Northwest Tech Student Earns Credits and Graduates from NOC during Senior Year

Until the fall of 2006, Alva High School senior, Kellie Whipple never imagined that she could graduate from high school and college in the same month. However, in May, Kellie will walk across the stage at commencement ceremonies at Northern Oklahoma College (NOC) earning an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Technology. Kellie will also graduate from Alva High in May 2008.

“There are quite a few students who could also pull this off, if they set their mind to it.” said Whipple. “Anyone should do this whether they want to pursue a career in web design, business or accounting or just learn a skill that they can use in college.” The dual graduation was accomplished by enrolling in courses at NOC in conjunction with her high school curriculum. She earned college credit through competencies earned in the Web Development and Graphic Design program at Northwest Technology Center.

According to Whipple, the Associate’s Degree will end up costing her about $1500 which includes books. She will finish the degree in May and will receive her diploma on May 3. Whipple took several core curriculum classes on-line from NOC including Comp I, Comp II, US History Since 1865 and Government. She took a CLEP test for Algebra and also completed a Speech class at Northwestern Oklahoma State.

“I am planning to enroll at Oklahoma State next fall,” stated Whipple, “I will be a junior with 63 hours and I plan to major in Animal Science. I am really looking forward to meeting new people. I am planning to use the skills that I learned at Northwest Technology Center to design websites, so that I can make some money while I am in college and in vet school.”

“My parents are really happy that I am saving time and money on my college education,” continued Whipple. “My instructor, Mrs. Frascht has helped me a lot by encouraging me to do this and helping me to get enrolled. Without her assistance, I’d just be starting college like any other freshman.”

In addition to many other honors, Whipple is an institutional nominee for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) scholarship, a result of her high ACT score. She can use the scholarship to cover her expenses at OSU. Whipple is looking forward to pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. She is the daughter of Mandy and Alan Whipple of Alva. She is active in the Nazerene Church and is an officer in FFA and in 4-H. At Northwest Technology Center, she has been a member of the Business Professionals of America and the Superintendent’s Leadership Class. In her spare time, she enjoys playing the guitar.