DHS AA Graduate Spotlight – Thomas Gibson
Thomas Gibson
Thomas Gibson is one of seven Darlington High School Early College Honors Program students graduating with his Associate of Arts degree from Florence-Darlington Technical College the same year he graduates from high school.
Two years ago, when DHS unveiled its Associate of Arts Degree program for qualified Early College Honors Program students, Thomas decided to rise to the challenge and take advantage of this opportunity. While only a high school sophomore, Thomas committed to spend the next two years, including two summers, devoted to a full-time college course load each semester in addition to his other high school classes. His hard work has paid off because he was able to participate in Florence-Darlington Technical College’s Spring commencement ceremony on May 12th. He will then receive both his college degree and high school diploma during Darlington High School’s graduation ceremony on May 27th.
Thomas is also an active student at Darlington High School. He participates on the school’s first ever Robotics team and in the Technology Club. In his free time, Thomas enjoys working on cars and playing video games. Thomas’s dedication to school and extra-curricular activities has served him well as he will be attending Francis Marion University to study either Computer Sciences or Engineering.
When reflecting about his early college experiences, Thomas thinks the program is “very beneficial to students and allows them to get a taste of what college is like while also giving them a head start and saving them money.” He is particularly glad of the financial savings, like most of his classmates, because it is what has helped him be the first in his family to earn a college degree directly out of high school – something he and his family are very proud of. We are proud of you too.
Congratulations Thomas Gibson!
