Before they’ve even finished high school, four Corliss High School seniors in Chicago are already collecting college degrees.
The students at Corliss High School in Pullman earned associate degrees through a Chicago Public Schools partnership with the City Colleges of Chicago. The group of seniors is graduating from college this weekend.
“It was definitely a journey, especially being a diverse learner with IEP, being told your whole life that you won’t be able to be somebody,” said senior Johnathan Pitchford Jr.
Pitchford Jr. said he’s proving those who doubted him wrong. He and his classmates said it was not easy to balance high school and college at the same time.
“Even when you don’t think you can do it, you can do it no matter what anyone tells you, or what yourself tells you, to be honest,” said Corliss High School senior Alanah Avery.
The students earned college credits through a two-year program focused on aviation maintenance at Olive Harvey College.
“We started off with one graduate, then we had two graduates last year. This year we have four, so we hope to continue that success,” said Corliss High School Principal Evajamania Brown.
The students said teachers, family and friends supported them through the program.
“I am such a proud mom. These are my babies. Our secret is love, and so I try to inspire them. I try to motivate them, and I try to help them over the things that are difficult,” said Corliss STEM Specialist Phylydia Hudson. “Because as we know, each professor is going to be different, each experience is going to be different.”
Nuhumy Iniguez, the valedictorian of her class, is the first in her family to graduate from high school and college. She is also the youngest Hispanic female drone pilot in the country.
“I’m a first-gen student. I really want everybody else to look at me as a role model, at least surpass that, so at least our communities can increase with their education and really look forward to more than just what’s currently going on,” she said.
As they get ready to walk across the stage, the students said they want to continue their college careers.
“Anybody can do it, if you get the opportunity, just do it,” said Corliss High School senior Lindsey Dory. “Don’t deny it before you try it.”
Their graduation ceremony is Saturday at Wintrust Arena.
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