PIQUA — Edison State Community College will honor graduates during the 41st annual spring commencement ceremony on Friday, May 13. Of the 377 graduates having credentials conferred, one high school junior and 21 high school seniors will walk amongst their associate degree-earning peers.

Brianna Barlage, of Fort Loramie, will be the third student in the college’s history to be awarded an associate degree before entering her senior year of high school. Barlage’s associate degree was accomplished thanks to the College Credit Plus (CCP) program, which helps high-achieving students get a jump-start on their college careers.

“I chose to take advantage of the CCP program because I was interested in taking higher level courses and getting dual credit while doing so,” said Barlage. “It saves a ton of money and puts you ahead in the long run.”

Barlage opted to pursue Edison State’s Associate of Science transfer degree, which allows her to transfer seamlessly to any four-year university in Ohio upon graduating.

“My plan for next year is to attend the University of Toledo,” added Barlage. “My career goal is to graduate from Toledo with a bachelor’s degree in biology. From there I will be furthering my education at medical school. I plan on getting my medical degree in surgery with hopes that one day I will be working as a trauma surgeon.”

Now in its second year, the College Credit Plus program has built on the success of previous programs such as PSEOP and dual enrollment. Through the program, students have the opportunity to earn up to sixty college credits in two years before graduating from high school. Course credits will be transferable to four-year universities under strong articulation agreements.

“It is encouraging to see so many high school students taking advantage of the opportunities available to earn college credit while still in high school,” said Ted Long, Dean of Excellence and Innovation in Teaching.

“I suspect that this trend will only grow in the years to come, especially with the expansion under College Credit Plus in Ohio. If students are prepared for college, this acceleration can save costs and present a strong value proposition. My congratulations to all high school graduates of the class of 2016!”

This year’s commencement ceremony begins at 7 p.m. in the gymnasium of the Piqua campus. State of Ohio Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor will present the evening’s keynote address.

High school students graduating with associate degrees:

Anna Local Schools: Ryan Bornhorst, Keith Hoying;

Franklin Monroe High School: Audrey Aslinger, Carrie Baker, Shania Baker, Morgan Bingham, Morgan Booher, Sydney Bowser, Colby Chrisman, Dylan Hackney, Landon Peters, Alan Warner;

Fort Loramie Schools: Brianna Barlage, Melanie Kremer;

Hardin-Houston High School: Micalah Hensley;

Miami East High School: Jeremy Clark;

Newton Local High School: Zara Zeller;

Sidney High School: Damon Huffman, Rachel Leach, Stephanie Macke;

Tri-Village High School: Shelbey Dowler.