Eighty students at Caldwell Early College High School (CECHS) were awarded high school diplomas during the commencement ceremony held on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at the JE Broyhill Civic Center. The ECHS Class of '23 earned a total of 70 associate degrees in addition to most graduates receiving special designations – 42 Honor Graduates, 23 Presidential Scholars and 43 North Carolina Academic Scholars.

“The Class of 2023 completed over 330 college applications, which is a new school record, and applied and were accepted to 52 different colleges and universities in 10 different states - another school record,” said Darrell Pennell, Chairman of the Board of Education, during his welcome remarks.

ECHS graduates accumulated 6,316 transferable college credits, and 80% will continue their post-secondary plans in the fall at a college or university with an accumulation of more than $6.8 million offered in scholarships.

“We are very proud of this ongoing collaboration between the Caldwell County Schools and the Caldwell Community College,” Pennell said. “Together, we have provided the foundation for these graduates to become successful, confident citizens of the world.”

Caldwell Early College High School is an innovative high school located on the campus of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute that offers students five years, grades 9-13, to complete both a high school diploma and an associate’s degree without additional cost to families.

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About Caldwell Early College High School 

The Caldwell Early College High School opened in 2006 as a collaborative effort between the Caldwell County Schools and Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute. Students enroll in grades 9-13 to earn a high school diploma and transferable college credit or an associate’s degree at the end of five years. Since 2011 the Early College has been showcased as a North Carolina New Schools Learning Lab, a statewide STEM lateral entry teacher certification school for mid-career professionals, a North Carolina School of Innovation and Excellence, and a National Blue Ribbon School.