required, what questions you should ask your professor, what questions you can kind of figure out on your own, and truly understanding some of the requirements for things. I think it really is going to help prepare me for university and also kind of put me ahead a little bit.”
After finishing high school, Wilkins plans to attend the University of North Texas to study theater arts.
Copperas Cove ISD students can pursue dual credit courses and early college academic or career programs through multiple partners, including CTC. Other partners available to students include Texas State Technical College, Lamar State College Orange, Tarleton State University and Ranger College.
Since the beginning of the 2023-24 school year, 74 students at Copperas Cove High School have graduated with an associate degree or industry certification from Central Texas College through CCISD’s Dual Credit & Early College program.
Central Texas College will hold its Fall 2025 commencement ceremony Friday evening at the Killeen Civic & Conference Center.