Southwest Tennessee Community College Marks Milestone with Dual-Graduate High School Class

Southwest Tennessee Community College’s 2025 commencement will be one for the history books. Among the 1,295 candidates, 43 high school seniors from Medical District High School (MDHS) will graduate not just with diplomas—but with associate degrees, too. These students, the first cohort from the school’s dual-enrollment program, are earning college credentials in fields like health science, IT, and general studies—all before turning their tassels in high school. This landmark achievement stems from a pioneering partnership between Southwest and Memphis-Shelby County Schools. “They’re not just graduating early—they’re accelerating toward meaningful careers,” said Dr. Tracy D. Hall, Southwest’s president. As these trailblazing teens walk the stage on Thursday, they’re redefining what’s possible for youth education—and inspiring a new blueprint for academic success.