Five Boys' Latin Charter School seniors earn both high school diplomas and associate degrees

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- While most high school seniors are preparing to celebrate four years of hard work, five students at Boys' Latin Charter School are marking a milestone that goes far beyond graduation day.

The seniors are set to receive not only their high school diplomas, but also associate degrees through a dual-enrollment partnership with the Community College of Philadelphia.

Aidan Marion, Dylan Adkins and Jeremiah Roach are three of the five students completing the program, the first cohort from Boys' Latin to do so.

Their college degrees were awarded this month.

"It's pretty exciting for me because now that I know my future, there is going to be a little lower class," Adkins said.

The achievement means the students will enter college as juniors.

Adkins said the accomplishment carries personal meaning.

"It's super exciting because my mom didn't get her associates until her 20s, and I'm doing it at 18," he said.

Marion said he joined the program to ease the financial burden of higher education.

"I chose to do this just to get ahead of the game and to get that associate's degree out of the way. So that when I do go to college, it would be financially cheaper not only for me, but for my mom," he said.

The students said balancing high school and college coursework was the biggest challenge.

One of the more memorable parts of the experience was the reaction from older classmates.

"It would be more like they're shocked. You're still in high school, that's so surprising," Adkins said.

Zachary Paris, director of the early college and career program, said the students' success sends a powerful message.

"It's showing what young men can do, especially here in West Philly. They can really achieve their dreams and shoot for the stars," he said.

Roach said he hopes their achievement inspires others.

"That's it's ok to be smart," he said. "If you're the one that changes that narrative, don't feel some sort of way if someone looks at you different."

The five seniors will receive their high school diplomas June 2.