For over a decade, Vienna High School has had multiple students who have marched to pomp and circumstance back-to-back. Class of 2025 seniors Ethyn Bradley (SCC), Jael Griesbach (SIC), Ora Goines (SIC), Leeann Jackson (SCC), Briley McBride (SCC), Tracy Simpson (SCC), Kendyl Sparks (SCC), Gabrielle Taylor (SCC), and Parker Trovillion (SCC) have not only completed their requirements for high school graduation, but have also completed their associate degrees either at Shawnee Community College (SCC) or Southeastern Illinois College (SIC).
Like other graduating classes, the Vienna Class of 2025 will celebrate the scholarly achievements of its members. These impressive achievements are only enhanced by the nine students graduating with their college degrees. Collectively, the class has completed over 2,000 credit hours towards their college degrees through early college and dual credit partnerships. These hours have been earned not only through dual credit offerings at the high school but also by students attending classes at the college, both online and at the college campuses.
“Vienna’s early college program has been providing students with a great start to their post-secondary plans for many years now. It is always exciting to see our early college students either get a jump start or actually complete their associate degree while in high school. Even more thrilling to watch has been the full circle effect of seeing these students, within two years of high school graduation, complete bachelor’s degrees, go on to complete master’s degrees in four years after high school, and get into successful careers, many of which are back in our community,” said Joshua Stafford, superintendent.
Vienna has been very active in the early college space, not only at the local level, but has been involved in numerous legislative committees, advocacy groups, and served as a resource and partner to other schools that have worked to develop similar programming. Vienna is a career-connected early college high school offering over 150 dual credit hours, numerous career pathways, Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) approved College and Career Pathway Endorsements (CCPE), and comprehensive career services that provide career road maps for all students. More information about Vienna’s career connection work can be found at viennahs.com/cc.
As these students move into the future, they have varied plans and ambitions.
- Ethyn Bradley will be attending Southern Illinois University Carbondale to major in nursing.
- Jael Griesbach will be going into the United States Navy as a Fire Controlman after graduation.
- Ora Goines plans to obtain her CPA license and later start her career as an accountant.
- Leeann Jackson will be attending College of the Ozarks to major in Psychology and to become a school Psychologist.
- Briley McBride plans on attending Southern Illinois University Carbondale to major in Secondary Math Education with a minor in Theater.
- Tracy Simpson plans to attend McKendree University to pursue a degree in Music Education on a Music and Presidential Scholarship from McKendree.
- Kendyl Sparks plans to attend Southeast Missouri State University in the fall to major in Communication Disorders.
- Gabrielle Taylor plans to attend Murray State University for Elementary Education.
- Parker Trovillion plans to attend the University of Kentucky in Paducah where he will major in Mechanical Engineering.
