Class of 2022 Graduate Highlight: Emma Troup

Aiken Technical College graduate Emma Troup graduated college before walking across the stage for her high school diploma.

Troup graduated in May 2022 from Aiken Technical College with an Associate in Arts. She then graduated in June 2022 from Midland Valley High School earning a 4.0-grade point average and a high school diploma.

Troup enrolled in Aiken Technical College’s Early College Program at Midland Valley High School her sophomore year to get a head start on her education.

ATC taught Troup skills like time-management, organization, and self-discipline. She said balancing high school and college at the same time was challenging, but a rewarding experience.

“Becoming an Aiken Tech graduate, to me, gives me a great sense of accomplishment. I am proud of myself and my classmates for how we have persevered through tough classes, strenuous curriculums, and even the COVID-19 pandemic and are able to graduate together in person,” Troup said.

In April 2022, Troup was the first dual enrollment student to receive the Buck Grant Award from Aiken Technical College. The Buck Grant Award is the highest academic award at Aiken Technical College and is presented to an academically accomplished graduating student (with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0) who has the potential to enhance the image of the College upon entry into the work field, or upon continuing their education. The student eligible must have contributed to the College, and community, and be nominated by their department chair or academic coordinator.

“I have been blessed with great professors and each of my interactions with ATC staff has been pleasant. As I student, the people at Aiken Tech have truly made me feel as though my future is within reach,” Troup said.

Troup will go on to enroll at the University of South Carolina- Beaufort with a Nursing Honors major. She said she and her family are excited for the next chapter in her life.

“Thanks to Early College, I will be following an accelerated curriculum and have already been given a spot in the January 2023 Nursing Cohort and will be graduating a year early in 2025. I am so excited to live on the coast and continue my education,” Troup said.

Learn more about Aiken Technical College’s dual enrollment opportunities at www.atc.edu/EarlyStart.