In a remarkable achievement that highlights the power of early college access and career preparation, several North DeSoto High School seniors are graduating not just with high school diplomas—but also with associates degrees and college technical certificates that prepares them for their post-secondary journey in college and career pathways.
Thanks to a strong partnership with the BPCC Fast Forward Program, five North DeSoto High School students from the Class of 2025 will walk across the stage this May already holding Associate of General Studies degrees from Bossier Parish Community College. These high performing students are Laylen Wallace, Katelyn Warren, Noah Severin, Ryleigh Love and Ethan Smith—each having completed rigorous college-level coursework while still in high school.
In addition to these associate degrees, three other North DeSoto High School students are earning Certificates of Technical Studies in high-demand fields: Alyssa Meeks in Business Administration, Chris Freeman in Computer Repair, and Isabella Clark in Business Administration.
The Fast Forward Program is a bold initiative aligned with the joint vision of the Board of Regents (BoR) and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE)—a vision that states that beginning with the freshman class of 2025, every Louisiana public high school graduate will finish with college credit, a postsecondary credential, or both. This movement isn't just about accelerating education—it's about expanding opportunity and preparing students for real-world success in a rapidly changing job market.
By offering pathways that blend academic and technical instruction, Fast Forward supports the DeSoto Parish Schools mission: "Promoting excellence through innovating educational experiences and service to others. " The program offers three pathways—Jumpstart 2.0, TOPS University, and Apprenticeship—allowing students to tailor their education to their future goals.
These students’ accomplishments represent more than individual achievement—they reflect DeSoto Parish Schools’ core value of high performance and using acquired skills to make a difference in surrounding communities . Through strong partnerships between DeSoto Parish Schools and Bossier Parish Community College, students have been empowered to earn credentials that are not only nationally recognized, but also directly linked to high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand careers in Louisiana and beyond.
Superintendent Clay Corley praised the graduates, stating, “These students exemplify what it means to lead and learn with purpose. They are models of what’s possible when we commit to creating pathways that give every student the opportunity to graduate with more than just a diploma—they graduate with options.”
As these seniors take their next steps into higher education or the workforce, they carry with them more than just credentials—they carry the confidence and preparation that come from having already succeeded in college-level learning. And in DeSoto Parish, that’s just the beginning.
For families interested in exploring the opportunities offered through the Fast Forward Program, we encourage you to connect with your school counselor to begin your journey toward earning college credentials while still in high school.