May 7, 2026 – Thirty-four students from Decatur Public Schools are celebrating a major academic milestone after graduating from Richland Community College with both their high school diplomas and associate degrees through the district’s Prep Academy program.
The tuition-free dual enrollment program allows DPS students to complete college coursework while finishing high school, earning an associate degree over four years. The initiative began in 2021, with its first cohort graduating last year.
District leaders praised this year’s graduates for their commitment and perseverance.
“To say that I am proud of these 34 students is an understatement,” said Ashley Grayned, executive director of innovative programs and strategic planning for Decatur Public Schools. “Their success reinforces my belief that when we surround our students with intentional support and strong partnerships, there is no limit to what they can achieve.”
Cristobal Valdez, President of Richland Community College, said the students committed to the goal as early as eighth grade and followed through over four years of coursework.
This year’s ceremony also featured a keynote address from Rahged Qatoum, a member of the program’s first graduating class in 2025. Now 18, she is completing her junior year at Millikin University, where she is majoring in psychology.
“Prep Academy was a big jump,” Qatoum said. “It’s exciting to see students getting out of high school with their associate’s degrees and moving on to complete their bachelor’s degrees in under two years.”
District officials also announced that 59 students have been accepted into Cohort 6 of the Prep Academy program, continuing efforts to expand early college opportunities for Decatur students.
