B U S I N E S S + C U LT U R E 27 COVER Fitzgerald High School students Tyree Pryor, David Echeverria, and Hope Hutchinson are taking advantage of the state’s dual enrollment program through Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Pryor and Echeverria, who are both seniors, are taking college classes while balancing football practice and part-time jobs. With a career goal to become an anesthesiologist, Pryor understands that taking dual enrollment classes will give him an extra push academically and save money. “I want to get ahead on my college credits and get started on my major,” said Pryor, who is president of the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America organization at Fitzgerald High School. “I also want to get out of college as debt free as possible.” Echeverria, who wants to major in criminal justice, takes a combination of online and evening classes at Fitzgerald High School students Tyree Pryor, Hope Hutchinson, and David Echeverria are taking dual enrollment classes through Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. Wiregrass Tech’s Ben Hill-Irwin campus. “It’s a lot of work, and it takes time figuring out when I can take classes,” said Echeverria, who started taking dual enrollment classes his senior year. “After football practice, I go to the Ben Hill-Irwin campus and take classes until 9 p.m. With school, football, and work it’s a lot, but worth it. I wish I had started classes earlier.” Hutchinson, who is a sophomore, said the flexibility of dual enrollment classes allows her to gain college credits, while still being able to participate in her school’s musical performances. I want to take as many college classes while in high school so I can transfer to college as a sophomore. I have a lot going on, but I am learning to keep all my activities in my planner. I couldn’t make it without my planner. - Hope Hutchinson PHOTO: PAT GALLAGHER