OTC Middle College Graduates Celebrate Nontraditional Success

(Springfield, MO) -- They might not have followed the same road map as their peers, but a group of students is reaching the same destination tonight: graduation.

Ozarks Technical Community College is celebrating its third-ever Middle College high school commencement ceremonies.

The Middle College is an alternative education high school located on OTC's main campus in partnership with area school districts including Springfield, Logan-Rogersville, Republic, and Everton schools.

Thirty-nine seniors in the program received their diplomas in the ceremony held at the Gillioz Theatre.

They had the opportunity to earn their high school diplomas while simultaneously enrolling in college classes and beginning work experiences through local internships in their career pathway.

"I probably wouldn't have made it through high school on my own," says Dylan Dindred.

"I never thought this day would come and then it's here," says Michalla Jackson.

These students were underperforming in their high school settings, had limited access to higher education, or were dealing with circumstances that kept them from making the grade.

"I had five credits to make up and I made up every single one of them and gained college credit at the same time," says Kindred.

"I want to be a pediatrician, so after OTC I'm going further in that field," says Jackson.

They graduate with not only a diploma, but a few college courses under their belt and internship experience to boot. Proud supporters say it's something that deserves a tip of the cap.

"Just encourage them and don't ever hold them back for anything," says Jackson's mom, Tracy Walker.

Middle College programs of study include Diesel/Automotive Technology, Early Childhood Development, Medical Services, and Networking/Computer Information Sciences.

This is the first time students from districts outside Springfield have graduated.