By Katie Northcott, News Director
Eight members of the Coffee County Central High School Class of 2026 will graduate from high school having already graduated from Motlow State Community College with an associate degree.
Find more details in the press release below.
Coffee County Central High School has partnered with Motlow State Community College to offer students a unique academic opportunity through the Middle College program. This scholarship-based initiative, funded by the State of Tennessee, provides high-achieving students with the chance to earn an associate degree while still completing their high school education.
Admission into the Middle College program is highly competitive, requiring students to meet rigorous academic standards. Once accepted, participants begin taking college courses in the summer following their sophomore year and continue enrolling in at least 12 credit hours each semester throughout the remainder of high school. To remain in the program, students must maintain a minimum 3.0 college GPA.
Middle College students are fully immersed in the college experience, taking courses alongside traditional college students and meeting the same academic expectations. Participants complete their associate degree before receiving their high school diploma.
The Class of 2026 includes eight students who have successfully completed the program and will graduate from Motlow State Community College on May 11. Notably, senior Ismael Salazar completed his degree requirements in December—an entire semester ahead of his high school graduation.
These students have demonstrated exceptional dedication and perseverance, and Coffee County Central High School proudly recognizes their outstanding achievements. The 2026 Middle College graduates are:
- Kanyen Alvarez – AS in Business Administration (TTP)
- Oliver Harmon – AS in Criminal Justice Adm (TTP)
- Sophie Dong – AS in Computer Science (TTP)
- Karlee Hargrove – AS in General Studies UT Trk 2
- Madysen Maze – AA in English; Teaching Trk
- Ismael Salazar – AS in General Studies TBR Trk 1
- Owen Shelton – AS in Mechanical Engineering (TTP)
- Phoenix Thomas -AS in History (TTP)
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