Lyndonville senior earns GCC degree before high school graduation

Press Release, Lyndonville Central School

Rebecca Clemens

LYNDONVILLE – Rebecca Clemens, a senior from Lyndonville Central School, recently earned an associate degree in liberal arts and sciences from Genesee Community College – a month before she graduated from high school.

Clemens started taking Advanced Placement classes in seventh grade and the college-level courses offered at Lyndonville High School. She eventually enrolled in GCC and was able to complete her courses at the GCC-Batavia campus, in the Medina/Albion satellite campuses and online.

She stated her schedule has been busy throughout high school, but it has taught her how to efficiently manage her time. Clemens stated that taking classes through Lyndonville was a cost- effective way to earn a degree. In addition, “it was nice to have the ongoing support of all of my teachers, friends and family.”

Clemens’ mother, Pam, is a teacher’s aide for Lyndonville. She stated her daughter quickly learned to become a disciplined, independent worker with strong study habits. Ms. Clemens added that Rebecca met many new friends throughout her time at GCC.

“It was a different atmosphere with everyone working hard to succeed,” she said. “It changed Rebecca’s perspective (on education) and pushed her to complete her degree.”

High school graduation on June 24 is next for the high-achieving student. Then she plans to shadow a local equine trainer and follow her passion of horses. She hopes this will direct her to a career path and possibly to college for further equine training.

“We are so proud of Rebecca and how hard she has worked throughout high school,” said Lyndonville HS Principal Dr. Aaron Slack. “She has shown tremendous dedication in setting and achieving her goals, and we wish her continued success.”