At Meridian High School, something very special is happening. A group of ambitious juniors and seniors are taking advantage of a unique opportunity that is setting them on a path toward their futures while still in high school. Through a partnership with Shawnee Community College, these students are earning dual credit, which means they’re taking college-level courses for free and, in some cases, are on track to graduate with an associate’s degree before they even receive their high school diplomas. It’s a program designed to save time, save money, and give Meridian students a head start in a competitive world.

Each student in the dual credit program has their own reason for enrolling. Some see it as a way to fast-track their college experience, while others view it as a chance to challenge themselves academically. For each one, the program offers something different—but the opportunity it provides is the same: a brighter future.

Take Corban Boles, a senior with big dreams and an even bigger work ethic. "I’ve always gotten good grades," Corban says. "When they told me I qualified for dual credit, it just made sense to do it." Corban plans to pursue a degree in psychology, potentially clinical or evolutionary psychology, and sees the dual credit program as a jump-start to the long academic journey ahead of him. "It’s free, and I don’t have to do high school work—I’m doing college work instead," he says with a grin. For Corban, the program is about more than just saving money. It’s about getting ahead and challenging himself in ways that high school alone couldn’t.

Sitting beside Corban is Karissa Fitzgerald, a junior who has her sights set on becoming a chiropractor. For Karissa, the appeal of dual credit is simple: she wants to graduate with her associate’s degree and get her education rolling. "I’m going to major in biology," Karissa says confidently. "And being able to do dual credit means I’ll have a head start when I go to college." While she’s still figuring out where she’ll go to chiropractic school, Karissa has a plan: "I’m looking at schools in Houston because my uncle lives there. Housing is sorted!" she says, laughing. It’s clear that Karissa has thought this through, and the dual credit program is helping her get closer to her dreams.

Then there’s Othman Abukhdair, another senior who is taking a more exploratory approach. "I’m not sure what I want to do yet," Othman admits. "But getting my associate’s degree before I graduate high school feels like the right move." For Othman, the motivation is clear—he wants to challenge himself and keep his options open. "I’m just gathering information right now, seeing what’s out there," he says. "But doing this now means I’m not standing still. I’m moving forward."

Hannah Medlock, a junior, also has big plans, though hers take a more unconventional turn. "I want to be a mortician," she says with a straight face. When asked why, Hannah shrugs with a smile. "I’ve always been into the darker side of things—Edgar Allan Poe, horror movies, that sort of stuff." Raised by nurses, Hannah developed an interest in the human body and what happens after life. "I can’t really deal with living people’s problems," she jokes, "but I’ve always been fascinated by what happens after death." The dual credit program is giving Hannah a head start on her future in mortuary sciences, and she’s grateful for the opportunity to get a leg up in a field not many students consider.

Finally, there’s Aidan Pankey, a junior who views dual credit as a stepping stone toward a future career in veterinary medicine. "I’ve always loved animals," Aidan says. "I’m thinking about being a veterinarian, so taking these college classes now will help me get into the programs I need." For Aidan, the dual credit program isn’t just a way to save money—it’s a chance to add something valuable to his resume. "It’s another thing on my record," he says. "It helps me stand out."

While the motivations for participating in the dual credit program are varied, one thing is clear: each of these students is taking advantage of a rare opportunity that sets Meridian High School apart. The partnership with Shawnee Community College allows them to earn college credits without paying tuition, and in some cases, without even leaving the high school. This means they’re not only saving money on college but also saving time, as they’ll enter higher education with credits already under their belts.

In a world where the cost of college continues to rise, programs like Meridian’s dual credit partnership with Shawnee offer a practical solution. For families who may not have the means to pay for years of higher education, this program provides a critical head start. Students like Corban, Karissa, Othman, Hannah, and Aidan can pursue their dreams without the financial strain that often comes with it.

But it’s not just about saving money. For these students, it’s about being challenged academically and getting a taste of what college will be like before they even leave high school. "It’s a lot more work than regular high school classes," Corban says. "But that’s what makes it worth it. You’re getting real college experience."

As these students prepare for the future, they’re building more than just academic credentials—they’re building confidence. The dual credit program is showing them what they’re capable of, and for many, it’s opening doors they didn’t even know existed. "I didn’t know much about cybersecurity until I took one of these classes," Othman says. "Now, it’s something I’m seriously considering."

Whether it’s preparing for veterinary school, becoming a chiropractor, or exploring fields like mortuary science, Meridian’s dual credit students are proving that the future is theirs for the taking. And for the taxpayers and community members of the Meridian School District, there’s plenty of reason to be proud. The dual credit program isn’t just an investment in these students—it’s an investment in the future of the community.