Burzinski Earns High School and College Diploma Simultaneously

Parsons, KS- Labette County High School senior, Skylar Burzinski, will earn her Associate in General Studies degree from Labette Community College two days before walking across the stage for her high school graduation. Burzinski’s post-secondary education academic success was achieved through concurrent, online, and on-ground day and evening classes from LCC. 

Although Burzinski didn’t plan to earn an associate degree during high school, she soon realized the academic advantages it would have for her future. “I didn’t start out trying to earn a degree during high school. I planned to take a few classes, but then when I got serious about my college options, I realized there would be advantages to finishing my degree,” she said. “Once I realized how close I was, I was just really determined to complete it”.

In addition to the rigors of high school and collegiate level academics, Burzinski was involved in the LCHS dance team, volleyball, basketball, National Honor Society, and Future Farmers of America (FFA) competition teams. 

The benefits of completing her associate degree early are both academic and financial. “The number one way it will help me is financially. This is two years I won’t have to pay for at the University,” she said. “I think it will also allow me more flexibility to take a few different program courses to decide the direction I want to go, without worrying about how long it is taking me to get through college. I have some wiggle room.”

Since Burzinski will earn her Associate of General Studies in May, she will be prepared to transfer to Wichita State University (WSU) in the fall of 2018 with a possible focus of Finance/Accounting. Burzinski is the daughter of Thad and Jody Burzinski of Mound Valley.