High School Students Graduate With Associate Degrees
Jessica Gobel and Alina Hendrix of Mountain Pine High School and Jordan Lyle of Lakeside
High School obtained their high school diplomas and earned their associate degrees
from National Park College (NPC) this month.
Gobel attended NPC through concurrent credit offerings allowed by her high school.
This provided her the experience of college and a jump-start on her secondary education.
“The environment at NPC was great and I was able to learn a lot," said Gobel. "It
gave me the ability to really figure out what path I wanted to take for my future."
Gobel became interested in the Medical Lab Technician program and hopes to use her
degree to not only serve her community but to fulfill her passion for helping others.
Dr. Rebekah Robinette, associate professor of biological sciences, said, “I had the
pleasure of having Jessica in both my Microbiology and Anatomy & Physiology II courses
this spring term. Jessica was so studious and excited to tackle Microbiology labs.
It has been a while since I encountered a student with such a desire to learn. In
fact, it was nearly a month into the term when I learned that she was actually a high
school student from Mountain Pine! This was even more extraordinary! Jessica also
was elected as an officer of our campus PTK chapter this spring. She is already hard
at work with the team on their projects. She provides insightful points of view and
is a great team player. To my knowledge, she is the first high school student to serve
as an officer in our chapter."
Hendrix wanted to work harder in high school to jump-start her college life and career.
When she had the opportunity to attend NPC at no cost, she could not find any reason
not to participate.
Coming from a family that did not have much opportunity to attend college, she challenged
herself to achieve her goals. “I don’t come from a lot, but that doesn’t mean I won’t
be anything,” stated Hendrix.
Hendrix is pursuing a communication, broadcasting degree, and plans to work in radio
or as a TV host.
“A college education is important," she said. "You need it for your job, but it also
shows that you can work hard and that you are dedicated, possess perseverance and
the ability to get the job completed. Furthermore, never believe that you are not
smart enough to go to college or get your degree. It is all about working hard and
putting forth the effort to achieve your goal."
Carol Gray, adjunct professor for social sciences, said, “Alina is such a hard worker.
She is very focused on accomplishing her goals. I know that she works because I would
often be served by her at her job. Until I was asked to provide a quote for this,
I didn’t realize that she was also getting both of her degrees at the same time. I
have enjoyed getting to know her as she has spent time on campus. She will become
very successful in her endeavors; I am very certain!”
Lyle decided to pursue his associate degree to obtain high school and college credit
at the same time through the Lakeside Legacy Program, which offers classes at NPC
at no cost to the student. Lyle is the first graduate of the Legacy program.
“Obtaining 69 hours of credits at National Park College has allowed me to get a jump-start
on my bachelor's degree by saving a lot of time and money," Lyle said. "I chose National
Park College because of the number of diverse courses available, as well as their
partnership with Lakeside. I have taken a few in-person courses at the college, and
I can say that I have enjoyed the campus, college professors and the staff."
Lyle plans to continue his studies in computer science at the College of Engineering
at the University of Arkansas.
“I give my thanks to everyone who has worked with me at both Lakeside High School
and National Park College to make this achievement possible," Lyle said. "With all
of the help and support I was given; I was motivated to become the first person from
Lakeside High School to finally achieve an associate degree through the Legacy Program."
“I had the pleasure of having Jordan in my Beginning Spanish I Class at NPC," said
Lorenia LiMandri, Spanish instructor at Lake Hamilton and NPC. "Jordan is an extremely
bright, caring, responsible and mature young man. Jordan never procrastinated; he
turned in all assignments on time. He was prepared for tests and quizzes. Jordan loves
the Hispanic culture and is eager to continue learning this beautiful language. Jordan
will succeed in his new journey, and he will be a successful professional in the near
future."
“I had the pleasure of teaching Jordan in Pre-Calculus and AP Calculus at Lakeside,"
said Julie Wade, mathematics instructor at both Lakeside High School and NPC. "I then
had him as a student in my Calculus 2 class at National Park College. He is a dedicated,
hardworking student who not only wanted a fantastic grade but also had a desire to
fully understand the material. I am so proud of all he has accomplished."
