VERO BEACH, Fla. — More than 1,000 Treasure Coast students will walk across the stage Thursday and Friday to get their diplomas from Indian River State College.
For the first time ever, the college is offering students getting their GEDs and trade school graduates to walk during the ceremony.
Most graduates will be earning their associate's degree, which typically takes two years.
College President Dr. Timothy Moore said they are a special group that has had to overcome several learning obstacles during the pandemic such as taking more online classes.
"You really have to apply yourself, like you can't just show up to class and then not do the work," said Shelby Cheung, who is graduating with an associate's degree. "You have to actually put the work in to learn the information and prepare for those exams and tests and I feel like that will help me at (the University of Florida)."
Cheung took advantage of the college's dual enrollment program, one that offers students to take classes at the college for free while in high school.
Cheung said she will graduate from Indian River State College before graduating from high school next month.
Ceremonies will be held at the Fenn Center in Fort Pierce.
This year, graduating high school seniors are able to enroll at Indian River State College to obtain an associate's degree tuition free as part of the college's Promise Program.
The deadline to apply online is May 15.