Four seniors at Union Springs High School are celebrating an extraordinary academic achievement this spring—earning both their high school diploma and an Associate in Arts degree simultaneously.

Stephen Case, Gracie Chalupnicki, Ella Dougherty and Lilyana Thornton reached this milestone through their participation in college-credit opportunities with Cayuga Community College. The students were recognized during a special celebration at Cayuga in early March, where they officially received their associate’s degrees.

Case, Chalupnicki, Dougherty and Thornton each earned an Associate in Arts degree while completing their high school studies—an accomplishment that requires years of dedication, planning and perseverance.

Cayuga President Dr. Brian Durant praised the students for taking full advantage of the opportunities available to them.

“We’re incredibly proud of these students, who challenged themselves to accomplish something that very few have done at Cayuga: earning high school and college degrees simultaneously,” said Dr. Durant. “Our partnerships with area school districts, led at Cayuga by Professor Sarah Yaw, created countless pathways for high school students to explore their academic options and earn credits toward an associate’s degree. These students seized these opportunities, and have demonstrated to future students everything that’s possible through our partnership programs.”

Through programs such as Cayuga Advantage, a K–12 distance learning program, and on-campus courses, Cayuga partners with school districts across Cayuga and Oswego counties, along with select districts in Onondaga, Seneca and Wayne counties, to provide students with opportunities to earn college credits while still in high school.

Union Springs High School Principal Jason Dentel said the students set their sights on this achievement early in their high school careers.

“Stephen, Gracie, Ella and Lilyana identified in ninth grade that reaching this moment was something they wanted to achieve,” Dentel said. “Year after year, they pushed themselves and encouraged each other. They are more than just exceptional students — they’re well-rounded individuals who are athletes, musicians, Board of Education student representatives and more. They’ll accomplish great things at their next step.”

Each student is now preparing for the next chapter of their academic journey:

• Stephen Case will attend Le Moyne College to study business management.

• Gracie Chalupnicki will attend SUNY Polytechnic Institute to study biology.

• Ella Dougherty will attend Villanova University to study biology on a pre-med track.

• Lilyana Thornton is currently evaluating colleges and plans to study marine biology.

By earning their high school diplomas and associate’s degrees at the same time, these four Union Springs students have demonstrated what is possible through determination, collaboration and the power of educational partnerships. Their achievement stands as an inspiring example for future students considering the many opportunities available through dual enrollment programs.