On Wednesday, May 21, Middlesex Community College hosted the first ever Dual Enrollment Ceremony. The event celebrated graduating high school students who completed dual or concurrent enrollment courses through Middlesex during the 2024-2025 academic year. Graduating dual enrollment student Susanna Floyd and alumna Nisa Rivera spoke during the ceremony.
“My experience [as a Dual Enrollment student at MCC] has been really good,” Floyd said. “I've enjoyed all my MCC classes, and I've learned a lot of valuable lessons from my time here. My time management, professional communication, and personal sense of responsibility have all improved because of my MCC education. These skills will serve me well in my future studies and career.”
A visual design dual enrollment student from Nashoba Valley Technical High School, Floyd, of Westford, enjoyed the unique opportunity of earning college credit while still in high school. Floyd is a member of her high school’s national honors society and an active member of her community.
As she completes her time at MCC and her high school, Floyd plans to transfer to UMass Lowell to study business administration with a concentration in international business and marketing. She graduated with highest honors as part of MCC’s 2025 commencement.
From Lowell, Rivera is first-generation student who graduated from MCC’s criminal and social justice program. Starting as a dual enrollment student, she continued at the college after finishing high school. At MCC, she found a community that fostered her growth and provided opportunities in and outside of the classroom.
In addition to supportive professors, Rivera enjoyed the small class sizes and learning from different perspectives. Rivera transferred to Suffolk University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in May 2025. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in public policy or sociology to combat injustices within the criminal justice system.
“My education at MCC served as a helpful transition to higher education in general,” Rivera said. “I think if I had immediately started out in a four-year university, I would have struggled more without the support that I had, and it has also allowed me to grow into myself both personally and professionally.”
The largest dual enrollment program in Massachusetts, Middlesex partners with over 40 high schools and career technical high schools. In the 2024-2025 academic year, the college enrolled 4,139 dual enrollment students earning a total of 18,968 credits. At MCC’s commencement on Thursday, May 22, 15 dual enrollment students completed their associate degree before graduating from high school.
During the Dual Enrollment Ceremony, MCC President Phil Sisson congratulated students on their hard work and perseverance in balancing college classes while in high school. Provost Arlene Rodríguez and Interim Dean of Education and K-16 Partnerships Melissa Chandonnet handed out certificates as the graduating students crossed the Lowell Memorial Auditorium stage.
“Completing 12 or more college credits while still in high school is no small feat,” Chandonnet said. “You’ve proven you can set goals, manage responsibilities, and thrive in a college environment. Whether you continue your journey here at Middlesex, transfer to another institution, or explore a different path, know you’ve built a strong foundation for your future.”
