Micah Travis will graduate from Mountain Pine High School this month. While attending
high school, Travis also earned his Associate of Arts degree at National Park College
(NPC). He is the first in the county to graduate with both his high school diploma
and a college degree at the same time.
Mountain Pine High School College and Career Coach Tammy Brown encouraged Travis to
attend college. After speaking with his parents and grandparent, Travis felt this
was a challenge he could face. He explained that his family does not always have much
money, so he wanted to pursue higher education to be able to help support them. He
knew this opportunity would help his resume but ultimately help him succeed in the
world.
At NPC he finished his core class studies along with classes in criminal justice.
Travis plans to attend the University of Arkansas, Fort Smith to obtain his criminal
justice degree. He hopes to become a state trooper for the state of Arkansas.
NPC Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice James Montgomery stated, “Micah was so
strong in his criminal justice classes that it was easy to forget that he was also
a high school student. Micah blended in with the older students and was accepted by
them as a peer from day one. The sky is the limit for Micah Travis, and his ability
and work ethic combine to ensure that he will continue to be successful with his future
goals.”
Travis said his experience at NPC was interesting, fascinating and challenging. “Anyone
who feels like they could do this should do this. Never pass up an opportunity,” he
noted.
NPC Concurrent Coordinator Connie Poteet said, "Mountain Pine High School has worked
hard to put this program in place for their students and it is a wonderful opportunity
for those wanting to get a head start on earning a college degree. Earning two degrees
at once is a rare accomplishment and Micah did it while still in high school. We are
very proud of him and hope to see other students from Mountain Pine pursue this path
as well."
