Release: Newest Class of Middle College Graduates Cross Stage

McKinly giving a Middle College commencement speech

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 21, 2015
Contact: Jackie Hall, gro.wcsbdwnull@llahj or 608.249.9001

Newest Class of Middle College Graduates Cross the Stage 

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Middle College graduate, McKinly Jaeckel, giving his student commencement speech.

MADISON—Thirty-nine high school seniors crossed the stage accepting their medals and certificates on Tuesday, May 12th and Wednesday, May 20th as graduates of Middle College.

The 2015 class of Middle College graduates, their families, peers, faculty and staff gathered at either Moraine Park Technical College’s Beaver Dam campus on Tuesday, May 12 or at Madison College’s Truax campus on Wednesday, May 20 for their campus-affiliated commencement ceremonies.

Madison College Provost, Terrance Webb, addressed the graduates of the program attending courses at Madison College campuses. Jim Eden, Vice President of Academic Affairs for Moraine Park Technical College presided as the commencement speaker for the ceremony in Beaver Dam.

Pat Schramm, CEO for the Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin, the administrative entity for the Middle College program, also congratulated the students for their achievements to date during the ceremony at Madison College.

“To the graduates: we want you to know how incredibly proud we are of you and your accomplishments to date. You’ve overcome challenges and worked hard to earn this moment. And remember that this is only the beginning of your journey. Be proud of this moment and know that we wish you all the best as you continue to reach your educational and career goals.”

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Pat Schramm addressing the Middle College graduates.

This year’s graduating class had four commencement speakers address the assembly at Madison College. Student speakers from Madison College’s Fort Atkinson, Portage, Reedsburg and Truax campuses. One of the speakers, McKinly Jaeckel, a graduate of the manufacturing track of Middle College, said that the program has prepared him for his future.

“Little did I know how much [Middle College] would offer me. Looking back at the last year and a half of my classes, I would do it all over again. It wasn’t only because I created new friendships or gained new knowledge, but it’s because it gave me work experience. It’s helped me to become a better student and an employee. I’m proud to say that I’m a graduate of the Middle College program.”

The new crop of graduates will engage in a paid work experience this summer before they continue on to post-secondary education or pursue opportunities in the workforce.

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Middle College graduates of the manufacturing track at Moraine Park Technical College.

About Middle College

Founded in 2010, Middle College is a dual-credit career pathway program targeted toward high school juniors who are interested in advancing their education in targeted industry sectors. Students study concepts in culinary arts, health care or manufacturing during the regular school year at participating Madison College or Moraine Park Technical College campuses. The program track allows for students to take college classes as they work to complete their high school graduation requirements. Students may earn college credits (at no cost to the student) upon successful program completion and have the opportunity to participate in up to two paid work experiences with local companies as part of the program.

Program partners include Employment and Training Association, Dane County School Consortium, Opportunities, Inc, Madison College, Moraine Park Technical College and participating South Central Wisconsin high school districts.

The Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin supports the Middle College with funding from the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 and Wisconsin Fast Forward. For more information, visit www.wdbscw.org/middle-college.

Photos of the graduates 

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Middle College manufacturing graduates at Moraine Park Technical College-Beaver Dam.
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Middle College manufacturing graduates at Madison College-Fort Atkinson.
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Middle College manufacturing graduates at Madison College-Portage.
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Middle College healthcare graduates at Madison College-Reedsburg.
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Middle College healthcare graduates at Madison College-Truax.
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Middle College manufacturing graduates at Madison College-Truax.


















































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