Eleven School District Five students recognized for earning General Studies Academic Certificate

For Immediate Release – May 20, 2025

Eleven School District Five students recognized for earning General Studies Academic Certificate

IRMO – On Thursday, May 7, eleven outstanding students from Lexington-Richland School District Five were honored by Midlands Technical College for completing the General Studies Academic Certificate through the college’s Dual Enrollment Program. Representing Chapin High School, Dutch Fork High School, and Spring Hill High School, these students have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their academic journeys.

The General Studies Academic Certificate is designed to provide high school students with a strong foundation in general education, equipping them for a successful transition to higher education. To earn this certificate, students must complete 18 credit hours of college-level coursework in subjects such as English, mathematics, social sciences, and the humanities.

This rigorous achievement not only showcases the students’ commitment and preparedness for college, but also brings significant financial benefits. By completing these courses while still in high school, students have collectively saved an estimated $3,600 in tuition costs—an investment in both their futures and their families.

“These students have gone above and beyond the typical high school experience,” said Dr. Tim Swick, Dual Enrollment Program Lead at Lexington-Richland School District Five. “Their success exemplifies the power of dual enrollment programs to create meaningful college and career pathways.”

“With the addition of dual enrollment courses, School District Five is able to enhance the overall academic experience for our high school students, provide guidance and transitional support to a college setting in a positive and supportive environment, and ultimately set the foundation in their pursuit of a college education,” said Neshunda Walters, Director of Secondary Education. “We congratulate these students on their academic accomplishments and wish them continued success as they pursue their postsecondary goals.” 

School District Five provides dual enrollment opportunities for students who are academically ready to pursue college coursework while still in high school. Through dual enrollment courses, students take college courses facilitated on the school district’s campuses. Dual Enrollment courses count for both high school graduation credit and college credit. Lexington Richland Five offers two options for dual enrollment participation: stand alone course enrollment and certificate enrollment. The South Carolina Department of Education awards dual enrollment courses with one quality point above base points on the South Carolina Uniform Grading Scale. 

The following students were recognized this spring:

Chapin High School:
Marissa Cannon, Grace Hallowell, Jonah Hawkinson, Kaylee Mixon, Savannah Starnes, Audrey Thomas, Josie Weathersbee, Brayden Wells

Dutch Fork High School:

Hailey Richburg

Spring Hill High School:
Lana Elliott, Logan Wherrell