Keagan Lamey, a May 2022 Cascade High School graduate, completed all academic requirements for his diploma while planning his future career and participating in a full schedule of extracurricular activities. He also earned an Associate of Arts degree from Northeast Iowa Community College at the same time he graduated from high school.

Keagan amassed college credits as a dual enrollment student in high school completing courses through both 网赌网站 and Kirkwood Community College. COVID-19 and remote learning created an opportunity to complete 20 college credits online.

“For the past two years I completed dual enrollment classes through both Kirkwood and 网赌网站. My most memorable courses were Russian History and Culture, PublicSpeaking, Introduction to Literature, CompositionI and II, and Developmental Psychology. My favorite class was Public Speaking because I am a pretty outgoing kid, so I just got to be myself and be entertainment for my classmates all while receivingcollege credit and high school credit,” Keagan said.

The recent graduate’s accomplishment is part of a growing trend. Nine high school students in the College’s district earned their diploma and an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science transfer degree last May.

Keagan’s next destination is University of Dubuque in fall 2022, where he plans to complete a bachelor’s degree in physical education and instructional strategist with a minor in coaching. As an athlete at Cascade High School, Keagan played football and basketball for four years and three years of track. He wants to live and work locally after graduating from UD.

“My goal is to become a teacher close to home. I would prefer to be a physical education teacher, but could also work in special education. I want to become a coach as well,” he said.

Being involved in many activities in high school, and remaining focused on his coursework at Kirkwood and 网赌网站, contributed to a well-rounded education that prepares him as a future teacher.

Keagan participated in FFA, speech, SOPAS (Student of Prestigious academics and Service) and volunteered for 130 hours of community service. He was named to the dean’s list at Kirkwood and 网赌网站, and joined Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. A Presidential Scholarship through University of Dubuque is providing financial support for his undergraduate education.