SJRCC PRESS RELEASE April 2008 Local high school senior to graduate college, high school Two years ago when Satsuma resident Raina Samec registered for dual enrollment classes at St. Johns River Community College, she thought it would be a cool idea to graduate from high school and college at the same time. Today, the Crescent City Junior-Senior High School senior says the cool idea has become a reality. "It was a goal from the beginning to graduate from both," Samec said. "It's been a very fulfilling, real-life experience outside of high school." Samec, who began earning college credits in 2006, will graduate from high school and receive her associate in arts degree from SJRCC in June. The 18-year-old will begin classes as a junior this fall at Flagler College, where she plans to earn a degree in education. Dual enrollment provides accelerated high school seniors and eligible juniors the opportunity to simultaneously earn college credit while earning credit toward a high school diploma. According to SJRCC's dual enrollment director Melissa Williams, approximately three students in Putnam County have attained this academic achievement in the last six years. "Raina is a very focused and mature student," Williams said. "We'll be lucky if she comes back to teach in Putnam County." Samec credits her mother, junior high counselor Sheryl Brenner, for her inspiration to become a teacher. "My mom is an inspiring person. Not just as a mom and teacher, but as a mentor," Samec said. "She was a really good teacher. She enjoyed it and made it look like so much fun. She was always talking about how great the students were and how she learned from them." Another influence that would lead Samec toward a teaching career was a project for Future Educators of America. Samec chose to shadow an exceptional student education teacher at E. H. Miller School. "I just loved it," Samec said. "I loved working with the kids. They were innocent and happy. They were always asking questions and wanting to know more." SJRCC instructor Meryl Goldman, Ph.D. said Samec is a remarkable young woman. "In addition to being very bright, she demonstrates compassion, insight and sensitivity well beyond her years," Goldman said. "I am confident that Raina will be successful in any endeavor, and the College can certainly be proud to have nurtured her and afforded her this opportunity." The dual enrollment program at SJRCC offers free college courses to qualified high school students. Summer A classes begin May 12. Summer B classes begin June 30. For more information on dual enrollment, call 312-4136 or visit the Web site. Return to SJRCC home page.