FAYETTEVILLE — Fayetteville Independent School District (ISD) has much to be proud of in the 2025 graduating class. Not just one, but two of their seniors graduated from Blinn College District with an associate's degree before graduating high school later in the week. Dr. Jeff Harvey and his team at Fayetteville ISD were involved in developing the Alliance for College & Career Student Success (ACCSS) program, which assisted in providing encouragement and access to the depth of college dual credit courses while these students were finishing their high school educa tion.
'Being able to support students with their goals is one of the best parts of working with ACCSS,' expressed Sarah Nickel, the ACCSS coordinator of student success initiatives. 'I get to see students achieve some hefty steps on the road to fulfilling their dreams, and being able to provide these types of opportunities will not only benefit students, but their families and communities as well. Giving students the chance to thrive is what this is all about.'
Johnathan English is the second Fayetteville ISD student to walk the Blinn College District stage to receive his associate's degree this month. According to Amber Eilers, who was his UIL coach and English teacher from eighth grade and up until he took dual credit, 'Johnathan's unparalleled drive and optimistic outlook make him a most worthy candidate in anything he pursues. His natural love of learning combined with his dedic a tion has a l lowed him to achieve such a high level of academic success. Although we are a small, 1A school, John has seized every opportunity for his academic growth. His love of learning is not only evident in his actions and outcomes but also in his methodical, systematic approach. Participating in these UIL events and obtaining his associate’s degree exemplifies not only his drive, but his dedication, his ability and flexibility, and his time manage ment. John is a truly gifted, standout student.'
JoAnn Morgensen, Fayetteville High School science teacher and National Honor Society sponsor, shares, 'John is very motivated to succeed. He has taken full advantage of educational opportunities in high school. He has taken as many dual credit courses as his schedule has allowed. He has even taken opportunities to try to place out of college courses after preparing by himself.' The mission of ACCSS was developed on the ACCSS Leadership team's belief that rural youth deserve the opportunity to dream big and pursue their goals. The ACCSS program works to ensure that every student, regardless of background, has access to the opportunities needed to thrive in the pursuit of their educational and career aspirations by providing academic and career resources, guidance, and comprehensive support essential for students to attain post-secondary credits or workforce career credentials.
English remarked, 'It has defi nitely been a lot of work and a lot of late nights. Some classes were a lot more challenging than others, and taking multiple classes at a time, I have had to learn time management on the fly and allocate time to areas where it's more needed. I am grateful for this opportunity, which has taught me a lot and gave me an opportunity to further my education at a low price. I have had this goal and plan since middle school, and it has taken a lot of hard work to get here. I wouldn’t change it for the world.'
ACCSS congratulates Johnathan English, his family, and all Fayetteville ISD staff involved in his educational journey.
For more information on ACCSS, please contact Susie Shank, ACCSS Director, at 979743-5239 or susie.shank@blinn. edu.
