Madison Padgett's dedication, motivation, and hard work are paying off. She will graduate with her Associate's Degree as well as graduate from Avery High School this May.

"I took the Dual Enrollment opportunity that Mayland offers because I knew the classes would be challenging, they were classes that I was interested in taking, and I could get college credit for them," said Padgett. "I started taking the dual enrollment classes when I was a sophomore."

Padgett took classes each semester at Mayland, including during the summer semesters, to reach her goal of graduating not only with her high school diploma, but also her Associate's Degree from Mayland.

"The dual enrollment program is a wonderful opportunity for high school students," said Mayland's Director of Enrollment Management Monica Boyd. "This program promotes academic rigor, builds confidence, helps ease the transition from high school to college, allows students to earn college credit, and is completely tuition free."

Padgett's mother, Laura, said that like most parents of high school students, they were not fully aware of the magnitude of the program that Avery High School's Principal Mark Garrett has developed in conjunction with Mayland.

"We have been very impressed with the integrity of this program and the level of challenge it has provided for our daughter," said Laura Padgett. "Madison has been raised around colleges all of her life due to my teaching both at Mayland and Lees McRae College. She has a natural affinity for college, and enjoys the challenge this program provided for her."

According to Padgett, Dual Enrollment classes mean more responsibility from the student so you have to be motivated to enroll in them.

"The classes are a great opportunity and they are free to high school students," said Padgett who intends to enter a four-year university as a junior right out of high school.

Padgett learned about the Dual Enrollment opportunity during a class meeting. She is now sharing her story with underclassmen by talking with them on Dual Enrollment and Huskins Bill classes offered by Mayland.

"I tell them that in the end this really pays off, and any credits they can earn benefit them when they continue their education at the college level," said Padgett. "I want them to know that they cannot let the fact that these are college level classes intimidate them. All the teaches I had at Mayland really care and want their students to succeed."

Padgett intends to continue her education in the teaching field, and would like to work with middle school aged students.

According to Padgett's mother, the family is very proud of her for this accomplishment, but it is most important to them that she be proud of herself. They watched her work diligently, and at times through great difficulty, toward completing an Associate's Degree while in high school.

"One of my greatest accomplishments is that I will be an alumni of Mayland in the same month that I will graduate high school," said Padgett. "The staff at Mayland supported me and helped me succeed in reaching my goal."