Two Floresville ISD students in the Class of 2023 became the first to graduate from Floresville High School with an associate’s degree.
Joshua Olivarez, 17, and Molly Staggs, 18, started working towards earning their first undergraduate degree long before their May 26 high school graduation. It was no easy feat.
"At the beginning, I was taking one or two college classes and then my whole high school schedule and then towards the end, it got to, like, four or five college classes on top of my five high school classes, and it definitely was difficult," explained Olivarez.
Supported by his parents, Olivarez started taking Dual Credit courses his freshman year thanks to FISD’s partnership with Coastal Bend College. He learned to manage his time in order to complete his coursework, as well as be involved in extracurricular activities.
“I was part of the band for three years, I was an athletic trainer for three years, I’m the Vice President of the senior class, and I was in Student Council for two years,” added Olivarez. “It was hard. During school, I got one study hall period, so I tried to get in as much work and all my Dual Credit classes and then after school, it was either band or athletic training every day.”
Olivarez received his Associate of Science in General Studies from Coastal Bend College on May 12, two weeks before his high school graduation. He plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Texas at San Antonio and become an athletic trainer. Most of all, he hopes to be an inspiration to his younger brothers, ages 9 and 7.
Similarly, Molly Staggs followed in her older brother’s footsteps by earning college credits in high school. Although originally from Floresville, Staggs attended Travis Early College High School in San Antonio before enrolling at Floresville High School her senior year. Both high schools partner with Alamo Colleges District, which allowed her to earn her Associate of Arts from San Antonio College.
“I would’ve never thought of college, starting college, I never even thought of even going to college until I had this opportunity in front of me, so I mean, if I’d give advice to anybody, I’d say if you have that chance, take it because it’s very helpful for sure to figure out what you want to go into and who you really want to be,” said Staggs. She added that the Dual Credit Program not only helps students find the career path they want to take, but also saves them time and thousands of dollars in tuition fees.
Staggs explained that she, too, had to learn time management to achieve academic success. Aside from taking high school and college classes, she was involved in Theater Arts, Yearbook, Art, and accumulated an estimated 60 hours of community service. Overall, it’s an experience she recommends to all high school students.
“If you can start early, take it because, honestly, it is eye-opening,” she said.
Staggs attended her graduation at San Antonio College on May 25, the day before her high school graduation. She ranked in the top 10 percent of her high school graduating class and plans to transfer to a four-year university, where she will pursue a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree to become an automotive engineer.
“I feel very grateful,” said Staggs. “I am so proud of myself and so happy that I finally finished, and I really cannot wait to start college and get into my junior year at only 18 years old.”