Mt. Pine Student Graduates High School And College

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.

Micah Travis standing in front of an old truck wearing his high school letterman jacketMountain 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."