Allison BoydKarina Vy

With 67 college credits and almost $20,000 in scholarships, Allison Boyd feels ready for the next step in her education.

The College of the Mainland Collegiate High School valedictorian, from Texas City High School along with Collegiate High School salutatorian Karina Vy, has dreamed of being a doctor since medical shows entranced her as a child.

With two years of college completed and acceptance to Texas A&M College Station to major in biomedical science, she’s well on her way to her goal.

“(Collegiate High School) is challenging. It’s helped with study skills,” said Boyd. "It’s helped me transition from high school to college."

While a full-time college student, Boyd remained active at Texas City High School and at COM, serving as president of TCHS' chapter of the National Honor Society, vice president of Key Club and member of the COM Fit Club.

“Collegiate High School staff really helped me with juggling. They were really supportive,” said Boyd. “The work is fun. The work is harder (than regular high school), but it’s worth it.”

While Boyd knew she wanted to get ahead in the medical field through COM Collegiate High School, salutatorian Karina Vy entered unsure of a college major.

Her choice to study the business supply chain was sparked by a weeklong business camp at University of Texas, which Collegiate High School principal Sandi Belcher urged her to attend.

Earning an associate degree in general studies, Vy is a first-generation college graduate. She received $55,000 in scholarships to study business at University of Texas-Austin.

“Being able to focus on my studies and get ahead and save money and be here with my friends, I didn't really miss anything,” said Vy. “I think it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

She feels the rigor of taking college classes beginning the summer after her sophomore year prepared her for the university.

“That’s what I love about Collegiate High School. You really create a connection with (instructors),” said Vy. “I’ve done impromptu speeches and 10-page papers. I’m going to need to be pushed to my potential, and I did that here.”

COM Collegiate High School graduated 79 seniors in 2015, 54 of whom received associate degrees. Eight students completed all four years of high school plus a two-year degree in three years.

“Allison and Karina are driven,” said COM Collegiate High School principal Sandi Belcher. “Allison is sweet and kind and a phenomenal kid. Karina is a first-generation college graduate. They will both excel at universities.”

Together the class earned $716,000 in scholarships to universities.

Enjoying the best of both worlds, COM Collegiate High School students attend all classes at COM while still participating in extracurricular activities at their current high school. Plus, CHS students have access to all COM student resources, events and activities. The CHS program is available to Clear Creek, Dickinson, Friendswood, Hitchcock, La Marque, Santa Fe and Texas City ISD students and those from Premier Learning Academy, Odyssey Academy and private and home schools.

For more information on the COM Collegiate High School, visit www.com.edu/chs or call 409-933-8169.