Delaware senior graduates with high school degree and associates degree at the same time

DELAWARE–A Woodbridge High School senior is graduating with more than just a diploma, he’s also graduating with an associates degree from Liberty University.

“I feel amazing I’m glad that I got the opportunity the chance to really take it exceed my limits and push myself to the max,” Xavier Hayes, Woodbridge High School senior, said.

With hard work, perseverance, and support from family and friends, Xavier Hayes, started a dual enrollment program at Liberty University at the end of his sophomore year.

“It was a wonder watching him work like that, it did not bother him and still to do sports and be the team captain and it was amazing to watch him like that,” Leslee Hayes, Xavier’s mom, said.

Hayes said he is following in the footsteps of his brother who also participated in the dual enrollment program.

So, he knew how difficult it would be to juggle high school and college.

“It was definitely challenging, but the most difficult part was balancing time with sports and high school academics and then having to do college academics as well,” Xavier said.

Hayes said he had dreams of going to Lynn University in Florida and those dreams are becoming a reality with the help of a full ride scholarship that his Lynn admissions counselor nominated him for.

“I got the call and I was at a loss of words, I just couldn’t really explain how I felt. It was just like wow, I won,” Xavier said.

Hayes will be entering Lynn University as a junior with 64 credits under his belt, and his parents couldn’t be more proud.

“It’s been a wonder to watch him grow and succeed and it was amazing to hear about the scholarship he won,” Eugene Hayes said.

While Hayes said his high school experience was challenging, he encourages others to push their limits like he did.

“You can go beyond what your limits are and it’s just even greater things,” Xavier said.

Xavier will be pursuing a double bachelors degree in cyber security and biology, and he then plans to pursue a masters in health care administration, all within his four years at Lynn.

We are told that after Lynn University he hopes to apply to medical school where he will try to become an anesthesiologist.