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51爆料 to Celebrate Historic 2025 Commencement May 15

First Graduating Class from Medical District High School to Cross the Stage

For more information, contact Diana Fedinec, 51爆料 Director of Public Relations and Media, at 901-333-4247 or dfedinec@southwest.tn.edu.

(MEMPHIS, Tenn.) 鈥� A remarkable group of high school seniors from Medical District High School (MDHS) will be the first in their class to graduate as college sophomores during 51爆料鈥檚 2025 Commencement Ceremony, to be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 15, at the Landers Center, 4560 Venture Drive in Southaven, Mississippi.

Among the 1,295 candidates set to receive a total of 1,312 degrees and certificates, 43 high school seniors from MDHS will earn dual credentials鈥攁 significant achievement that positions them ahead of their peers as they continue into higher education and as future leaders in high-demand fields.

These students represent a groundbreaking partnership between Southwest and Memphis-Shelby County Schools. Opened in 2021 on the college鈥檚 Union Avenue Campus, MDHS is strategically designed to allow students to graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate degree in health science, information technology, or general studies.

鈥淭hese young scholars have shown extraordinary commitment and maturity 鈥� earning college degrees while still in high school,鈥� said Tracy D. Hall, president of Southwest Tennessee Community College. 鈥淭hey are on a clear path to meaningful careers in high-demand fields. This head start not only empowers them with credentials, but also with confidence, purpose and a deeper understanding of what鈥檚 possible for their lives and families.鈥�

Hannah Sweezer, valedictorian of the inaugural MDHS class, will serve as the student commencement speaker. She will graduate with an associate degree in health science and a high school diploma. The Memphis native maintained a 4.73 GPA, served as both senior class president and the school鈥檚 first elected student government president, and was named to the Dean鈥檚 List for four consecutive years. Sweezer plans to attend the University of Tennessee at Knoxville to study biochemistry and aspires to become a physician.

鈥淚 knew that I always wanted to leave a legacy,鈥� Sweezer said. 鈥淒oing dual enrollment here at Southwest excelled me beyond measures. Not only did I receive a degree at 18 years old, but I became the first valedictorian of my high school and the first high school student to speak at commencement. I have gained personal insight into the medical field and my future career, and to that I am forever grateful.鈥�

Wakima Tutwiler, principal at MDHS, called Sweezer 鈥渁 remarkable standard-bearer for all future graduates,鈥� praising her passion for learning and leadership. 鈥淗annah鈥檚 exceptional work ethic and relentless curiosity inspire her peers and garner admiration from her teachers. I am confident that she will continue to make a significant impact, setting a remarkable standard for future graduates of Medical District High School,鈥� Tutwiler said.

Other MDHS graduates shared how the program helped shape their academic and professional goals:

  • Yamani Salgado, class salutatorian, will graduate with an associate degree in information technology and attend the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in the fall. A first-generation college student and oldest of three siblings, she credits the dual enrollment program with building her confidence and focus.

    鈥淭aking dual enrollment courses while in high school gave me a deeper understanding of strength, dedication, time management and communication. I am better prepared for my academic future in higher education,鈥� Salgado said.
  • Javion White will also graduate with an associate degree in information technology. He plans to attend the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He said the program helped him gain early experience in a college environment and introduced him to peers with similar aspirations.

    鈥淭his program gifted me lifelong friendships and relationships with people with such bright futures,鈥� White said. 鈥淚t has also gifted me the opportunity to get a head start on college and my career by getting experience with professors and college classes while also gaining college credits.鈥�

*Interviews will be available with the students. Please contact Southwest鈥檚 Office of Marketing and Communications at 901-333-4247.                                                          

Memphis Mayor Paul Young will deliver the 2025 commencement address. The ceremony will be livestreamed on the college鈥檚 Facebook page at @SouthwestTN and made available for on-demand viewing on Southwest鈥檚 YouTube channel.

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