SC student gets college degree before graduating high school

WINNSBORO, S.C. (WACH) - Dozens of high school students graduated from Midlands Technical College at the 2018 Commencement Ceremony last Wednesday.

Meaghan Pearson, in her senior year at Fairfield Central High School, was one of the students who took the stage for her Associate's Degree of Arts -- an entire month before she is set to graduate from her own high school.

"We knew it was coming but it's like, once we actually got there and were waiting for everything to start, it was like, 'Oh my gosh, we're really about to graduate from college!" said Meaghan.

Her mother, Melanie Pearson, said it was mind-boggling to hear Meaghan's name called out at the Colonial Life Arena.

"I screamed and I screamed and I kept on screaming," said Melanie, laughing. "I was like, 'Oh my God, my baby's graduating!'"

Meaghan and several other students from her high school took advantage of the STEAM program offered through several schools across the state. Meaghan says she began working toward the degree as early as seventh grade.

The STEAM programs offer dual enrollment, where students can began taking college courses. If they are completed with acceptable grades, many students can bypass those courses once enrolled in college.

Meaghan plans on attending the University of North Carolina for communications, in the hopes of doing PR.

"It afforded her the opportunity to possibly cut off two years of college and tuition!" said Melanie. "And so, I'm really proud of her; she did what she needed to do."