Russellville early grads begin college prep programs

RUSSELLVILLE, Mo. - While most high school seniors are immersed in their final year of activities and classes, a few students each year at Russellville High School choose to graduate in December.

Ashley Kirkweg, Audrey Garrison and Rachel Call will be working nearly full-time hours to save for college costs in the fall of 2015.

To qualify for a full-ride rodeo scholarship at a Nebraska college, Kirkweg must have a horse ready for action. She traveled to Texas to pick up a sorrel named Teller after her final day of high school Friday, and they will be working intently through winter and spring to be ready.

"I'd rather be outside working with the animals or working and getting paid," Kirkweg said.

Garrison's plan is to earn a pre-dental degree from the College of the Ozarks, where tuition is paid for by working on campus, then pursue a career in prosthodontics or cosmetic dentistry.

"People's confidence is of huge importance to me," Garrison said. "I want to fix smiles."

With several years of school in her future, Garrison will be working full-time at Heisinger Lutheran Home to avoid as much debt as possible.

"I'm super-scared of taking out loans; that's a lot on your shoulders," Garrison said.

Similarly, Call is looking toward a degree in animal science or biology and would like to offset her education costs by working full-time for several extra months.

To graduate early from Russellville, candidates must apply by the August Board of Education meeting, said Counselor Brent Mettlen.

In addition to being on track to complete the required 25 credits by the end of the first semester of their senior year, students must write an essay about their plans after high school and have their parents' signatures.

"For some students, this is a good opportunity," Mettlen said.

In his three years as counselor at the rural school, one student has started college the following spring semester. Most are like the girls above, wanting to get ahead financially before college life, and others simply are ready to begin their careers.

"I haven't had anyone say they regret it," Mettlen said.

But when he visits with these students, he emphasizes the missed senior experience.

"The last semester of high school is usually a lot of fun," he said.

The early graduates are invited to attend outside functions, including prom and graduation.

And they continue to receive Mettlen's updates on college scholarships and other important information. Because colleges base their scholarships and other programs on grade point average from the first semester of a senior year, students who graduate early are not at a disadvantage, he said.

"What's best for the student" is the rule of thumb in the school in general. It's also the guide for students who request graduating early, he said.