Posted by Dave Dykema - email
TOLEDO, OH (WTOL) - The Toledo Early College celebrated a major milestone.
The school graduated its first group of seniors.
Excitement built as they walked into UT's Nistchke Auditorium.
"I'm anxious, ready to get it over with," said one student, eager to "keep moving with my life."
Dr. Robin Wheatley, Principal of the school, said, "When I look at what they've accomplished, I don't think there is any other student that I could compare them to."
But Dr. Wheatley said getting to this stage, was anything but easy.
The principal said her school's program is a rigorous one that challenges its students the moment they step onto UT's Scott Park Campus--as high school freshmen.
From day one, they take real college courses, taught by professors who expect nothing less than their best work.
"They have to be in a position to go into a college classroom, and to compete," Said Dr. Wheatley. "And they have to be able to compete successfully."
Taylor Brogan, an Early College junior, praises the school. "They're not on you like our high school teachers were. They were always on us: 'Get your homework in. You have this project due.'"
Only 43 students got through the program. More than half the original class returned to their neighborhood high schools.
"It was a lot of hard work, but it all paid off in the end," said one student.
Along with their high school diplomas, the seniors also earned college credits.
Many of them will start next school year at the University of Toledo as first semester juniors.
