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Â鶹´«Ã½ Celebrates Dual Credit Graduates: High School Seniors Earn College Degrees | Â鶹´«Ã½

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Â鶹´«Ã½ Celebrates Dual Credit Graduates: High School Seniors Earn College Degrees

Posted: May 28 2025
Â鶹´«Ã½ Celebrates Dual Credit Graduates: High School Seniors Earn College Degrees

At Â鶹´«Ã½, we believe in giving students the tools they need to get a head start on their future, and our Dual Credit program makes that possible. This program lets motivated high school students take college-level courses while still in high school, earning both high school and college credit at the same time. It’s affordable, flexible and a smart way to jumpstart a college degree or career. 

This year, we are incredibly proud to spotlight eight exceptional students who have completed their high school education and graduated from Â鶹´«Ã½ with associate degrees and certificates. Below, we share their stories, aspirations, and advice for future students considering the Dual Credit path at Â鶹´«Ã½. 

Kale Schultz

A person with curly hair tied up, wearing a short-sleeved white button-up shirt and light-colored shorts, stands in an urban alleyway with hands in pockets.

Legacy High School 
Degree from Â鶹´«Ã½: Associate of Science 
Kale is preparing for a two-year mission in Brazil, followed by attending Purdue University for engineering. His dream? Working as a motorsports engineer. Kale took Dual Credit for the challenge and the cost-saving benefits. “There was so much support, and having classes in a familiar environment really helped,” he says. His best advice: “Focus on what matters most, it’s all worth it in the end.” 

Laurentiu Punga

A person wearing a bright orange sweatshirt and light-colored pants sits on green grass in a sunlit park, with trees and a pathway in the background.

Legacy High School 
Degrees from Â鶹´«Ã½: Associate of Arts and Associate of Science 
Laurentiu will attend Georgia Tech for mechanical engineering, with aspirations to launch a robotics company. He took Dual Credit classes to save time and money and strengthen his college applications. “The associate degrees helped boost my chances and gave me a solid understanding of college life,” he says. His takeaway: “Take general Dual Credit classes early, it pays off.” 

Macie Zachmeier

A person with long blonde hair wearing a sleeveless dark dress holds a bouquet of white roses against a dark background.

Mandan High School 
Degrees from Â鶹´«Ã½: Associate of Arts and Associate of Science 
Macie is transferring to the University of Mary to pursue forensic psychiatry. She took Dual Credit courses to challenge herself and get ahead academically. “The variety of classes at Â鶹´«Ã½ allowed me to explore topics not offered at my high school,” she explains. For Macie, the experience was both enriching and cost-effective. Her message to future students: “It might seem intimidating, but the experience is absolutely worth it.” 

Maddie Jordan

A person with long, wavy blonde hair wearing a white lace-sleeved top stands outdoors, holding a bouquet of purple and pink flowers with baby's breath over their shoulder.

Legacy High School 
Degree from Â鶹´«Ã½: Associate of Science 
Maddie will attend Grand Canyon University, double-majoring in elementary and special education. Her goal is to become an impactful elementary school teacher. She praises Dual Credit for saving her money and time, which she plans to use to study abroad. “It let me start learning about my future career right away,” Maddie says. She valued the challenge and connections with instructors. She encourages others: “Don’t get discouraged; advocate for your education.” 

Olivia Bettenhausen

A person with long, wavy blonde hair wearing a light-colored sweater sits outdoors on a sandy path surrounded by dry grass and autumn foliage.

Bismarck High School 
Degrees from Â鶹´«Ã½: Associate of Arts and Associate of Science 
Olivia is off to North Dakota State University for pre-pharmacy, aiming to make breakthroughs in pharmaceutical research. She chose Dual Credit to save money and gain a head start and has now graduated high school with two associate degrees. “It made me feel confident and ready for university,” she says. Olivia loved experiencing college-level learning while still in high school and urges peers: “Go for it, it’s so worth it.” 

Presley Schettler

Presley Schettler, a Legacy High School senior and Â鶹´«Ã½ Dual Credit graduate, smiling and holding her diploma, celebrating her academic achievements.

Legacy High School 
Degrees from Â鶹´«Ã½: Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, and a Spanish Certificate of Completion 
Presley is heading to the University of North Carolina, Wilmington to pursue her dream of becoming a marine biologist and conservationist. Already in accelerated classes, Presley chose Dual Credit to earn college credits affordably and efficiently. “Dual Credit made my college path so much more manageable and saved me a lot of money,” she shares. Her favorite part? The flexibility of online classes allowed her to balance a busy schedule. Her advice: “Take the Dual Credit course. It gives you a head start in college.” 

Quinton Conoly

A person wearing a dark blue hoodie with white drawstrings stands outdoors next to a tree, with a brick and glass building featuring large decorative windows in the background.

Wilton High School 
Degree from Â鶹´«Ã½: Associate of Science 
Quinton will attend UND to explore a career in STEM—potentially engineering, computer science or aviation. With limited AP options at his high school, Quinton turned to Â鶹´«Ã½ for college-level challenges. “Â鶹´«Ã½ gave me more freedom and helped me feel treated like an adult,” he says. He especially appreciated the courses offered. His advice: “Never fall behind, stay organized and manage your time wisely.” 

Tanna Crouse

A person in a white dress walks along a curved mountain road toward rustic wooden buildings, with tall pine trees and steep forested hills in the background.

Legacy High School 
Degrees from Â鶹´«Ã½: Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, and Spanish Certificate 
Tanna will travel abroad this fall and pursue college afterwards with an interest in health psychology and business project management. She joined Dual Credit to challenge herself and save money. “I had amazing teachers and loved learning in fun, engaging ways,” she recalls. Her advice? “Commit to learning for yourself. Choose classes that interest you and always keep an open mind.” 

A #MysticNation Ovation for These #Â鶹´«Ã½2025Grads!

These eight graduates are more than just students—they are leaders and role models for what’s possible through Â鶹´«Ã½’s Dual Credit program. By graduating high school and college at the same time, they’ve taken a fast track toward their futures. We celebrate their hard work, vision, and determination—and can’t wait to see where they go next. 

To learn more about Â鶹´«Ã½’s Dual Credit program, visit bismarckstate.edu/dualcredit.