Here at the Western Star we’re always excited to celebrate our youth through their scholastic triumphs.
Recently Aaden Hawkins was accepted into the Dual Enrollment Program within the Birmingham City Schools system.
A ninth grader at Jackson-Olin High School, he was awarded the opportunity to begin college courses with the ability to earn high school credits. The program simultaneously allows high school students to challenge themselves academically while exploring potential career pathways and gaining valuable experience within college level expectations before graduating high school. And who says not taking a ride upon the Academic Express doesn’t pay off?
Students within the program have kept a minimum GPA average of 2.5, which Mr. Hawkins has obviously done at the start of his high school years. He told us, “I do my work and have continued to keep a steady GPA and they’ve accepted me. Hopefully I’ll gain good college credits and be able to graduate early and begin a career I really want to be in, such as Business Management.” He gave a special appreciative mention to teachers Coach Farmer, Ms. Jones and Ms. Russell.
Proud parents Mr. William Canada III and Ms. Kalah Hawkins were all smiles and have shown massive support to Aaden throughout the years.
Mother Kalah Hawkins told us, “I really want Aaden to continue proving to be the model student he’s become to achieve such an outstanding accomplishment and to keep providing a positive example for his sisters. In today’s time I’m honestly proud to be able to say I have a male child that has his head on straight.” His father, Mr. Canada, added, ”As a parent I’ve learned to simply be there for your children. If they simply want to talk, cry or just want to hear their parent’s voice, be there and the rest will follow. It’s an honor to see that he applies himself to be able to achieve such, and we’re very proud as parents to be able to call him our child.”
We’re extremely proud of Aaden and all other students who have taken the initiative to take their academic success seriously while taking the advantage of pursuing future success early on. We give a standing ovation to all parents who are playing a vital part within their children’s success, as well. We encourage all students throughout our state and country to get on the ‘A’ Train (Academic Express) like Mr. Aaden and others have done.
“To All, We Say Be Great By Any Means Necessary.”
