Hyatt Makes Local History

Christopher Hyatt is set to make local history when he graduates from Marlboro County High School on Saturday, June 8th. He will become the first student at MCHS to graduate with his high school diploma, and an Associate Degree from Northeastern Technical College at the same time.

Christopher first heard about the Dual Enrollment program at NETC when he was in tenth grade, but when he learned that he could earn an Associate Degree at the same time as his HS diploma, he knew he had to take advantage of the opportunity.

He also knew that taking college courses early would help when he was applying to Clemson and other four-year colleges, and understood that by having already earned an Associate Degree, he could really stand apart from other applicants.

"NETC has made a significant impact on my academic success, and my success as a person," said Hyatt. "The experience has challenged me to strive for better things, and taught me that I have to work harder and smarter to get where I want to be in life."

Hyatt says he had to be self-disciplined and organized to reach his goal. He set priorities, and he planned ahead. He mapped out when assignments were due, and the best time to complete them. Despite the challenges of a heavy school load, he was able to maintain balance in his academic and social life.

An added benefit of taking college classes while in high school is the cost savings. NETC offers the same general education classes that four-year universities do, but at a fraction of the cost, allowing students to save thousands of dollars on their four-year degree.

"Christopher taking classes at NETC has benefitted us financial in the present and the future," said Christopher's mother, Christy Overstreet. "It has also helped him to prepare and get in the right frame of mind for what's ahead in completing his four-year degree, and possibly his master's."

Christopher has already been accepted to Clemson University for Fall 2019, where he will continue on to earn his Bachelors in Computer Science, and then pursue his masters. He hopes to secure a job as full-stack developer. Other future interests include starting a drop shipping E-commerce business, and opening a cyber-security consulting firm.

His mother Christy is overjoyed by her son's success, and recommends NETC's Dual Enrollment program to other parents. She's impressed with how prepared Christopher is to complete his 4-year degree. She's watched her son become more accountable about how he spends his time.

"I would recommend this experience to other parents, because it challenges students to leave their comfort zone and prepare for future endeavors. It is positive motivation to reach higher," said Christy. "Encourage your children to work hard, set goals, and strive to be successful."

NETC offers true college level courses that can be used to transfer to four-year colleges and universities at a fraction of the cost, but also has specific degree and certificate programs designed to train students for the workforce.

For more information about the dual enrollment program at NETC, call NETC's Admissions Office at (843) 921-6933 or 1-800-921-7399 or visit Northeastern Technical College online at www.netc.edu

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