This year has already been one for the history books, but for two recent Warren Community College graduates, this year marks something unique. Two WCC students graduated from college before high school. Making it even more unique is that they won’t have “walked” the ceremony at the usual time of year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But that hasn’t stifled the two “double graduates” and their excitement over their educational feats.  

Skylar Warren, soon-to-be-graduate of Warren Hills Regional High School, and Spencer Aydelotte, of Phillipsburg High School, used their schools’ respective free dual enrollment programs to earn their Associate Degrees while still in high school.

“I am one of my hardest critics, but this accomplishment fills me with pride,” Skylar said. “The fact that I am the first student from Warren Hills to have graduated from WCC before high school graduation is just amazing to me.”

Skylar saw the opportunity for this feat from day one of high school, working with advisors at both the college and high school to craft the “perfect” four-year schedule. For Spencer, it wasn’t until the end of his sophomore year that he realized that many of the classes he had already taken could be put toward a degree thanks to an AP course college credit agreement.

Working with Jeremy Beeler, the Vice President of Student Services at WCC, and PHS guidance counselor Terri Castagnoli – and rooted on by his family – Spencer decided to pursue a degree in Liberal Arts.

Gaining credits from high school AP classes, attending on-campus courses in the evenings and summer, and making use of WCC’s ample distance learning options, these honors students were able to turn their dream into reality.

Skylar and Spencer are open about the fact that to pursue an associate degree while attending high school meant a lot of hard work. In addition to attending two schools, both were active in extracurricular activities.

When not studying, Skylar was a student-athlete, pianist, WCC Student Ambassador, and Royal International Miss New Jersey Teen Role Model. Spencer balanced studies with the Boy Scouts, golf, and a research position at Rutgers’ Waksman Institute.

A typical day during the school year might include high school during the day, sports or music practice, homework and dinner, and then off to WCC for classes on-campus.

But they both agree that it was well worth it.

“Studying at Warren Community College was a wonderful experience, especially at such a young age,” said Spencer. “It exposed me to the manner and style of an academic environment where students choose to be in attendance. There is a noticeable desire to learn that does not always exist with high school students.”

Added Skylar, “I wouldn’t have chosen anywhere else to earn my associate degree. The professors are understanding and easy to work with, and there is a strong sense of community on campus. Initially, I was really shy. And, honestly, I was a little bit scared because I was the youngest student in every one of my classes. But I am so happy to have been welcomed in with open arms and treated like the college student I am.”

Though in an ideal world, Spencer and Skylar would have walked in two commencement ceremonies this year, they won’t let the shift in plans dampen their spirits.

“It is very disappointing,” said Skylar, “but I began to take into consideration that what is going on is bigger than just me. I am so blessed to have such a strong support group that came together while staying six-feet apart to surprise me with a drive-by graduation party on the day that my WCC graduation would have happened. It honestly brought me to tears to see my hard work and sleepless nights celebrated by people I care about.”

Spencer is looking forward to a family party when gatherings are allowed again: “I haven’t come this far to get down on myself about things that are simply out of my control,” he said. 

“Even though I may not get to walk at graduation as I had wanted, I still have an amazing, supportive group of family and friends around me. That is what matters to me.”

Spencer will transfer his degree to Binghamton University’s School of Management, where he will pursue a bachelor’s degree in accounting as part of their PricewaterhouseCoopers Scholars Program. Eventually, he would like to earn a master’s degree in accounting and work on Wall Street.

Skylar was accepted into more than a dozen historically black colleges and universities, deciding to study business administration and broadcast journalism at Florida A&M. Her ultimate goal includes growing an apparel brand and starting a non-profit to teach minority children financial literacy.

Dual enrollment is a great way to earn college credits for free by taking AP or honors high school classes! In Warren County, each high school has approved specific courses for college credit. To apply for dual enrollment, see your high school Guidance Counselor. For more information about the Dual to Degree (D2D) dual enrollment program with Warren Community College, including approved classes at your high school, visit http://www.warren.edu/wccc-dual-enrollment-program/.