Dual Enrollment Student Becomes Oration Speaker
Valedictorian Randy Phillips, who is delivering the Commencement Oration this evening, is a model example of how Manor’s Dual Enrollment Program can benefit a student.
The Dual Enrollment agreements, which Manor has with select high schools in the Philadelphia, Cheltenham and Jenkintown School Districts, allow high school students to receive college credits by taking courses at Manor that also satisfy their high school graduation requirements.
Phillips, a native of Northeast Philadelphia and Fox Chase resident since he was five-years-old, is graduating Manor with a grade point average of 4.14, the highest in his class. He has only been an “official” college student at Manor for one year.
He started taking classes at Manor in the fall of 2006, when he was a senior at Northeast High School. He earned 21 college credits last year and eight more last summer. By the time he enrolled at Manor last fall, he had 29 credits.
“My mom couldn’t believe I already had a year of college completed,” Phillips said. “Obviously, she knew I was in the Dual Enrollment Program, but she didn’t really realize I had so many college credits already.”
One year later, the Biology major is the valedictorian and considering whether he is going to transfer to Arcadia University to major in Molecular Biology or Drexel University to major in Biological Sciences. According to Phillips, either road will eventually lead him to medical school.
Phillips credits the Dual Enrollment Program, and Manor, for his success.
“The Dual Enrollment Program changed my entire academic career,” he said. “It changed the type of student I am. It made me a better student and helped me stand out."
“Coming to Manor was a huge benefit,” Phillips continued. “The teachers were so easy to talk to. It’s small, and nice, and quiet here. There are so many people available to talk to if you need someone.”