When Pasadena City College formally launched its dual-enrollment programs in 2015 — allowing high school students to earn college credit during their school days — leaders envisioned a combined educational experience, making it possible to earn a high school diploma and a college degree at the same time.
On Tuesday, seven students from John Muir High School showed that vision in action.
The students acknowledged the extra work required to accelerate their education. “There have been so many countless, sleepless nights, doing stacks of work,” Lauren Gray said, as she thanked her parents and counselors who helped her along the way.
But she also reflected on the breadth of her experience. “PCC Northwest in general has given me so many great opportunities,” she said. “All the different classes, the interdisciplinary education I got to experience was so amazing. I’m so excited to use the skills that I have learned.”
Having completed their two-year degrees before leaving high school, the students have been accepted to a broad range of 36 colleges and universities around the country, including Howard University, USC, Columbia University, the University of North Carolina, and eight University of California campuses, including UCLA and UC Berkeley.
Event organizers shared brief biographies of each student, demonstrating that their commitment to college was balanced by an extensive range of extracurricular activities. The seven students have participated in athletics, choir, and other school clubs and groups. In addition, Mphatso Johnson earned his Eagle Scout honor in December, and Londyn Sewell runs a photography business. Jae’da and Jae’la Reed, identical twin sisters who played for Muir’s women’s water polo team, completed their joint degrees in less than two years.
11/20/2025
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