Franklin High School students to walk at Lakes Region Community College graduation

FRANKLIN—This spring, 14 Franklin High School (FHS) students earned Early Childhood Associate Teacher certificates from Lakes Region Community College (LRCC) thanks to the opportunity to take Early College classes (for dual high school/college credit) at no cost. The record number of students includes juniors and seniors, eight of whom will participate in LRCC’s graduation ceremony on May 16, celebrating a milestone typically reserved for traditional college students.

“It’s an honor to be able to walk at the LRCC graduation because you know that you’ve earned something that you can use in the future,” said Franklin High School student Payton Cloutier. “We’ll be able to compare the two—a high school graduation vs. a college graduation.”

To receive the Early Childhood Associate Teacher certificate, students completed four courses including Growth and Development of the Young Child; Infant/Toddler Development; Health, Safety, and Nutrition; and College Essentials. During the program, students built pathways that connect school to real-world experiences and bring them one step closer to a career. Students designed model childcare centers using New Hampshire licensing regulations, developed health and safety plans and worked through real world scenarios connected to child development.

“This program started as a solution to a workforce challenge in Early Childhood Education three years ago and it has quickly grown into a robust academic partnership between LRCC and Franklin High School,” said Chelsea Divers, LRCC’s Early College coordinator.

The benefits extend beyond academics. FHS students received three free LRCC classes during their sophomore, junior and senior years — allowing them to earn up to 27 college credits at no cost.

“The interest is rising every year, so we’re thoughtfully putting these types of certificate and credit opportunities into our schedule,” said David Levesque, FHS principal. “We had students earn 270 college credits last year, and we’re closer to 400 college credits this year. In a small school that has a lot of challenges, it’s powerful to see students leaving here with that opportunity.”

The 14 students who completed the program include: Aubrey Boisvert, Aubrey Bridges, Heidi Cayton, Payton Cloutier, Abigail Cronin, Jaylynne Ladnay, Myckayla Ladnay, Kian Lemon, Mylee O’Connell, Ava Ranelli, Danielle Shortt, Caelin Stockbridge, Nazlie Taban, Cody Williams.

The students’ next steps are as varied as their interests. Among the group are students heading to Colby-Sawyer College, Keene State College, Western New England University and more, pursuing majors such as history, secondary education, child psychology and law. One junior is graduating early to begin a full-time position at a local daycare center.