South student to fulfill college degree requirements before high school graduation

It’s not often that high school students are on track to complete all the requirements for a college degree before they finish their K-12 education, but that’s exactly the case for Cheyenne’s Keely Henderson.

Keely is a 16-year-old student at South High School, entering her senior year in the fall. In the summer before her sophomore year at South, she was trying to figure out how to use the abundance of free time while school was out. Her father suggested an idea to help her make the most of her time. 

"I was really bored in the summers and wondered what I was going to do with all my time,” Keely said. “My dad suggested, 'Why don't you just try to knock out the requirements for your associate degree? We have LCCC right here.'"

Starting her academic journey with LCCC as a sophomore, Keely took advantage of the college’s dual, jump start and concurrent enrollment programs, which allow high school students to earn college credits. This unique opportunity has enabled her to work towards completing the requirements for an Associate of Science in Health Sciences and Wellness while still in high school. Dual and jump start enrollment lets students take college courses online or on LCCC’s campus, while concurrent enrollment offers college-level classes taught at the high school. 

The credits earned through dual and concurrent enrollment programs count toward both high school and college credit, helping students like Keely get a head start on their future careers. LCCC and Laramie County School District 1 also support students by covering tuition and fees for up to four dual enrollment classes, making higher education more accessible and affordable. As a result, Keely is ahead of the game in achieving her goal of a career in health care.

Keely’s father is a U.S. Air Force veteran, which meant Keely’s family moved a lot. They moved to Cheyenne for the first time when her father was stationed at F.E. Warren Airforce Base. When Keely’s father retired from the service, they were trying to decide where to settle down. Having lived in Hawaii, California and Nebraska, there were a lot of interesting positives to all of those places, Keely said. But, when it came down to making a decision, Cheyenne rose to the top. 

"That's what brought us here,” Keely said. “We formed some really great friendships with people in the community, and it brought us back when we were done. You just can't beat small-town, Middle America."

Constantly involved in activities or academics, Keely has spent nine years as a competitive swimmer and is a co-captain of South High School's swim team, as well as a member of the Capital City Athletics swim team. This summer, she volunteered at the Cheyenne Veterans Affairs Medical Center, where her father works, and took part in the "We the People" political student organization, which included a memorable trip to Washington, D.C. 

As a volunteer with the Red Cross, Keely led an effort to establish a Red Cross Club at her school. For her work, the Red Cross nominated her for the Jefferson Award for Public Service, a national honor recognizing outstanding community service. 

"I didn't expect it, but I'm really excited," Keely said. "I feel so appreciative to have been part of these opportunities and to see the incredible work others are doing. It was inspiring to network with people making a real difference."

Receiving accolades isn’t why Keely spends her time dedicated to altruism. But one recent award, she said, was a particularly moving experience. 

Each year, the Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce presents the Student of the Year Award, recognizing students who demonstrate hard work, forward-thinking and personal growth while making a positive impact on the local community. Finalists must attend Laramie County School District 1 or 2 and be enrolled in high school.

The Chamber’s banquet where the award would be presented took place on June 14. Going into the event, Keely knew she was nominated, but had no idea whether she would win. Her parents, however, had been keeping a secret from Keely. 

"My parents knew I had won the award and kept it secret all week,” Keely said with a laugh. “But I didn't expect it at all. With so many others involved in speech, debate and other activities, I feel really blessed and lucky to have this opportunity. It feels amazing to be recognized for my efforts — I care deeply about my education and giving back to others, so it's incredibly rewarding."

With the next stage of her education approaching after she graduates from high school and completing the requirements of her associate degree, Keely is considering a career in physical therapy, influenced by her desire to help people. She is weighing her transfer options, possibly moving on to the University of Wyoming. The desire to help people in health care stems from her life experience, whether it’s her father's military service, her family's own health struggles and other scenarios that cause her to want to make a difference in people’s quality of life. 

Even at 16, Keely knows the reward of hard work, altruism and community service. Looking to her future, she knows she wants to continue growing in how she will make a positive impact on the communities she’s a part of. 

"You just have to find what fills your bucket and surround yourself with people who support you in that. For me, I’m blessed to have my family, but if you don’t have that, find friends or others who will lift you up. My motivation comes from swimming, lifting weights with my team at five in the morning, and my faith in Christ, who has enabled me to do so much. I try to stay optimistic and remember that even small acts of kindness can make a big impact, like Maya Angelou said — people will never forget how you made them feel."