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KINGSPORT, Tenn. - A total of 29 students from Dobyns-Bennett High School and D-B EXCEL were recognized for their academic achievements during the annual High School Programs Cording Ceremony and Reception hosted by Northeast State Community College on Sunday, May 3, 2026 located on Northeast State's main campus.
The ceremony celebrated students who have completed workforce certificate programs, as well as those graduating from the Middle College program - an innovative partnership between Kingsport City Schools and Northeast State that allows students to earn college credits, and in many cases a full associate degree, while still in high school.
"We are very proud of these students for taking advantage of the opportunity to get a head start on their careers," said Kingsport City Schools Superintendent Dr. Chris Hampton. "They have worked very hard, and I have no doubt their efforts will be rewarded with a bright future full of opportunities; not only for themselves, but for their future families."
Through the Middle College program, eligible juniors and seniors enroll in a rigorous dual enrollment pathway (taking at least 15-16 college credit hours each semester) aligned with the Associate of Science: General Transfer degree. To qualify, students must meet academic benchmarks, including a strong GPA, recommendation from a school counselor or administrator, or qualifying college-level placement scores. Students complete coursework through a combination of classes at Dobyns-Bennett High School, the Kingsport Center for Higher Education, and online instruction.
"Education is all about who is in your corner," said Dobyns-Bennett High School Principal Dr. Brian Tate. "The partnership between Dobyns-Bennett and Northeast State shows what’s possible when local schools work together; our students aren't just preparing for college or the workforce; they're getting a true head start on their careers without ever having to leave home. We are incredibly proud of the perseverance they've shown throughout this program, which will undoubtly pay off by providing them with many future opportunities."
The ceremony celebrated students who have completed workforce certificate programs, as well as those graduating from the Middle College program - an innovative partnership between Kingsport City Schools and Northeast State that allows students to earn college credits, and in many cases a full associate degree, while still in high school.
"We are very proud of these students for taking advantage of the opportunity to get a head start on their careers," said Kingsport City Schools Superintendent Dr. Chris Hampton. "They have worked very hard, and I have no doubt their efforts will be rewarded with a bright future full of opportunities; not only for themselves, but for their future families."
Through the Middle College program, eligible juniors and seniors enroll in a rigorous dual enrollment pathway (taking at least 15-16 college credit hours each semester) aligned with the Associate of Science: General Transfer degree. To qualify, students must meet academic benchmarks, including a strong GPA, recommendation from a school counselor or administrator, or qualifying college-level placement scores. Students complete coursework through a combination of classes at Dobyns-Bennett High School, the Kingsport Center for Higher Education, and online instruction.
"Education is all about who is in your corner," said Dobyns-Bennett High School Principal Dr. Brian Tate. "The partnership between Dobyns-Bennett and Northeast State shows what’s possible when local schools work together; our students aren't just preparing for college or the workforce; they're getting a true head start on their careers without ever having to leave home. We are incredibly proud of the perseverance they've shown throughout this program, which will undoubtly pay off by providing them with many future opportunities."
"On behalf of the faculty and staff of D-B EXCEL, I heartily congratulate our 11 graduates," said D-B EXCEL Principal Beth Cohen. "These students have demonstrated tremendous maturity, diligence, and perseverance as they successfully navigated college coursework during their junior and senior years of high school. I am incredibly proud of each of these students and am confident they will continue to thrive in their post-secondary endeavors."
Students recognized at the ceremony include:
Associate of Science: General TBR Transfer – Middle College Graduates:
- Lucas Bowman – Dobyns-Bennett High School
- Stone Collier – Dobyns-Bennett High School
- Tyler Gay – Dobyns-Bennett High School
- Alyssa Mahon – Dobyns-Bennett High School
- Emma Martin – Dobyns-Bennett High School
- Rylan Moore – Dobyns-Bennett High School
- Abraham Athey – D-B EXCEL
- Alayna Bailiff – D-B EXCEL
- Nancy Barnette – D-B EXCEL
- Riley Compton – D-B EXCEL
- Maggie Dunworth – D-B EXCEL
- Elijah Hayes – D-B EXCEL
- Chase Howard – D-B EXCEL
- Colt Lark – D-B EXCEL
- Alexander McCarthy – D-B EXCEL
- Zeva Nichols – D-B EXCEL
- Jazmund Coleman – Dobyns-Bennett High School
- Logan Broadwater – Dobyns-Bennett High School
- Daniel Cenite – Dobyns-Bennett High School
- Dusty Dean, Jr. – Dobyns-Bennett High School
- Nathan Fields – Dobyns-Bennett High School
- Evan Reyes – Dobyns-Bennett High School
- Jordan Slemp – Dobyns-Bennett High School
- Jordan Weatherly – Dobyns-Bennett High School
- Joey Dodson – D-B EXCEL
Emergency Medical Technician Certificate Graduates:
- Kora Houlihan – Dobyns-Bennett High School
- Augustine Merritt – Dobyns-Bennett High School
Entrepreneurship Certificate Graduate:
- Nevaeh Hartsook – Dobyns-Bennett High School
- Zaine Austin – Dobyns-Bennett High School
The Middle College program continues to expand access to higher education by enabling students to complete general education requirements and, in some cases, graduate from college at the same time they earn their high school diploma. Many participants also qualify for scholarships through the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation, helping reduce the cost of continuing their education.
The Cording Ceremony serves as a celebration of these students’ achievements and a milestone marking their readiness for college and career success.
For more information about the Middle College program, visit www.northeaststate.edu/hsp .
The Cording Ceremony serves as a celebration of these students’ achievements and a milestone marking their readiness for college and career success.
For more information about the Middle College program, visit www.northeaststate.edu/
Kingsport City Schools (KCS) is a student-focused, world-class public school district located in Kingsport, Tennessee, proudly serving students across Sullivan and Hawkins counties. The district comprises 13 schools, including a Pre-K facility, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, a high school program of choice, and an alternative learning program. With a total enrollment exceeding 7,600 students, KCS is dedicated to fostering educational excellence, empowering student success, and ensuring all students are college and career ready. To learn more, visit www.k12k.com, tune in to WCSK 90.3 FM, The Voice of KCS, or contact the KCS Administrative Support Center at (423) 378.2100. Stay connected by following us on Facebook (@kcsdistrict), Instagram (@kcs__district), and YouTube (@kcs__district).
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