Returning students guide Meridian Collegiate Academy’s second class
Returning Meridian Collegiate Academy (MCA) students had one message for the program’s newest class: Manage your time.
“Here, you really do have to study,” Veronica Garcia said during orientation at Meridian Community College. “In high school, you may be able to say, ‘I’ll just wing it,’ but college is different.”
Garcia is among 10 returning students welcoming 19 newcomers as MCA begins its second year this Fall Semester 2026. The partnership between MCC and the Meridian Public School District (MPSD) allows students to complete high school requirements while taking college courses on the MCC campus. Participants can earn an associate of arts degree before receiving their high school diplomas.
MPSD Superintendent Dr. Amy Carter called the first cohort “trailblazers” who now serve as recruiters and ambassadors for the program. “They are examples of what education can do, the doors it can open, and the possibilities and opportunities that can come forward when you work hard, study hard, and prepare.”
MCC President Dr. Tom Huebner told students the College support their goals.
“You have big dreams, and now we’re going to be a part of those big dreams,” he said.
Returning students said the program’s greatest challenge is balancing high school responsibilities with a full college course load. Jordan Howells, who hopes to study aerospace engineering, said reviewing material before classes began helped him stay ahead. Nickolas Altman, who plans to study English at Mississippi State University, said students must learn to prioritize competing deadlines.
“You have to decide what needs to be studied first,” Altman said.
Garcia, who plans to pursue radiology at the University of Mississippi, said the program also taught her to build relationships with instructors and ask for help.
Zy’Keria Ford, an aspiring law student, said the schedule sometimes means missing high school activities, but the experience is preparing her for university life.
“I’m starting small and learning how college works,” she said.
Students split their days between Meridian High School and MCC, with counselors from both schools helping them manage schedules and remain on track for graduation.
They also have access to MCC tutoring, math and writing labs, mental health resources, a food pantry, a clothing closet, support services, and campus activities.
“The first group set a really high bar for all of you, and I know you will meet it,” said Katie Barrett, MCC’s dual education coordinator and advisor, as she talked during the orientation.
Shirley Silliaman, school district academic counselor, said the program teaches students to prioritize responsibilities and advocate for themselves.
“It is really about time management,” she said. “Being dually enrolled also teaches them life skills.”
The MCC-MPSD partnership was approved in 2025. Eligible students enter as juniors with at least a 3.0 grade point average and must meet ACT or ACCUPLACER college-readiness standards.
New MCA students are Baylee Coker, TyShawn Davis, Zhoie Grant, Ingrid Guzman, Paulette Guzman, Grant Hill, Makiyla Kelly, Kavida Nixon, Amira Parnell, Braylon Pope, Morgan Powell, Dylan Robinson, Layana Simmons, A’nia Smith, Journee Stewart, Jayden Suttles, Re’Niyah Terrell, Jocelyn Watson and Matthew Wilson.
Returning students are Nickolas Altman, Lauryn Davis, Zy’Keria Ford, Veronica Garcia, Autumn Hampton, Jordan Howells, Joden Hudson, Courtney Smith, Cameron Willis and Carson Willis.
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu.