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RHS students get head start on college careers

The University of North Alabama Early College Program has partnered with Russellville High School to offer college courses for students with the desire to get ahead in their college career.

This semester, 20 brave students decided to enroll in a public speaking course taught by Jay Hillis, an adjunct professor for the University of North Alabama. This is not the first partnership RHS has had with UNA. Last semester, 12 students took a duel-enrollment Spanish course.

The UNA Early College Program offers these classes at a discounted price of $150. This program gives students experience and helps them get ahead in their academic careers. Plus, parents, faculty and peers get to see them succeed, all for a low cost.

Hillis visits his class every Tuesday and Thursday from 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. The students are expected to read their textbook and prepare for speeches outside of class. Other than that, no homework is assigned.

Since college speech is a duel-enrollment course, students can earn college credit as well as high school credit. Assistant principal Jason Goodwin believes being able to take a college class while in high school is a great opportunity.

Any time we can get our students enrolled in a college course, we would rather them earn high school and college credit,” Goodwin said.

Goodwin not only believes it is a great opportunity for the students but also for the teachers as well. When you have the opportunity for the UNA Early College Program to offer you a teacher, it is an appreciated experience. 

Providing teachers for our students means that we can utilize our teachers for other classes and programs,” Goodwin said.

Tiffany Warhurst, guidance counselor for students in grades 11-12 at RHS, likes the program because it prepares the students for the future in both educational and expectational ways. 

Enrolling in college courses better prepares the students for college, and it will help them to not feel extremely overwhelmed when they start classes at the actual college level,” Warhurst said.

Hillis enjoys visiting high schools to help students advance in their academic career. For the most part, Hillis can keep his teaching style the same because he is naturally an interactive teacher.

I like the class enthusiasm, energy, preparation and readiness to learn,” Hillis said.

There are some things Hillis has to get used to, but it is nothing too serious. High schools have different schedules than colleges, and different rules apply.

I find that is difficult for high school students to balance their schedule with a college schedule,” Hillis said.

No matter what degree you wish to earn, you will have to take a public speaking course. Most of the students in the class were thinking along these lines and decided to get the class over with now. Senior Andrew Heath believes that it was in his best interests to go ahead and take the class since he already gives an abundance of speeches and presentations.

I benefit from taking this class because I can use what I learn to improve my presentation skills,” Heath said.

Junior Leah Nix likes the idea of giving a speech in a more familiar environment instead of a university setting. She also wants to go to pharmacy school, so she will be there for a while and taking one class off of her list of many helps just a little.

I wanted to get ahead with my college education because I believe that I am destined for success, and this class takes me one step closer to where I want to be,” Nix said.

The prerequisite for the course was a 16 on the ACT.

It is evident that the students at RHS are supported by the faculty at RHS and the University of North Alabama. The program is an overall great and exciting opportunity for students ready to take the next step in their education.

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