{"id":28206,"date":"2017-02-14T17:33:48","date_gmt":"2017-02-14T22:33:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/necc.edu\/newsroom2\/2017\/02\/14\/hhs-students-recognized-for-early-college-participation\/"},"modified":"2026-05-14T17:04:49","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T21:04:49","slug":"hhs-students-recognized-for-early-college-participation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/necc.edu\/newsroom\/2017\/02\/14\/hhs-students-recognized-for-early-college-participation\/","title":{"rendered":"HHS Students Recognized for Early College Participation"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Isabella Callahan, who leaves NECC’s Early College Program with 40 credits, gives her mom a hug following the recognition awards ceremony.<\/p><\/div>\n

THIS HAS BEEN PLACED ON PRIVATE AT THE STUDENTS REQUEST:<\/p>\n

When Haverhill High School (HHS) senior Isabella Callahan enrolls in UMass Lowell\u2019s honors engineering program next fall she will take 40 Northern Essex Community College<\/a> credits with her.<\/p>\n

Callahan is one of 28 HHS seniors who enrolled in the Early College Program<\/a>, a partnership between NECC and area high schools that provides students with the opportunity to complete general education college courses and receive both high school and college credit. A recognition ceremony honoring the students was held February, 8, in the Hartleb Technology Center on the Haverhill campus.<\/p>\n

Collectively, the 28 students\u2019 credits totaled 721 college credits, said Noemi Custodia-Lora, director of the Lawrence campus and community relations, which translates into more than $1 million in private school tuition. \u201cThat\u2019s a lot of money to save,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

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HHS senior Owen Bourdon is congratulated by NECC President Lane Glenn.<\/p><\/div>\n

HHS Principal Beth Kitsos praised the students saying they are a strong group of \u201chigh achieving\u201d students. \u201cI\u2019m so incredibly proud of each and every one of these students for their commitment to the program.\u201d<\/p>\n

She credited NECC President Lane Glenn with being a driving force behind the Early College Program.<\/p>\n

NECC President Lane Glenn said he asked several of the Early College students if they had a career direction. \u201cThe range of answers was fascinating,\u201d he said. \u201cFrom Brian who wants to study political science, to Jonathan and Ben who want to earn marketing degrees\u2026to John who wants to study physics and has already picked out his dorm room at UMass Lowell\u2026 and what about Isabella Callahan who has 40 credits? Wow. Just wow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Haverhill superintendent James Scully congratulated the students on having the \u201ccourage\u201d to enroll in college classes as high school students. \u201cThe extra classes will put you ahead of the game. Thank you for representing Haverhill High as well as you have.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Dad Paul Smith with son Joshua Smith, the evening’s student speaker with mom Lisa Smith.,<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cBusy and rigorous\u201d that\u2019s how NECC Professor Jon Mangion described the program as he recalled some of the lighter moments in the classroom.<\/p>\n

Student speaker Joshua Smith said his experience with Early College influenced him in numerous ways and that he walks away with many memories. He reminded his fellow students, \u201cAs a class we are the face of Early College.\u201d<\/p>\n

This was the first time the recognition celebration was held on the NECC campus.<\/p>\n

Light refreshments were served.<\/p>\n

While previous Early College participants took classes at HHS, in the future students will attend classes<\/p>\n

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Isabella Callahan and fellow Early College student Michael Schroeder take a selfie.<\/p><\/div>\n

on Northern Essex\u2019s Haverhill campus. This will allow the students the opportunity to experience the campus and participate in the college\u2019s clubs, and use the gym and library, according to Custodia-Lora.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish you all great success,\u201d she told them.<\/p>\n

Northern Essex partners with many local high schools, offering programs which are designed to prepare students to succeed in college. In addition to Lawrence High School, Northern Essex has partnered with Amesbury High School, Haverhill High School, Methuen High School, Newburyport High School, Pentucket Regional High School; Triton Regional High School; Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School; Phoenix Academy, Lawrence; High School Learning Center, Lawrence; Notre Dame Cristo Rey, Lawrence; Sanborn Regional High School, and Timberlane Regional High School.<\/p>\n

For more information on high school partnerships available through Northern Essex Community College, contact Adam Cutler, assistant director, secondary-postsecondary linkages,\u00a0acutler@necc.mass.edu<\/a>\u00a0or 978 738-7546.<\/p>\n

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