Haley Hernandez is graduating high school on Friday, May 10 with her high school diploma, an Associate in Science degree from Craven Community College (Craven CC) and a full-ride scholarship to attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Hernandez, 17, is a student at Early College East (ECE), a high school program that allows academically focused students the opportunity to take classes on Craven CC’s Havelock campus during high school to graduate with a degree and their diploma simultaneously.
Hernandez wrapped up her senior year with not only a degree and her acceptance letter to MIT, but she was also accepted to Harvard with a full-ride scholarship. She eventually chose MIT after meeting with alumni through the MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science (MITES) program for motivated 7th-12th graders. She determined that computer science and coding was her passion, and that is why she chose to go to ECE.
Hernandez is also active in Craven CC’s Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honors society chapter, Alphu Nu, and the Interact Club through ECE that partners with the Havelock Rotary Club. Both of these organizations have a strong mission of community service.
“I think I’m most excited to meet the people [at MIT],” said Hernandez about this upcoming fall semester. “I’m excited to meet new people and make those bonds.”
She attributes her experience as a military child moving around and always making new friends to why she likes to connect with new people and network.
Hernandez will be graduating Friday, May 10 at Craven CC, along with almost 260 other students. This ceremony will be streamed live on the college’s Facebook and YouTube pages for those who cannot attend the ceremony in person.
