Student Testimonials

Reagan Adams, now a student at the University of Virginia, said the Future Center helped her weigh pros and cons of each school option and understand FAFSA. “Whenever I would go there I always left with my questions answered and fears resolved. Without it, I would not have been able to make the smartest choice and feel confident about which school I chose to further my education.

“The Future Center was a great resource for me that I used to relieve some of my stress about my future,” she said.

Amari Callaham, a William Campbell High School graduate, pursued the dual enrollment health sciences program with the goal of becoming a traveling registered nurse. “By enrolling in the program, I was able to get started on my career journey early,” she said. “This allowed me to see and overcome different obstacles earlier on to become the best nurse that I can be.” She is now majoring in nursing at the University of Lynchburg. 

Sage Fulcher found a passion in the HVAC dual-enrollment program. Fulcher earned her HVAC Career Studies Certificate through CTE. The Brookville High School alumnus worked as an intern for Wooldridge Heating Air Electrical Plumbing Inc. where she distinguished herself as a valuable team member and was offered a full-time position at the program end. She recognizes the foundation she received through the dual-enrollment experience was pivotal. “I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without it,” she said. 

Sage’s advice to future dual-enrollment students? “Not only is it a great opportunity, but it prepares you for the next step in your education. I would just say to take it seriously and be grateful.”

Emma Greer, now a student at Eastern Mennonite University, had no idea what she wanted to pursue after high school. She gives the Future Center 100% credit in helping her with grants and scholarships that made college possible. Through the application process she learned to not be afraid to ask questions and go outside her comfort zone.

Makenna Haag said her freshman and sophomore years at Brookville High School were derailed by COVID to the point that school wasn’t a priority. It wasn’t until she took a nurse aide class through the CVCC Regional CTE program that she started liking school again. She enjoyed the hands-on experience gained through her clinicals at a local nursing home and was well prepared for the Virginia Nurse Aide Competency Test that allowed her to land a job at Westminster Canterbury of Lynchburg her junior year. Makenna, now majoring in nursing at James Madison University, is grateful that CTE prepared her well for college classes. 

Neal Harter, a first-generation student at UVA, didn’t have a family member to help guide him and said he had no idea where to start applying to college. Extenuating circumstances also complicated his financial aid. “The Future Center helped me sort through all of these challenges and uncertainties so I could get where I needed to be,” he said. “Ms. Tyree made sure everything on my application was perfect before I submitted and answered all my questions and connected me with even more resources along the way.”

Chase Merryman took some agricultural courses and a number of AP courses while taking part in the CTE Program through Rustburg High School before being accepted to the machine tool program. Through the dual enrollment classes, he enjoyed a taste of college life and learned the importance of time management. Chase is attending Randolph-Macon College.

Sam Nauss, who graduated from Altavista Combined School with a certificate in health science, said dual-enrollment classes provided a focus for his studies, while the Future Center helped with college prep and logistics, such as filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form, SAT tutoring and even transportation for college visits. Sam is currently pursuing a certification in radiology technology at CVCC while completing his clinicals at area hospitals.

Sean Noto, who started Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing this fall, said the Future Center opened doors to pursue his choice of the trades. “It sent me on the right path for my future, helping me get into ATDM,” he said. Sean added that [Director Stephanie] Tyree’s help with the application was invaluable. 

Kendrick Ring, who graduated from Brookville High School, pursued EMT classes through the dual enrollment program and is going for his EMT certification at CVCC. “The fire and emergency medical services program is what I am striving to make my career and could not see myself doing anything else,” he said.

Emma Stone, now a student at the University of Virginia, said the Future Center was pivotal in helping her maintain her stress levels during the college application process and in navigating FAFSA. She added that the connections made there have been invaluable even post-graduation at college.