On Wednesday, May 21, Middlesex Community College hosted the first ever Dual Enrollment Ceremony. The event celebrated graduating high school students who completed dual or concurrent enrollment courses through Middlesex during the 2024-2025 academic year. Graduating dual enrollment student Susanna Floyd and alumna Nisa Rivera spoke during the ceremony.
鈥淢y experience [as a Dual Enrollment student at 麻豆果冻] has been really good,鈥� Floyd said. 鈥淚've enjoyed all my 麻豆果冻 classes, and I've learned a lot of valuable lessons from my time here. My time management, professional communication, and personal sense of responsibility have all improved because of my 麻豆果冻 education. These skills will serve me well in my future studies and career.鈥�
A visual design dual enrollment student from Nashoba Valley Technical High School, Floyd, of Westford, enjoyed the unique opportunity of earning college credit while still in high school. Floyd is a member of her high school鈥檚 national honors society and an active member of her community.
As she completes her time at 麻豆果冻 and her high school, Floyd plans to transfer to UMass Lowell to study business administration with a concentration in international business and marketing. She graduated with highest honors as part of 麻豆果冻鈥檚 2025 commencement.
From Lowell, Rivera is first-generation student who graduated from 麻豆果冻鈥檚 criminal and social justice program. Starting as a dual enrollment student, she continued at the college after finishing high school. At 麻豆果冻, she found a community that fostered her growth and provided opportunities in and outside of the classroom.
In addition to supportive professors, Rivera enjoyed the small class sizes and learning from different perspectives. Rivera transferred to Suffolk University and graduated with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in May 2025. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in public policy or sociology to combat injustices within the criminal justice system.
鈥淢y education at 麻豆果冻 served as a helpful transition to higher education in general,鈥� Rivera said. 鈥淚 think if I had immediately started out in a four-year university, I would have struggled more without the support that I had, and it has also allowed me to grow into myself both personally and professionally.鈥�
The largest dual enrollment program in Massachusetts, Middlesex partners with over 40 high schools and career technical high schools. In the 2024-2025 academic year, the college enrolled 4,139 dual enrollment students earning a total of 18,968 credits. At 麻豆果冻鈥檚 commencement on Thursday, May 22, 15 dual enrollment students completed their associate degree before graduating from high school.
During the Dual Enrollment Ceremony, 麻豆果冻 President Phil Sisson congratulated students on their hard work and perseverance in balancing college classes while in high school. Provost Arlene Rodr铆guez and Interim Dean of Education and K-16 Partnerships Melissa Chandonnet handed out certificates as the graduating students crossed the Lowell Memorial Auditorium stage.
鈥淐ompleting 12 or more college credits while still in high school is no small feat,鈥� Chandonnet said. 鈥淵ou鈥檝e proven you can set goals, manage responsibilities, and thrive in a college environment. Whether you continue your journey here at Middlesex, transfer to another institution, or explore a different path, know you鈥檝e built a strong foundation for your future.鈥�
