WENTZEL RECEIVES COLLEGE DEGREE BEFORE GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL

May of 2002 was a busy month for Marguerite Wentzel.

On May 9th, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Iowa Lakes Community College with an Associate in Arts Degree and on the 26th, received her high school diploma from Emmetsburg Community Schools. This achievement was possible through the Postsecondary Enrollment Option (PSEO) at Iowa Lakes Community College which allowed her to earn concurrent college and high school credits.

“I started taking college classes during my sophomore year of high school,” said Wentzel. “I thought it would be a great way to get ahead and work on some classes that would transfer to a four-year university.”

She attended classes at the Emmetsburg and Spirit Lake campuses of Iowa Lakes Community College. Following graduation, she majored in History and Secondary Education at Iowa State University earning her Bachelor of Science Degree and graduating with Distinction in December 2004. Wentzel was on the Dean’s List and the Golden Key Honor Society Executive Committee while at Iowa State. She is now enrolled in graduate school at Iowa State.

“Without my education at Iowa Lakes I would not have been able to graduate early and to have had the opportunity to already have my teaching license,” commented Wentzel. “I would tell any student that it – PSEO – would be a great choice and that there is so much to benefit when doing so.”

Wentzel feels that her inability to accept the answer “no” is the primary characteristic that has led to much of her success. When she was told she could not or should not attend Iowa Lakes Community College, she did not accept the answer and took it more as a challenge. While her plans have changed since she was in high school, she feels every new experience can lead to new possibilities and outlooks.

“Iowa Lakes opened a lot of doors for me,” responded Wentzel when asked the value of her PSEO experience. “I was able to experience a college campus at a young age and was able to work with a superior college staff that challenged me to strive for the best.”

She credits her family support as a strong influence in her success. Respect, a good work ethic and positive advice have characterized the relationship she has with her parents and two brothers.

Postsecondary Enrollment Option and several other secondary programs that allow high school students to earn college credit while enrolled in high school are available through Iowa Lakes Community College. Classes may be at any of the five Iowa Lakes campuses or in the local high school. All classes are taught by qualified college instructors.

Additional information about Secondary Program classes or other course offerings may be obtained online at www.iowalakes.edu or by contacting the nearest Iowa Lakes Community College campus.