Whittier Tech Senior Recognized at NECC’s Early College Recognition Ceremony

HAVERHILL – Superintendent Maureen Lynch is pleased to share that Whittier Tech senior Gianna McColley has been recognized by Northern Essex Community College for earning her associate degree weeks before graduating high school.

Gianna McColley, a senior Design and Visual Communications student from Haverhill, was recognized at the NECC Early College Recognition Ceremony on Thursday, May 11 at NECC’s Haverhill campus, and will graduated from NECC on Saturday, May 13. McColley will graduate from Whittier Tech on Thursday, June 1.

McColley earned her associate degree in psychology.

The Northern Essex Early College program allows qualifying students to take high school and community college classes concurrently. McColley has demonstrated educational excellence, with a Whittier Tech GPA of 4.4 and a class rank of sixth out of 322, and a college GPA of 4.0. She earned 51 credits through Whittier’s partnership with NECC.

“Gianna is one of the most dedicated and hardworking students I have ever met in my career. I envy her drive,” said Deb Santos, McColley’s early college support teacher at Whittier. “She is the type of student every teacher dreams of having in their classroom.”

McColley will enter Salem State University as a junior in the fall. She will double major in psychology and world languages. 

“I started taking classes through NECC because I wanted to challenge myself and I knew that it would be an amazing opportunity. The NECC professors were very accommodating knowing I was a high school student and the other students at NECC were always very nice and supportive of me in the classes,” said McColley. “The early college program offers an associate degree without any financial obligation and is a great opportunity to complete the general required courses. Over time, I was able to complete over 18 classes that counted toward my associate degree in psychology.”

To learn more about the Early College program, click here.

“For Gianna to earn her associate degree before even graduating high school is an impressive accomplishment,” said Superintendent Lynch. “We are very proud of all Gianna has accomplished so far, and we are thrilled that Whittier Tech has been a pillar of support throughout her academic journey. Congratulations, Gianna!”