Local Achievers: Over 100 Students Honored at Butler Community College's Early College Academy Ceremony

Butler Community College's Early College Academy (ECA) recently recognized over one hundred students at its 2024 ceremony. These students, from various high schools, completed courses in fields including Health Science, Engineering, and Welding. The ceremony took place on May 4, ahead of the college's official graduation on May 10, where students received academic cords.

During the event, Heather Rinkenbaugh, the Dean of Online, High School & Community Learning and Interim Co-Vice President of Academics, commended the students. She noted their achievement of earning both high school diplomas and associate degrees. The ceremony acknowledged both their academic and personal development.

Carter Duff, a student from Andover Central High School, spoke about his experiences at the Academy. He discussed overcoming challenges such as losing friends and failing tests, and stressed the importance of resilience and growth.

The ECA program allows students to split their day between their high school and a Butler campus. Over the past decade, the program has graduated over seven hundred students, helping them save more than two million dollars in tuition and earn over $27 million in scholarships.

The ceremony also recognized faculty contributions. Danny Mattern, the Lead Physics Instructor, received the Instructor of the Year Award for his effective teaching methods and commitment to student success. English Instructor John Buaas used Star Wars analogies in his speech to inspire students to continue their education with confidence.

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