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LEC welcomes incoming freshmen

08.09.2011 • College & Community, Lee Early College

SANFORD - Lee Early College incoming freshmen, 64 strong, and their parents gathered at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center August 3 for an orientation in preparation for the upcoming school year.

Principal Robert Biehl addressed the packed house as students and parents were prepped with expectations for the first day of school, Tuesday, Aug. 9.

When asked what scared them most about getting started at LEC, incoming freshmen Jamie Larson and Katie Howser responded that "getting lost" was their only real concern. Both said they know that even though the first day might be scary, LEC will provide them with a wealth of opportunities.

"I'm going to a four-year college after LEC," Howser said determinedly.

Lee Early College opened in 2006 on the Lee County Campus of Central Carolina Community College as a partnership between the college and Lee County Schools. Students enroll as ninth graders and, within five years, can earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree. The education is free because they enrolled as public school students. Upon graduation, students can transfer to four-year institutions and will receive standing as juniors. LEC currently enrolls 295 students.

The new LEC freshman class was excited about finishing their associate degrees and two years of college in about the same time it would usually take them to graduate from high school.

"I know Lee Early College will be a good experience...it's a great opportunity," said Juan Pelagio, another incoming freshman.

Lee Early College offers only honors classes. The students who enroll, like Pelagio, know they will be difficult, but they're ready for the challenge. The average freshman day will consist of English 2, Earth Science or World History, AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) and a math course.

"We're looking forward to the incoming freshman class," Biehl said. "They look like an extremely strong group of students. The LEC staff are all excited about the start of the year."

For more information about LEC's program, visit www.leeearlycollege.com.

LEC welcomes incoming freshmen

Lee Early College incoming freshmen Jamie Larson (left) and Katie Howser are excited about the new educational adventure on which they are embarking. They were part of the group of 64 incoming freshman who, with their parents, gathered for school orientation August 3 at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center. LEC, located on the Lee County Campus of Central Carolina Community College, is a partnership between the college and Lee County Schools. Students enroll as ninth graders and, within five years, earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree. For more information about LEC's program, visit www.leeearlycollege.com.

LEC welcomes incoming freshmen

Lara Howard (left), Lee Early College history teacher, gives an incoming LEC freshman her schedule at the school's freshman orientation August 3 at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center. LEC, located on the Lee County Campus of Central Carolina Community College, is a partnership between the college and Lee County Schools. Students enroll as ninth graders and, within five years, earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree. For more information about LEC's program, visit www.leeearlycollege.com.

LEC welcomes incoming freshmen

Incoming Early Lee College freshmen and their parents gathered August 3 at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center for orientation. The LEC, located on the Lee County Campus of Central Carolina Community College, is a partnership between the college and Lee County Schools. Students enroll as ninth graders and, within five years, earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree. For more information about LEC's program, visit www.leeearlycollege.com.

LEC welcomes incoming freshmen

Sharon Christensen (left), math teacher, speaks with an incoming Early Lee College freshman and his mother at the school's freshman orientation August 3 at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center. LEC, located on the Lee County Campus of Central Carolina Community College, is a partnership between the college and Lee County Schools. Students enroll as ninth graders and, within five years, earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree. For more information about LEC's program, visit www.leeearlycollege.com.