By Hazel Scott/ASU
Dual enrollment students Taylor Benefield, Vaniyah Cleveland, Lizbeth Ocana, Shy’won
Palmer, Sean Hicks and Devion Madison will be recognized during a special Dual Enrollment ceremony at Alabama State
University’s Honors Convocation on Friday, April 19, at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome.
The five students earned college credits before graduating high school as part of
ASU’s Dual Enrollment for Dual Credit initiative.
They decided to enroll in the ASU Dual Enrollment program because they liked the thought
of taking college classes while still in high school and saving some money to boot.
“I wanted to get ahead of the game and obtain some credit hours so that I would be
closer to starting my career," said Benefield, a Pike Road High School student. “I
have participated in three dual enrollment classes in the last two years, which will
lead to my major in Business Management at ASU along with my minor in Accounting.”
From left, top row: Sean Hicks and Vaniyah Cleveland. From left, bottom row: Shy'won
Palmer, Taylor Benefield and Lizbeth Ocana
Vaniyah Cleveland, a senior at Prattville High School, said she originally chose to
enroll in ASU’s Dual Enrollment classes “to get a jump-start on her college education
and to help defer the costs associated with a college degree.” After graduation, Cleveland
plans to attend ASU.
For Ocana, a student at Booker T. Washington Magnet High School, enrolling in the
Dual Enrollment program at ASU was the logical thing to do.
“It makes sense. I had watched others take classes through the Dual Enrollment program
and realized what an advantage it gave them, so I wanted to do it as well,” Ocana
said. “I’ve completed six dual enrollment classes.”
Ocana plans to continue her studies at Alabama State University in the fall and major
in Criminal Justice. “My ultimate goal is to become a Forensic Psychologist.”
Palmer, who attends Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School, said “Dual Enrollment
at Alabama State University opened my eyes to the college experience. I have completed
three dual enrollment classes and plan to major in Business Management once I graduate.”
Hicks, a Leeds High senior, said he is honored to be recognized on Friday. “I’m looking
forward to embracing the vibrant campus life at an HBCU and contributing to its rich
community.”
Hicks is excited about the prospect of majoring in either Business or Engineering.
“I am eager to explore new opportunities and build a future filled with success and
innovation.”
ASU’s Dual Enrollment Coordinator Shannon Burton pointed out that Dual Enrollment
is such a great program for students because it allows them to take academic degree-level
core courses that will transfer to any college or university. “The Dual Enrollment
program helps students jump-start their careers while in high school. We hope that
other high school students will take notice and realize that they can do this too.”
Dual Enrollment
ASU’s Dual Enrollment allows high school students to earn college credits while still
being enrolled in high school. Dual Enrollment also provides students with the opportunity
to build academic confidence. Any eligible student may obtain Dual Enrollment credit
at Alabama State University; however, dual credit (students earn both high school
and college credit simultaneously) is restricted to high schools that have a signed
agreement with Alabama State University.