Learning Partnerships

On July 23 the Beaufort County School Board celebrates the opening of the new Whale Branch High School, officially called the Whale Branch “Early College” High School. It’s the early college part that begs my attention.

In its conception, Superintendent Dr. Valerie Truesdale had the vision to make this new high school different by offering its students an opportunity to participate in an on-site Dual Enrollment educational program. The dual track allows students to earn both high school and college credentials at the same time. It’s definitely made a huge splash in the community and substantially lifted the awareness of this efficient combination of learning alternatives.

High school students must qualify for college admission to take college-level classes. It has huge benefits. Consider this success story.

This past May, twins Gary and Trenicia Wilson received their Associate in Arts degrees from TCL at the same time they received their diplomas from Bluffton High School, thanks to Dual Enrollment. Because of this accomplishment, Gary and Trenicia will enjoy advanced placement as they begin Howard University in the fall where they’ll be working to earn their pharmacy degrees.

The Whale Branch Early College High School could be a very important model for other school districts in the Lowcountry. We’re eager to get involved.

With the cutting of the ribbon, we celebrate learning and we celebrate partnerships with friends and with students. We do this with a mindset of appreciation to leaders who make a difference, including the TCL Area Commission, The Beaufort County School Board, and Dr. Truesdale.

Additionally, on the TCL side, Dr. Gina Mounfield gave specific attention and direction to the initiative along with Dr. Sean Alford from the Beaufort County School District. We are grateful to the work of many, and we’re honored to be a learning partner. We’re excited about this and we stand united behind Principal Priscilla Drake with our best wishes for long-term success in changing lives through education.