Edwards graduate Hayley Beard joins list of CMC Concurrent Enrollment students earning two degrees at once
When Hayley Beard walked across the stage to receive her high school diploma from Eagle Valley High School earlier this month, she already had her college diploma in hand.
The role reversal happened thanks to Colorado Mountain College’s Concurrent Enrollment program, which allowed Beard to begin taking college classes her freshman year in high school. The jump start on college allowed her to complete her associate of science degree by the time she graduated from high school.
“It’s amazing to be able to receive high school and college credit at the same time,” says Beard. “It felt like a huge accomplishment, and a major sense of relief to not only hold a degree but to have saved all that money and time….Students before me, like Jessica Trujillo and Keegan Hammond, helped me see it was possible.“
Her experience at CMC as a young high school student was initially intimidating, says Beard, but ultimately boosted her confidence.
“At first with the online classes, it was kind of scary. Just getting things in on time, and how much work was involved. But the professors were really helpful. And, Larry Dutmer was my advisor at CMC and he was so great. He made sure I knew what I was getting into, but was approachable and explained things well.”
Beard ultimately graduated with 67 credits from CMC, earning a Certified Nurses Aide certificate along with her associate of science degree. Thirty-eight of those credits were gained by “taking, and passing, every single dual enrollment class offered at Eagle Valley High School,” says Beard. “I took the rest on my own.”
Those 67 hard-earned credits will allow Beard to enter Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee, as a junior this fall. She plans to study nursing, and also to continue her dance career by performing as a member of the university’s Pom Squad while earning a minor in dance. Beard has been dancing as early as she can remember, since age three. She initially explored jazz, tap and hiphop; now, she is also pursuing more ballet.
The move to Tennessee will mean saying goodbye to a familiar landscape for Beard, and also to a beloved community. The young Eagle resident’s family has lived in the region for generations. Her great grandfather was born in Dotsero; her great grandmother was raised in Wolcott. Her grandfather’s family owned a ranch between Eagle and Gypsum and on her dad’s side, the family pursues sheep ranching near Glade Park.
“Everyone is still pretty much in the area,” explains Beard. “I will miss family and friends and the great community support. I appreciate the scenery here, but the people are what make it such a great place to live. It’s amazing that we have people who have lived here forever, and new people moving in, but we are all so tight.”
Asked whether she would recommend the Concurrent Enrollment program to other high school students, Beard enthusiastically answered in the affirmative. “Yes! It saves so much time and money. It’s worth the extra effort.”